| Retail stores use Point of Sale software today for | | | | floor stock in the retail store and thereby a more |
| considerably more than the role it played just a few | | | | efficient stock turn. This improves the return on |
| years ago. While it still serves as a replacement for a | | | | investment for the retailer. It also provides for a more |
| cash register, good Point of sale software serves | | | | certain supply chain for the supplier - a true win win. |
| more deeply and usefully in a retail business. | | | | Extended product range. Smart Point of Sale systems |
| The challenge for retail business is to drive the use of | | | | are able to sell 'virtual' or voucher based products, |
| the software beyond replacing a cash register. There | | | | products which do not exist in the retail store but which |
| has to be a whole of business commitment to getting | | | | are sold through the POS software. Examples include |
| the most out of the technology investment from the | | | | cell phone top up, phone calling cards, gift vouchers, |
| owner through to the retail shop floor. This starts with | | | | movie passes. These can all be sold without the store |
| a clearly documents strategy for support and active | | | | carrying stock yet still earning a commission on each |
| use of technology in each role within the business. If | | | | sale. |
| employees are relying on technology to perform their | | | | E-commerce link. Retail stores operating an |
| work then their respect will grow. | | | | e-commerce site can use their Point of sale system to |
| Education throughout the business is also important in | | | | help manage a single pool of inventory and thereby |
| successful use of Point of Sale technology, showing | | | | not have to rely on two sets of data. |
| how proper use of the technology helps and the | | | | Key KPI analysis. Good Point of Sale software will |
| business and therefore the position of everyone who | | | | report for the business on stock turn, return on |
| relies on the business for income. This will drive a | | | | investment, return on floor space, return on shelf |
| sense of ownership over the integrity of the use of | | | | space, basket efficiency and customer conversion. |
| the system. | | | | These KPIs go way beyond the reporting ever |
| Here are some ways Point of Sale systems are | | | | available from a traditional cash register and some of |
| helping retail businesses more effectively compete and | | | | the older Point of Sale systems. |
| grow outside of the traditional cash register facilities: | | | | These are four of the many strategic facilities available |
| Stronger and more valuable supplier relationships. By | | | | in Point of Sale software for retailers today. While |
| providing a live or end of day feed of sales data, | | | | many systems have the facilities, too few retail stores |
| strategic suppliers are able to act as a more valuable | | | | see the benefits. |
| business partner. Such a relationship can result is less | | | | |