The future of retail systems: making the most of connected technology
Author: Leigh Sanders | Head of Enterprise Technical | Date published: February 15, 2023, UK | Read est: 3 min read
Table of contents
From warehousing and supply chain management to delivering an enhanced in-store shopping experience, today’s retail systems are making the most of smart technologies like IoT sensors and connected systems to streamline their operations and deliver a truly personalised shopping experience.
Next generation retail systems
Whether that’s enhancing how they manage shipments to customers direct-from-store or via a smart warehouse. Or using real-time data insights to optimise stock management and track inventory, so they can fulfil in-store and online demand with greater speed and accuracy to capture every revenue opportunity. Taking advantage of fast and scalable retail systems provides the connectivity to enable seamless transactions in a variety of arenas – sales, inventory, purchasing and more – today’s retailers are making use of SD-WANs to connect employees and shoppers to applications that can reside literally anywhere.
Store management systems
By eliminating network complexity, retailers are able to initiate some game changing approaches to revolutionise their in-store operations and improve their store management systems. Everything from mobile ordering to the delivery of personalised messaging and coupons based on where customers are browsing in store. Or giving customers infinite choices on when, how and where delivery takes place.
Smart digital technology in retail stores
They’re also deploying smart digital technology in retail stores to undertake automatic inventory monitoring, as well as retail PoS systems (point of sale) that eliminate payment friction and let customers avoid the checkout line to buy on the spot.
Modernising their IT infrastructure enables shoppers to move between digital and physical touchpoints with ease, using their phones to scan a barcode or QR code and immediately access enriched insights on products – detailed specifications, stock availability and size/colour options, as well as recommendations on related products.
SD-WAN technology in retail stores
Finally, their SD-WAN networks have made it possible to accelerate use of augmented/virtual reality technologies that allow customers to undertake truly experiential product exploration. Everything from virtual fit and cosmetic ‘try out’ testing, to design and scale services for household furnishings or video options that enable customers to envision recipes and meals they can make with produce.
Talk to an expert
Adopting connected retailing will transform your operations, improve efficiencies, and enhance communications between retail stores. Deployed quickly using automation technologies, your network can be up and running with as little disruption to your daily operations as possible. Our experts are here to connect with you and discuss the future of your retail systems call 0330 024 2500 today to find out how you can make the most of connected technology in retail.
