From Omni-Channel to Frictionless Retail

The following White Paper summarizes the results of a Canadian retail study conducted in 2017 in partnership with research tool WisePlum, Microsoft Canada Inc, Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and RCC's Marketing Advisory Committee. The study surveyed 5,000 Canadian consumers to get insights on their shopping preferences, their expectations and their needs. The White Paper also provides retailers with a better understanding of what consumers expect when shopping in-store, on a mobile device or online. It explores the attitudes and experiences of Canadian consumers across the entire shopping journey, regardless of channel.

Spotlight

Espire Infolabs

Espire is a global technology company empowering businesses with innovative digital experience solutions, through the combined power of Multi-Channel Customer Communication Management (MCCCM), Digital Content Management (DCM), enterprise applications and IT infrastructure services. Our solutions ensure that global businesses deliver consistent, personalized, context-rich and connected customer experiences across all digital touch-points.

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POS Solutions, POS Retail, Ecommerce Merchandising

Top 10 POS Certifications and Courses to Simplify Payment Management

Article | June 10, 2024

Explore a handpicked selection of the top 10 POS certifications and courses designed to empower retailers in simplifying payments management and mastering the art of seamless payment processing. Businesses rely heavily on Point of Sale (POS) systems to manage payment transactions efficiently and securely in the current fast-paced digital era. As the dependency on electronic payments and payment management systems continues to increase, the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly evident. A breach in the payment management system can have catastrophic consequences, including compromised customer data, financial losses and reputational damage. To bolster their defenses and optimize POS payment processing, retailers and their IT professionals can benefit significantly from acquiring POS certifications and undertaking relevant courses that specialize in securing payment transactions and solve payment problems. This article highlights the top 10 POS certifications and courses available, designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect payment infrastructures and streamline their operations. Point of Sale System The Point of Sale System is a comprehensive course designed for individuals with a basic knowledge of databases, catering to both aspiring and experienced retail professionals. The course assists participants in learning how to leverage sales data analysis and POS payment methods to optimize inventory management and adjust purchasing levels based on real-time sales trends. They will gain proficiency in monitoring daily cash flow, staff changes, and cash register adjustments, ensuring streamlined operations and accountability. Upon completion, participants will explore the potential for advanced integration with back-office stock control, ordering, and customer relationship management applications, thereby enabling a more sophisticated IT system for comprehensive retail management. Create POS System - Inventory & sales with PHP 7 & adminLTE Offered by Udemy, the Create POS System - Inventory & Sales with PHP 7 & AdminLTE course provides a practical and comprehensive learning experience for individuals seeking to build a point of sale system from the ground up using PHP 7. Through its step-by-step teaching approach, participants will gain the skills to design and develop an advanced payment management system under the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern. Participants will be equipped with the ability to create feature-rich web applications using PHP 7 and the AdminLTE template, catering to the requirements of companies aiming to manage their sales and inventory efficiently. This course not only enables participants to create a POS system that can be marketed to customers but also serves as a concrete foundation for developing other complex systems. Integrate Payment in Xamarin Forms Tailored for proficient C# programmers or individuals with a basic understanding of XAML, the Integrate Payment in Xamarin Forms course explains how to incorporate a payment gateway seamlessly into any Xamarin Forms application. This course focuses exclusively on Xamarin Forms and provides deeper guidance on setting up merchant and payment gateway accounts while integrating their respective SDKs effectively. Participants will gain practical insights into choosing the most suited payment gateway for their businesses and mobile applications. With access to free SDKs and hands-on learning, participants will be equipped with the expertise to create secure and efficient payment processes within their Xamarin Forms applications, catering to the demands of modern mobile commerce. International Trade - Part 3: International Payment Systems An extensive course, International Trade - Part 3: International Payment Systems, offers a detailed exploration of the complexities of international trade finance on a global scale. The course covers fundamental concepts, principles, practices, infrastructures, and current developments, providing participants with practical insights to navigate the complexities of international trade. It discloses valuable insights into the characteristics of international payments, identifies risks in correspondent banking, and explores the workings of essential systems such as the Clearing House Interbank Payment System (CHIPS) and Continuous Linked Settlement (CLS). After completion, the course will enable participants to understand the principles underpinning international payments, making them well-equipped to navigate global trade finance. Point of Sale – A Complete Guide on POS Systems Course One of the top POS certifications, Point of Sale – A Complete Guide on POS Systems, offers a detailed exploration of the dynamic and rapidly growing market of point of sale systems. This course equips professionals, entrepreneurs, and technology developers with the knowledge and tools to evaluate key features in selecting the right POS system. It also enables them to understand the significance of omnichannel experiences, gain a