When it comes down to it, faster actions within business, better customer service and cheaper methods of delivery, are the fundamental factors that all players in the retail industry are looking to achieve.

While each company, may it be a fashion, shoe, charity or grocery store, has specific requirements within this, there are ultimately three big benefits an electronic point of sale (EPoS) system can deliver that fulfil the traders’ core concerns. These are: better efficiency behind the scenes; improved customer satisfaction and more revenue through less output. Many smaller related advantages work together to deliver this optimised business result.

Better efficiency behind the scenes
EPoS systems are blessed with the ability to automate business processes, such as product ticketing, stock take or ordering, that would otherwise require a lot of paperwork and man-hours. As a result of convenient instruments such as handheld scanners, barcode printers and automatic stock counts, businesses can literally achieve more in a day for less effort. However, it’s not just a case of ticking off the daily tasks as running alongside the automated processes are reporting tools that track business performance. Every procedure within the company that is recorded into the system can be analysed to ensure it is truly following best practice. Such comprehensive reporting tools hold a mass of data surrounding accounts, sales, product, customer, supplier and staff, which can all be accessed remotely to suit your management style and fit around your day. This means stock management, staff hours and sales figures can all be checked live or periodically, and processes adjusted accordingly. It’s far easier to identify strengths and weaknesses in business strategy and make judgement calls with the added support of an EPoS system guiding you as to what needs to be done, and affording you the time to study the results of your hard work.

Related advantages:

• Keeps users informed of up coming tasks
• Encourage more efficient staff assignment
• Manages more customers with less staff
• Provides added security of operations
• Automates staff administration duties
• Automatic updates when linked to suppliers
• Stores business history in one place
• Provides information in real time
• Remote access for reporting
• Encourages more effective management

Improved customer satisfaction
With customer service it’s the little, convenient measures that count. It’s really all about enhancing the customer experience of your brand whenever the customer interacts with your business be it in store or online. In store, EPoS systems are recognised for providing faster customer turn around at the till point through touch screen operated tills with bar code scanners or itemised product listings. While they can do wonders for regular queue busting, they also offer the opportunity for self service which enables the customers to serve themselves, and also action orders or collection of products. This type of service is frequently seen online as the EPoS system can integrate with back end business systems to provide a seamless shopping experience of browsing, ordering, and receiving via collection or delivery according to the customer needs. The trick is to appropriately manage the logistics of the supply chain and also provide a suitable level of customer understanding at the same time by way of cross and up selling. Be it in store or online, by mail order or over the phone, the EPoS system can actively record customer details throughout every interaction with the business. This data can then be utilised at several touch points in order for your business to recognise the customer and provide complementary services based on past history like targeted promotions, feedback requests, special offers on related products.

Related advantages:

• Builds a strong and loyal customer base
• Encourages spontaneous purchases
• Provides an easy way stay in touch with customers
• Adds value to customers, encouraging a return footfall
• Drives sales of slow moving products
• Improves customer service levels
• Ensures staff are fully aware of promotions
• Creates a stress-free and easy shopping experience
• Reduces queues at the checkouts

More revenue through less output

Effective processes create happy employees and customers, which in turn can easily deliver increased sales. An EPoS system is ultimately working to rid your business of any old and underperforming practices, and replace them with those that make your service faster, better and cheaper at all times. In store operations are managed in minimal time and by minimal staff; customers are given the focus they deserve, and supply chain is worked around speed and convenience to all parties. With the introduction of multi-channel retailing EPoS systems are primed for use with the capability to run across all channels and departments. Customers looking to buy can be targeted and guided towards a sale in a matter of minutes if the right tools are put in place. Today EPoS systems can unite your business so that it runs from one central location, but touches a customer through all manner of media.

Related advantages:

• Identifies strengths and weaknesses in business strategy
• Saves on man hours
• Speeds up actions, so more can be achieved in a day
• Maintains realistic margin on your product line
• Works across multi-channels – in store, online, mobile and mail
• Improves product offerings to customers
• Maximises selling potential

It’s all very well choosing an EPoS system by the features it offers, but these functions are pointless unless you know what they can deliver and whether this matches your business needs. A better approach is to ask yourself what are the advantages your company is looking to achieve, what are the current issues it needs to overcome, and what is missing for your infrastructure? Once you can answer these questions it’ll be the right time to invest in your business with an EPoS system. Click here for a quote.