Breaking free from the spell of "Amazon-azement"

Restaurant POS

Article | November 11, 2022

Delve into key trends in cloud POS technologies and understand how these payment technology trends enhances customer experiences, transactional security, and improve enterprises positioning. Introduction The retail and hospitality industries have seen an exceptional transformation in recent years, driven by shifting consumer expectations and accelerated technological advancements, where the adoption of cloud Point of Sale (cloud POS) systems has emerged as one of the most transformative innovations. These advanced cloud-based solutions are revolutionizing the ways in which businesses manage sales, inventory, and consumer interactions. The adoption of cloud POS technology is no longer a choice but a strategic imperative for businesses, especially in the retail and hospitality sectors. The convergence of mobility, enhanced security, data-driven insights, sustainability, and omni-channel capabilities makes cloud POS systems an indispensable tool for success in a rapidly evolving business space. From Cash Registers to Cloud: The Future of POS Trends for Businesses In an era distinguished by technological advancement and rapidly changing consumer expectations, businesses across numerous industries must deliver a seamless customer experience to remain ahead of the curve. As cloud point of sale technology offers numerous advantages to businesses, such as increased flexibility, accessibility, security, integration capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and disaster recovery, the incorporation of these advanced payment solutions has become imperative. Cloud based POS solutions provide an undeniable competitive advantage, and businesses must not only install them but also maintain an acute awareness of the most significant trends in this space. Here are some critical emerging cloud POS trends to keep an eye on in order to future-proof the company: Inclination Towards Mobility and Tablet-Based Solutions As businesses increasingly employ tablet-basedcloud POSsystems, the conventional idea of static, fixed-point cash registers are becoming obsolete. These solutions enable sales staff to complete transactions and provide assistance to customers throughout the store, introducing a new level of adaptability and productivity. By embracing mobility and tablet-based POS solutions, businesses not only lower wait times and improve customer experience but also streamline their processes, allowing them to respond more effectively to the changing needs of the modern marketplace. With the adoption of this trend, businesses gain a competitive advantage by refining their operations and aligning themselves with the requirements of modern consumers who value both convenience and customization. Emphasis on POS Integration Capabilities With a growing emphasis on customer data, behavior analysis, and inventory data, the integrations between cloud based POS systems and mission-critical software applications, such as e-commerce platforms, inventory management, accounting, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, are on the rise. This trend enables businesses to dismantle data centers and create a unified ecosystem in which information flows seamlessly between all operational aspects. By keeping apprised of these integration features, businesses can lower manual data entry, eliminate errors, and obtain a broad view of their data, enabling them to make more informed decisions and enhance their overall efficiency and productivity. With this, integration has emerged as an imperative strategy for businesses seeking to flourish in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive. Rise of Omni-Channel Commerce Modern consumers expect an effortless buying experience irrespective of whether they are interacting with a business online or in person.Cloud-based POSsystems are evolving to meet these demands by integrating with e-commerce platforms, enabling consistent pricing and promotions as well as offering real-time inventory visibility across all channels. This allows businesses to provide services such as ship-from-store, returns and exchanges across channels, and buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS), which offers customers a convenient and seamless shopping journey. The rise of omnichannel commerce is more than just a trend; it is an emerging need for organizations trying to remain competitive and create consistent, outstanding experiences across all touchpoints, eventually increasing consumer pleasure and loyalty. Surge in Data-Driven Insights and AI As the demand for better customer experience continues to grow, payment technologies such as cloudPOS systemsare no longer just used for transactional applications but are also used for robust data analysis and decision-making. Using the vast quantities of data generated by cloud POS software, businesses can now obtain valuable insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory management. Furthermore, the integration of AI enhances these systems by predictive inventory forecasting, resulting in facilitating advanced analytics and creating personalized marketing campaigns. In an increasingly data-centric business environment, businesses are thus focusing on adopting this cloud POS trend to make data-driven decisions that optimize their operations, improve customer experiences, and maintain a competitive edge. Personalized In-store Shopping Experiences The trend toward personalized in-store purchasing experiences represents a fundamental change in how businesses interact with their customers. This trend is a response to consumers' changing expectations, who want more than just transactions and seek meaningful interaction. Cloud based POS solutions are at the forefront of this innovation, allowing businesses to access real-time customer profiles, purchase histories, and preferences. Leveraging this information, salespersons can deliver customized product suggestions, personalized promotions, and a level of service that resonates with each customer's specific wants and aspirations. This not only assists businesses to improve the in-store shopping experience but also fosters brand loyalty and encourages repeat business, positioning them for long-term success in a customer-centric world. Bottom Lines Cloud-based systems provide enterprises with the adaptability, security, and integration capabilities necessary to remain competitive and meet evolving consumer expectations. From improved safety and advanced analytics to omni-channel commerce and sustainable practices, thesefuture trendsprovide a road map for businesses seeking success in the digital age. By staying abreast of these key cloud POS trends, businesses can position themselves as agile, innovative, and customer-focused. This proactive strategy ensures that they are not only keeping up with change but actively influencing their future in a competitive market. As a result, the adoption of cloud POS technology is no longer a choice but a strategic imperative for businesses across various sectors. The convergence of mobility, enhanced security, data-driven insights, sustainability, and omni-channel capabilities makes cloud POS systems an indispensable tool for success in a rapidly evolving customer-centric space. By embracing these key trends, businesses can deliver exceptional customer experiences and drive growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

POS Retail, Security

Article | July 28, 2023

Last July, a small group representing the giants of the tech industry gathered in the seat of US government, Washington DC. They probably didn’t want to be there. Congress had summoned their employers Apple, Facebook, Google, and Amazon to answer questions about the command they hold over the markets they operate in. On Amazon’s behalf, associate general counsel Nate Sutton spoke in defense of his employer’s role in US retail. Throughout, he argued that Amazon isn’t so powerful as to be able to control prices and stifle competition. Amazon, he pointed out, makes up less than 1% of retail globally. In the US, it accounts for around 4% of retail. In fact, Walmart is much larger than Amazon, he said. In terms of sales, Sutton is right. Walmart reported $510 billion in total sales across its US and international segments in the 2019 fiscal year, versus Amazon’s $233 billion in roughly the same period.

POS Hardware

Article | July 28, 2023

Whatever your feelings are towards Amazon, there is no denying that they have revolutionised ecommerce and now set the bar for the personalised experience of users when it comes to online shopping. So much so that it was recently reported that they have more than a 30% share of the UK’s ecommerce market. With statistics like this, it may feel like it is impossible to compete, especially as Amazon has huge tech and marketing budgets at its disposal. However, all is not lost. It is possible for SMEs to learn from the forerunner and implement some of their most successful techniques, with regards to their use of ecommerce personalisation and AI, to increase sales cost effectively.

Article | February 10, 2020

Consumer attention is shifting. Brick-and-mortar stores must now compete with e-retailers as customers spend more time online, thanks to targeted ads and personalized deals. As noted by Digital eCommerce, online sales rose almost 18 percent last year to $3.46 trillion worldwide and are on track to top $892 billion across the U.S. in less than two years. This shift has alerted most brands to the need for a retail evolution to ensure ongoing success. With e-commerce sales still accounting for just under 10 percent of retail revenues, businesses have an opportunity to boost sales and raise their brand profile — if they can reliably capture consumer interest. One solution: effective and engaging digital signage. Retailers Can Capture Crucial In-Store Moments To capture attention and drive conversion, businesses must capitalize on what Google calls micro-moments, when customers leverage their mobile devices to discover more information, find a price or pinpoint a vendor online.