complete view of customers, and identify crucial factors contributing to the successful implementation of POS systems. Whether seeking to expand expertise or explore business opportunities, participants will accumulate crucial insights into the nuances of POS systems, enabling them to stay current with the latest industry developments. Fintech Course on Digital Payment (Card and POS) Created by Global Fintech Academia, the Fintech Course on Digital Payment (Card and POS) offers robust insights into evolving digital payments in the fintech industry. Participants will get a deep understanding of the card and POS business, enclosing crucial aspects such as card schemes, authentication factors, merchant discount rates, payment card industry data security standards, merchant category codes, payment processing, clearing, and settlement. The POS certification delves into the dynamics of payment processing in the realm of digital finance and digital banking, empowering participants with valuable insights into how payment companies, POS systems, and card schemes generate revenue. Whether aspiring to enter the fintech industry or aiming to enhance existing knowledge, this certification equips learners with a thorough understanding of the card and POS machine business. Free Online Digital Payments Masterclass Provided by the Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE), the Free Online Digital Payments Masterclass is an exhaustive course designed to provide participants with essential skills and knowledge to comprehend the ongoing modification in the payments industry. The masterclass, led by an industry expert at the forefront of fintech innovation, offers real-world applications of latest technologies and innovations in digital payments, empowering participants to become proficient in this dynamic field. It delves deeper into a 360-degree perspective on modern payment methods, improving participants' capability to grasp real-world applications. Through this course, participants will stay ahead of future trends and innovations. Complete Guide for Aronium Point of Sale: Free & Best POS The free online digital payments masterclass offers an extensive learning experience for individuals seeking to gain expertise in Aronium, a widely-used point of sale system employed in more than 40+ countries worldwide. The POS certification equips participants with the necessary skills to efficiently manage their daily operations and company transactions with precision and ease. The Aronium POS system provides a robust solution designed to meet the diverse requirements of small and medium businesses, offering powerful tools and functions to manage customers, suppliers, products, and inventory effectively. Participants will be coached through a step-by-step approach, starting from the basics to advanced topics, ensuring a complete understanding of Aronium's functionalities. Introduction to Payment Dispute Resolution An up-to-date course, The Introduction to Payment Dispute Resolution, provides a complete understanding of diverse dispute resolution methods, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and litigation approaches. Participants will gain extensive knowledge of payment chargebacks, including a robust list of reason codes and their implications. The course delves into the intricacies of the chargeback process between acquiring and issuing banks, as well as possible payment scheme involvement. Furthermore, learners will explore how Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) optimizes the resolution process through online communication. Unlike other dispute resolution courses, this certification stands out for its extensive coverage of the ODR framework, ADR approaches, dispute resolution in banking, and a detailed breakdown of effective resolution strategies. FinTech - Digital Payments (Card & POS) Tools and Strategies The FinTech - Digital Payments (Card & POS) Tools and Strategies certification offers a comprehensive exploration for individuals in the digital payment and fintech sector, providing insights into the back-end architecture of electronic payment collection systems. This course is beneficial for both established professionals within the domain and those entering it, offering a clear understanding of the intricate workings without delving into programming, technical integration, or bank account entries. Encompassing topics like card and POS machines, authentication factors, PCI DSS, MDR, MCC, card schemes, and payment processing, the certification provides a holistic view of the digital payments landscape. This certification serves as a comprehensive guide to the tools and strategies that drive the realm of digital payments, making it an essential resource for those navigating the evolving financial industry. Bottom Line Securing payment transactions and simplifying payment management is a crucial aspect of operating a successful and reputable retail business. By investing in the aforementioned top 10 POS certifications and courses, retailers can equip their IT professionals to navigate the complexities of POS security confidently. These POS certifications not only facilitate payment operations but also strengthen the overall cybersecurity framework, instilling trust and confidence in customers, partners, and stakeholders. As the risk of cyberattacks threats continue to grow and evolve, staying up-to-date with the latest certifications and training becomes critical for retailers to protect their operations and customers from potential harm.

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Ecommerce Merchandising

Retail Sales See Record-Breaking Drop, and More COVID-19 News

Article | March 18, 2024

Here are the latest stories to emerge as retailers and brands deal with the impact that the global spread of the coronavirus has had on their businesses. This daily update offers retail executives the chance to stay-up-to-date on all that's happening within the retail industry, particularly as they put into motion their own COVID-19 response plans. Retail sales saw their biggest monthly drop on record during March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many retailers to temporarily close across the nation, the National Retail Federation reported. However, grocery store sales climbed, as well as sales from other "essential" retailers, offsetting some of the decline.

