Digital Inventory
When it comes to business in the retail sector, it is important to manage the stocks well so that it does not disrupt the business flow. For instance, a business may face problems on unorganized inventory data which can lead to miscommunication from within the team. Also, overstocking is dangerous because it can mean great loss and wastage to the business if the product happens to be out of trend or spoiled. There will be storage expenses too in order to fit all the overstocks.
Understock means a loss in earnings because consumer needs are not met. If there happens to be a sudden huge order on this particular product, the company will not be able to produce and might possibly be seen as a non reputable retailer.
A digital inventory is what ensures that these problems are prevented because an organized data is there to allow analysis that helps the team to make better decisions. Also, digital inventory helps to keep the data secured and improve any invoice management.
When a business encounters the possibility of overstock or understock, what they require is the fastest way to access their inventory and have a glimpse to know what are the solutions they can come up with to save the situation. Having a digital inventory is beneficial because it provides visibility in a fast and efficient manner.
Last but not least, the cost of manual labor can be saved to invest in more profitable prospects. Without the need for staff to do low morale work, it can improve the overall spirit of the team.
Customer Service
In today’s technology, there are numerous emerging developments that can be adopted by businesses to better improve the quality they can offer to consumers. Such examples could be the use of live chat boxes to answer any existing enquiries real time and help consumers to clear their doubts on a particular service or product.
These chatboxes can be operated by bots that are designed to provide fast and consistent service to consumers. Many individuals require the help of chat boxes to understand a particular product or even to find out more about details on payment, delivery or even specifications. The answers to these questions are usually standardized and therefore, business owners can consider the use of chatbots but keep in mind that consumers can also get the assistance required from a real person if the question has complexity that the bot is unable to solve.
Another trend used by online retailers is providing 360 degree view of the product that they are selling. Back in the day, when online retail first started, the most common problem that we heard of or encountered would be a difference in product specifications as seen in the image provided by sellers. Considering how different it is when shopping online and shopping at the retail shop, it is inevitable that differences can occur, be it the colors, the measurements or even the material.
With the 360 degree image viewing, consumers can see the details provided to them and avoid any possible hidden information by the seller. This technology improves user experience and also gives credit to business owners that are honest in their services or product listing.
Tech Savvy
There are numerous advantages for retail stores to be tech savvy. By tech savvy, it means to be knowledgeable and well adapted to technologies. These technologies in retail stores can be in the form of payment where we see an increasing number of self help kiosks for consumers to check out their items themselves. Another payment system would be cashless payment where consumers can simply pay with their phone or a beep from their card.
The benefits of doing so is to help business owners increase productivity. With a faster and more efficient payment system, businesses can see a growth in customer flow because the queue is cleared fast thus, increasing revenue.
When technology is easily accessible in store, it helps employees have quick online access to answer any possible questions asked by consumers. With that said, when retail stores implement technology or any possible digital solutions brought to them, it would be good for them to start educating employees that have higher adaptability skills. This is so to keep the team’s morale high and allow teaching and adaptability at its highest.
Conclusion
We see many instances where technology is implemented into our daily lives. All of these are helping business owners as well as consumers with better user experience.
Furthermore, technology does not mean manpower replacement, it can otherwise replace work that is tedious and allow better manpower allocation on business positioning or projects that brings in more profit or growth. This in turn helps in employee retention because they are occupied with tasks that are more organised and with better visibility in order for work progress to go smoothly. With technology in place, we can witness how convenient it is as well as how time-saving it can be.