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POS Solutions

How To Avoid Overpaying On Your POS Processing Fees

Article | March 18, 2024

Running a small business requires a tight eye on profits. More than likely, you will face scenarios in which you incur higher transaction fees you didn’t expect and could have avoided in the first place. Knowing how to navigate processing fees is a key part of your success. Whether you run a single location, a multi-location business, or even a mobile business, avoiding unnecessary fees should be part of the game plan. Unfortunately, less-than-reputable POS providers are out there, and understanding fees associated with taking payment from customers isn’t easy, but knowing what to look for will help. In this article, we cover fees to keep an eye on and how to save more on your processing fees. How To Avoid Paying Unnecessary Credit Card Processing Fees Unfortunately, if you want to accept credit and debit cards as a form of payment in your business, you’re going to experience processing fees. The financial benefits outweigh the transaction costs, but you can still save some money on your POS system and credit card processing. Negotiate Your Processing Fees The reason it can be so hard to understand the actual cost of processing fees is that many merchant service providers bury fees in the fine print, and these fees can come back to haunt you. In general, the more upfront a company is about all its charges, the more trustworthy and reliable they are because they have nothing to hide, and typically those rates will be fair. But it also helps to keep an eye on certain aspects of a contract. You can then negotiate them or repackage services to boost your profits. Transaction Fees: Choose The Right Plan When setting up your contract, you are given the option of a range of credit card pricing plans. Here are three of the most common pricing models. Interchange Plus Fee Pricing This option offers different transaction rates for different card types, bank issuers, methods of transactions, and more. By understanding these fees when processing transactions, you can benefit financially by encouraging the usage of certain cards or procedures that are least costly. Tiered Pricing In this scenario, you are charged different rates for different tiers created by your provider. It’s important to evaluate this option carefully because most transactions can fall into a less favorable tier rate. Flat-fee Structure Pricing This fee allows for one charge for card-present (CP) transactions and another for card-not-present (CNP) transactions, regardless of card type. This predictable, one-rate pricing model is easy to follow, allowing you to encourage a lower cents-per-transaction option and formulate special pricing deals. However flat-rate can sometimes come out as more expensive than interchange-plus pricing. How To Avoid Monthly PCI Compliance Charges A semi-regular fee many merchants run into is not falling in line with PCI Compliant in how they handle payment information. Being PCI compliant means maintaining important standards for customer data protection, and it is taken seriously. Compliance is required for major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard and is becoming more popular as businesses continue to shift to online sales. Rule enforcement is most often the responsibility of payment processing companies. Your provider will charge you two fees: a PCI compliance fee – which is once a year – and a PCI non-compliance fee – which occurs every month you have not completed your yearly PCI Compliance audit. Providers are free to charge however much they like for each service, and it can range anywhere between $30-$99 a month. Monthly charges are done both directly or indirectly via higher monthly fees, processing rates, or both. In some cases, the charges begin months after originally signing up with the processors hoping you won’t keep a close eye on all your ongoing processing fees. As a merchant service provider, we at BNG Point-Of-Sale have a long and reliable history in helping our customers practice PCI Compliance within their business and avoid non-compliance fees. PCI Compliance is necessary and it does require some work by the processors, so the charges aren’t a hoax, but there are some ways to keep costs down: You can take on the responsibility of PCI Compliance yourself and forgo the processor’s fee; however, you will be on your own if issues arise. In today’s world of increasing e-commerce, it’s not recommended. You can prevent the risk of non-compliance fees by working with companies that handle compliance internally. If they (not you) are the source of customer purchasing data, they are automatically in charge of it. Square and PayPal are examples of companies that handle all PCI Compliance, and we often account for these services when onboarding our customers and annually remind them to follow PCI Compliance. At first glance, it may appear you are not charged by these companies for compliance and non-compliance, but in reality, compliance is still built into the standard fee for service; you just won’t see it specified. Still, you won’t be responsible for non-compliance fees since they own the data and are fully responsible for it. The amount of compliance required of your business depends on how you take in payment and store customer data. Since processors have numerous clients and prefer not to get specific about it, they may charge a basic fee to cover most issues. This means you could be overpaying, so it’s a good area to evaluate this price of the packaged service vs. when it is priced individually. There may be companies that don’t charge for compliance, but they are rare and may be suspect. In most cases, any free compliance is covered with higher fees in other areas. How To Avoid Chargeback Fees Chargeback fees should be avoided since they are more expensive than traditional transaction fees – especially if you are categorized as a “high risk” client. The first step is to avoid chargebacks in the first place. Chargebacks can be the result of sales errors by you and your team, a misunderstanding by the customer, or the result of identity theft. Here are some ways to combat each. Reduce Transaction Errors Know when to stop a transaction. If an error occurs, push the cancel/hold button inside the transaction. If you are unable to do this, the transaction has already been claimed by the processing company. Accurately process credits as credits and sales as sales. Receive an Authorization Approval Code (AAC) before running a transaction. Before batching your credit card processing at the end of the day, review all charges to verify all charges are correct and not duplicated. Keeping this as an active daily routine can prevent costly mistakes. Ensure shipped items arrive to the customer to avoid disputes. Select the “ship product to billing address” to alleviate data error. Keep Records Of Voids Provide records to your customer of any proof of voids and include companion documentation for any disputes showing details of each purchase. Decrease Risk Of Theft If your processor charges more for card-not-present transactions, which most do, it’s because the risk of theft is higher. By requiring a driver’s license and signature and doing manually keyed-in card payments in person rather than over the phone, you lower the risk and enjoy lower charges per transaction. Try to avoid non-qualified processing (when a card isn’t present or keyed or is missing billing information.) This type of processing is considered a high-risk factor, and processors charge accordingly. When Possible, Run Orders On Debit Cards Debit cards are considered a lower risk than credit cards and, in turn, the transaction rates are quite a bit less. This has mostly to do with the fact the purchase is a direct bank-to-bank transaction, but other factors make a difference such as PIN verification and signature requirements, bringing these purchases into a lower risk category. And typically the rates hold. You will still experience rate differences among debit cards related to how the purchases are conducted and who the issuing bank is. Special incentives such as loyalty programs for debit card users help to easily boost profits. A Final Thought On Keeping Processing Fees Low As you can see, several variables can affect your processing rates. From fines to the pricing model your merchant service provider recommends, there’s a lot to consider. As tempting as it can be to just try and find the cheapest option, be careful going with the lowest bidder. Remember, all POS and payment processing providers have to make some money to cover the costs of support their merchants. If you choose a processor with incredibly low fees, you run the risk of getting what you pay for when it comes to supporting your business. If you’re not sure if you’re overpaying on your processing fees and want a free analysis, let our team review your current monthly statements and we’ll let you know if you’re getting a good deal or not.

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POS Solutions

Elevating Point of Sale: The Ultimate List of Top 10 Cloud POS Tools

Article | July 28, 2023

Discover the pinnacle of efficiency in point-of-sale operations. The meticulously curated list of the top 10 Cloud POS tools empowers businesses to streamline transactions and gain powerful insights. The need to elevate point-of-sale (POS) systems has become paramount for businesses seeking to stay ahead of the competition in the rapidly evolving landscape of modern commerce. With the advent of cloud-based technology, a new era of possibilities has emerged, offering businesses an opportunity to revolutionize their sales processes. Cloud POS tools assist companies in unlocking a myriad of benefits, including enhanced flexibility, real-time data accessibility, streamlined operations, and improved customer experiences. Cloud point of sale tools offers numerous advantages over traditional on-premises solutions, providing businesses with increased flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. As a result, organizations are increasingly prioritizing the adoption of these innovative solutions. The article presents the ultimate list of the top 10 cloud POS tools for businesses to equip with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions and harness the power of cloud technology in optimizing their point-of-sale operations. The following are the best POS software tools for elevating point of sale: Cegid Retail Cegid Retail is a cloud-native point of sale and unified commerce platform designed to cater to the specific needs of specialty retailers worldwide. The POS tool allows businesses to effectively manage their operations and deliver exceptional shopping experiences across different locations. It also enables retailers to provide a seamless brand experience both locally and globally by unifying customer data, inventory, and store operations. The platform's centralized stock management feature optimizes inventory by offering a real-time view, ensuring product availability and maximizing sales opportunities. With its retail operations and task management platform, Cegid Retail can facilitate businesses to streamline operations and ensure attention to detail in every store, all through a user-friendly and comprehensive application. ReadyCLOUD ReadyCLOUD, offered by UTC RETAIL, is a cloud-based hosting service that leverages cloud computing and infrastructure to provide a fully managed and off-premise solution for the ReadySTORE POS system. With UTC RETAIL handling all hosting configuration, installation, and management, retailers can focus on their core business operations without the burden of managing technology infrastructure. The real-time connectivity to a dedicated server in the cloud ensures access to a single version of the truth, while customer-specific instances cater to individual configurations and requirements. ReadyCLOUD offers the highest level of flexibility, free from being tied to a specific server technology stack, and provides a financially beneficial model with predictable cost structures and lower total cost of ownership compared to purchasing and managing dedicated on-premise servers. Brink POS A robust and reliable POS system, Brink POS is designed to meet the needs of both enterprise-level deployments and independent operators focused on growth. With Brink POS, businesses receive a comprehensive front-office software solution that streamlines POS management, freeing up time and allowing them to concentrate on cultivating relationships and enhancing the customer experience. The software's SaaS design ensures ultimate flexibility, while its seamless consolidation capability will enable businesses to integrate multiple systems effortlessly. With a flourishing integration ecosystem boasting over 200 PARtners, Brink POS provides a powerful and efficient tool for consolidating POS systems across one or multiple locations. Erply Cloud Retail Software Erply Cloud Retail Software is a comprehensive tool that empowers businesses to digitize their physical stocktaking processes, providing efficiency, accuracy, and real-time visibility into inventory management. With the ability to scan product barcodes or search from an existing product database, the software seamlessly integrates new items into stocktakes. Furthermore, Erply Cloud Retail Software facilitates streamlined warehouse and stocktaking processes by enabling offline product counting and data synchronization across different shop locations. Key features, such as retail chain process management, stocktaking automation, overstocking prevention, and a user-friendly stocktake app, assist businesses in expediting their stocktaking and replenishment procedures, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy. Erply Cloud Retail Software offers businesses the speed and convenience they need to revolutionize their stocktaking activities with just a few clicks. Indirect Retail Suite Utilizing advanced point of sale (POS) and inventory modules, Indirect Retail Suite is designed to enhance the operations of dealers in the indirect channel. It assists dealers in delivering a consistent customer experience while streamlining store operations. The POS tool provides valuable insights into business processes through operational and analytical reporting, empowering dealers to make informed decisions. Standardization of front and back-office operations improves card compliance, inventory handling, KPI achievement, and operational reporting, ultimately leading to a more satisfying customer experience and enhanced dealer efficiency. Indirect Retail Suite empowers dealers and carriers alike, enabling them to optimize their operations, improve financial performance, and drive growth within the indirect channel. Vend Cloud POS Software One of the best POS software tools that caters to businesses of all sizes, Vend cloud POS Software, allows them seamlessly manage their operations and make data-driven decisions. With real-time sales updates and comprehensive reporting, it empowers business owners to gain valuable insights and have complete control over their operations. Its 24/7 customer support and a global network of Vend Expert partners assist businesses to rely on excellent customer care and assistance. In addition to this, the point of sale tool offers complete inventory management, with real-time stock level updates to prevent over-selling and optimize inventory control across multiple channels. Vend cloud POS empowers businesses to streamline their operations, improve decision-making, and enhance the customer experience, making it an essential tool for modern retailers. Toast Mobile Order & Pay Toast Mobile Order & Pay is an innovative software solution that revolutionizes the way guests order and pay in restaurants. The easy-to-use nature of the software ensures scalability to accommodate the growth of businesses. It features hardwired terminals and offline mode to ensure uninterrupted service. Real-time access to cloud-based reports provides valuable insights into business performance. The POS tool also offers tableside ordering and payments, along with digital receipts, facilitating the expansion of customer databases. Additionally, it enables businesses to collect valuable data and can be used to drive customer loyalty and repeat visits. Toast Mobile Order & Pay combines cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features to elevate the restaurant experience for both businesses and customers alike. Bindo Retail POS Bindo Retail POS is a versatile and powerful software tool designed to optimize operations and boost sales for businesses operating in various industries. It caters to a wide range of establishments, from clothing stores to pet shops, pop-up stores to education centers, offering enhanced online and offline business capabilities. Businesses can leverage the Smart Register feature to display related products, enabling upselling while benefiting from automatic promotion recommendations during checkout. The point of sale tool seamlessly integrates with major offline and online payment methods through its Payment Integration feature. By encompassing these functionalities, Bindo Retail POS empowers businesses to optimize operations, increase sales, and deliver exceptional customer service. Lightspeed Payments An all-in-one convenient platform, Lightspeed Payments is an efficient software solution that provides businesses with seamless payment processing capabilities. It enables companies to easily accept online and in-store payments, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transaction experience for customers, regardless of their preferred shopping channels. This fully-integrated payment solution supports a wide range of payment methods, allowing businesses to accept any mobile payment with ease and flexibility. Furthermore, Lightspeed Payments prioritizes security, providing built-in premium security features to safeguard sensitive payment information and instill peace of mind from the outset. With Lightspeed Payments, businesses can streamline their payment processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and confidently manage their financial transactions. Infrasys Cloud POS A powerful software tool that revolutionizes the way businesses manage their point-of-sale operations, Infrasys Cloud POS offers robust employee management features, allowing centralized control of user access rights, performance tracking, and efficient access control for enhanced security. With its remote access capabilities, the software enables users to conveniently access their data, menus, and ordering systems from anywhere using a tablet or mobile device with an internet connection. Key features such as system-wide updating, customizable reporting, and centralized management make Infrasys Cloud POS a comprehensive and reliable solution for businesses seeking to elevate their point-of-sale operations. With centralized security management and protection, companies can rest assured that their data and customer information are safeguarded against threats. Cloud POS: The Future As the emphasis shifts towards customer experience and customer satisfaction, it is imperative for businesses to carefully assess their specific needs and select a cloud POS solution that aligns with their goals, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance. Businesses can revolutionize their sales operations and embark on a path of sustainable success by leveraging innovative POS features such as system-wide updating, inventory management, remote access, centralized security management, and more. With the power of advanced point of sales tools, businesses can elevate their overall customer experiences, unlock new avenues for growth, and gain a competitive edge in the dynamic business landscape.

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Spotlight

Espire Infolabs

Espire is a global technology company empowering businesses with innovative digital experience solutions, through the combined power of Multi-Channel Customer Communication Management (MCCCM), Digital Content Management (DCM), enterprise applications and IT infrastructure services. Our solutions ensure that global businesses deliver consistent, personalized, context-rich and connected customer experiences across all digital touch-points.

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POS Retail

Leading Wireless Retail Platform Provider Real Time Technologies Continues Growth and Expansion With Acquisition of Your Ware Software

Real Time Technologies (RT²) | January 24, 2024

Real Time Technologies, Inc (RT²), the largest enterprise front-end software platform serving Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. wireless industry, announced today its acquisition of Your Ware Software, a provider of customized business intelligence, sales, and compensation reporting for the wireless retail postpaid channel. Trusted by tier-one telecom carriers to provide retail activation, point-of-sale (POS), payments, business intelligence, and inventory management solutions, RT²'s acquisition of Your Ware Software adds key capabilities to its burgeoning retail wireless store solutions, enabling further expansion into postpaid channels for customers. The purchase is expected to add access to another 4,000 postpaid locations for RT²'s industry-leading wireless retail platform, setting the company up for another banner year in 2024. "The acquisition of Your Ware significantly expands RT²'s presence in the postpaid retail environment and adds to our long-standing success as the leading enterprise POS and Payments provider in prepaid wireless channels," said Omar Azrag, CEO of RT². "The Your Ware team has similar DNA to RT² and brings a world-class level of service specializing in building and deploying customized solutions for the postpaid channel. We are thrilled to have them part of the RT2 family," says Ali Koumaiha, Founder & CPO of RT². "For 22 years, Your Ware Software has designed POS, inventory management, and commission-tracking software for authorized retailers representing tier-one U.S. telecom carriers. Our team of world-class developers and engineers are excited to join the RT² family and continue to serve our customers with the industry-leading products and services they've come to expect. This deal is a triumph for our employees and our customers," says Chris Jones, CEO of Your Ware Software. Neither party disclosed the terms of the deal at this time, and it will remain confidential. In August of 2022, RT² acquired IAS, formerly Qpay from InComm Payments, specializing in customizable payment and technology solutions and the payment processor of choice for retailers, master agents and wireless carriers. RT² has since transformed and simplified the payment offering with an industry-first service model, much to the delight of their long-term customers. About Real Time Technologies (RT²) RT² offers the most flexible cutting-edge Retail Management Solutions that encompass POS, inventory management, payment services, frontline employee management & engagement, business intelligence, and digital automation tools for the wireless industry. RT² support Fortune 500 companies unify their customer experience and remove pain points across multiple retail touch points. Now serving over 14,000 retail locations across the US, Territories, and Canada. RT² prides itself on fostering a family culture and a dynamic work environment where team members are set up to make meaningful contributions across the organization. Learn more at www.rt2.com.

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POS Solutions

XY Retail Introduces Cutting-Edge Order Management System for Luxury Retailers

XY Retail | January 08, 2024

XY Retail, a leader in innovative retail solutions, today announces the launch of its latest product, an advanced Order Management System (OMS) that comes fully pre-integrated with the XY Point of Sale (POS) and Clienteling solutions. In response to evolving retailer needs, XY Retail has engineered a comprehensive OMS that not only streamlines order processing but also works seamlessly with the existing XY POS and Clienteling systems. This integrated approach marks a significant leap forward in providing retailers with a unified platform to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall business performance. The XY Retail OMS offers: End-to-End Integration: The XY OMS is intricately woven into the fabric of the XY POS and Clienteling systems, fostering a holistic retail ecosystem. This end-to-end integration ensures a fluid and synchronized customer experience across all touchpoints. Effortless Order Processing: With a user-friendly interface, the OMS simplifies and accelerates order management, from initiation to fulfillment. Retailers can now seamlessly track and fulfill customer orders with precision. Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Leveraging the synergy with the XY POS, the OMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. This empowers retailers to optimize stock, minimize overstock or stockouts, and enhance overall inventory management. Clienteling Enhancement: The integrated OMS elevates the clienteling experience by consolidating customer information from POS transactions and order history. Sales associates can access a comprehensive view of customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history, enabling personalized and targeted engagement. Data-Driven Decision Making: Harnessing the power of interconnected systems, the XY Retail OMS enables data-driven decision-making. Retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, inventory trends, and sales performance, facilitating strategic planning and business growth. "We're excited to introduce our integrated Order Management System, marking a significant step in advancing retail operations,” said Susan Jeffers, CEO of XY Retail. “By seamlessly merging order management with our POS and Clienteling systems, we provide retailers with a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern commerce efficiently and strategically. This integration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering our clients to stay ahead in a dynamic industry." About XY Retail XY Retail is a trailblazer in the world of unified commerce solutions, revolutionizing the retail landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Our microservices based, API-first, cloud-native platform seamlessly and vertically integrates mobile point of sale, order management, clienteling, and omnichannel capabilities, empowering global brands to deliver unparalleled customer experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future of retail, XY Retail is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of innovative and dynamic commerce.

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POS Retail

GK Announces GK Engage, a Highly Personalized Loyalty Solution for Any Retail Touch Point Including Mobile Devices and Point-of-Sale

Business Wire | September 28, 2023

GK today announced its latest solution, GK Engage, a modern, comprehensive and AI-powered loyalty program for every omnichannel retail touch point. This solution empowers retailers to create highly contextualized and personalized outreach including messaging, discounts and rewards that improve customer lifetime value and enrich a retailer’s competitive differentiation. GK Engage was announced at GK’s first-ever Retail Innovation Summit for the Americas, which is taking place Sept. 25-26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can view GK Engage, alongside other GK solutions, at the newly unveiled GK Customer Experience Center. GK is a world leader in point-of-sale (POS) technology and, as a result, its product team has talked with retailers who wanted more out of their loyalty systems. To fill this gap, GK developed GK Engage, a modern take on loyalty. The solution draws inspiration from two successful GK solutions, MCA, GK’s mobile loyalty program, and T+ Loyalty. These predecessor technologies have serviced more than one billion transactions per year for over six million registered users. Now, GK Engage customers will reap these benefits at scale using one comprehensive platform that works across a diverse range of online and in-store retail touch points. GK Engage provides retailers with real-time, AI-driven, personalized loyalty offers that surprise and delight customers. The complete solution creates loyalty tiers that automatically track all customer interactions and generate relevant campaigns to safeguard long-term retailer relationships and customer lifetime value. GK Engage can be integrated with merchandise master data and customer data to ensure all recommendations, promotions, coupons and more are beneficial to the individual customer, as well as the retailer’s current inventory availability and financial goals. What’s more, GK Engage is already integrated into GK’s OmniPOS solution across all touch points including traditional POS, self-checkout kiosks, mobile, and frictionless store technology like GK GO. “GK Engage was created for any retailer, regardless of where they are in their loyalty journey,” said Michael Jaszczyk, chief digital transformation officer, GK and CEO, GK Americas. “The solution is extremely flexible. For some retailers, GK Engage will serve as a complete solution, while others may integrate the solution into a CRM or an existing customer offer system. I look forward to presenting GK Engage alongside our other innovative solutions at the now unveiled GK Customer Experience Center.” Today and tomorrow, GK customers and partners from across the U.S., Latin America and Canada are gathering at GK’s US headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina to take part in the 2023 GK Retail Innovation Summit. In addition to hearing from renowned retail experts like Greg Buzek, founder and president, IHL Group, attendees can visit GK’s new Customer Experience Center. The center showcases GK technology and allows viewers to envision a modern, efficient and exceptional shopper experience across various key touch points including the point-of-sale, the fuel pump and the e-commerce site. At the Customer Experience Center, prospective retail customers can hear from solution experts who will help them to design the best solution deployment for their end-customers. The technology featured in the center includes GK Engage, GK OmniPOS, self check-out, GK Drive, GK GO, GK AIR (artificial intelligence for retail) and fraud prevention solutions from Fujitsu, which invested in GK as a strategic investor earlier this year. About GK GK breaks down the barriers to unified commerce with its open CLOUD4RETAIL platform and a broad portfolio based on it, like OmniPOS for point of sale, mobile POS, mobile customer engagement and a full range of store/back-office solutions. The company is a recognized leader in omnichannel retail, offering a single, global software platform for all retail formats and touch points. Ten of the Top 50 retailers worldwide rely on GK, and GK is the fastest growing global POS provider in new installations over the last three years. For more information, visit www.gk-software.com.

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POS Retail

Leading Wireless Retail Platform Provider Real Time Technologies Continues Growth and Expansion With Acquisition of Your Ware Software

Real Time Technologies (RT²) | January 24, 2024

Real Time Technologies, Inc (RT²), the largest enterprise front-end software platform serving Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. wireless industry, announced today its acquisition of Your Ware Software, a provider of customized business intelligence, sales, and compensation reporting for the wireless retail postpaid channel. Trusted by tier-one telecom carriers to provide retail activation, point-of-sale (POS), payments, business intelligence, and inventory management solutions, RT²'s acquisition of Your Ware Software adds key capabilities to its burgeoning retail wireless store solutions, enabling further expansion into postpaid channels for customers. The purchase is expected to add access to another 4,000 postpaid locations for RT²'s industry-leading wireless retail platform, setting the company up for another banner year in 2024. "The acquisition of Your Ware significantly expands RT²'s presence in the postpaid retail environment and adds to our long-standing success as the leading enterprise POS and Payments provider in prepaid wireless channels," said Omar Azrag, CEO of RT². "The Your Ware team has similar DNA to RT² and brings a world-class level of service specializing in building and deploying customized solutions for the postpaid channel. We are thrilled to have them part of the RT2 family," says Ali Koumaiha, Founder & CPO of RT². "For 22 years, Your Ware Software has designed POS, inventory management, and commission-tracking software for authorized retailers representing tier-one U.S. telecom carriers. Our team of world-class developers and engineers are excited to join the RT² family and continue to serve our customers with the industry-leading products and services they've come to expect. This deal is a triumph for our employees and our customers," says Chris Jones, CEO of Your Ware Software. Neither party disclosed the terms of the deal at this time, and it will remain confidential. In August of 2022, RT² acquired IAS, formerly Qpay from InComm Payments, specializing in customizable payment and technology solutions and the payment processor of choice for retailers, master agents and wireless carriers. RT² has since transformed and simplified the payment offering with an industry-first service model, much to the delight of their long-term customers. About Real Time Technologies (RT²) RT² offers the most flexible cutting-edge Retail Management Solutions that encompass POS, inventory management, payment services, frontline employee management & engagement, business intelligence, and digital automation tools for the wireless industry. RT² support Fortune 500 companies unify their customer experience and remove pain points across multiple retail touch points. Now serving over 14,000 retail locations across the US, Territories, and Canada. RT² prides itself on fostering a family culture and a dynamic work environment where team members are set up to make meaningful contributions across the organization. Learn more at www.rt2.com.

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POS Solutions

XY Retail Introduces Cutting-Edge Order Management System for Luxury Retailers

XY Retail | January 08, 2024

XY Retail, a leader in innovative retail solutions, today announces the launch of its latest product, an advanced Order Management System (OMS) that comes fully pre-integrated with the XY Point of Sale (POS) and Clienteling solutions. In response to evolving retailer needs, XY Retail has engineered a comprehensive OMS that not only streamlines order processing but also works seamlessly with the existing XY POS and Clienteling systems. This integrated approach marks a significant leap forward in providing retailers with a unified platform to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall business performance. The XY Retail OMS offers: End-to-End Integration: The XY OMS is intricately woven into the fabric of the XY POS and Clienteling systems, fostering a holistic retail ecosystem. This end-to-end integration ensures a fluid and synchronized customer experience across all touchpoints. Effortless Order Processing: With a user-friendly interface, the OMS simplifies and accelerates order management, from initiation to fulfillment. Retailers can now seamlessly track and fulfill customer orders with precision. Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Leveraging the synergy with the XY POS, the OMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. This empowers retailers to optimize stock, minimize overstock or stockouts, and enhance overall inventory management. Clienteling Enhancement: The integrated OMS elevates the clienteling experience by consolidating customer information from POS transactions and order history. Sales associates can access a comprehensive view of customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history, enabling personalized and targeted engagement. Data-Driven Decision Making: Harnessing the power of interconnected systems, the XY Retail OMS enables data-driven decision-making. Retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, inventory trends, and sales performance, facilitating strategic planning and business growth. "We're excited to introduce our integrated Order Management System, marking a significant step in advancing retail operations,” said Susan Jeffers, CEO of XY Retail. “By seamlessly merging order management with our POS and Clienteling systems, we provide retailers with a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern commerce efficiently and strategically. This integration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering our clients to stay ahead in a dynamic industry." About XY Retail XY Retail is a trailblazer in the world of unified commerce solutions, revolutionizing the retail landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Our microservices based, API-first, cloud-native platform seamlessly and vertically integrates mobile point of sale, order management, clienteling, and omnichannel capabilities, empowering global brands to deliver unparalleled customer experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future of retail, XY Retail is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of innovative and dynamic commerce.

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POS Retail

GK Announces GK Engage, a Highly Personalized Loyalty Solution for Any Retail Touch Point Including Mobile Devices and Point-of-Sale

Business Wire | September 28, 2023

GK today announced its latest solution, GK Engage, a modern, comprehensive and AI-powered loyalty program for every omnichannel retail touch point. This solution empowers retailers to create highly contextualized and personalized outreach including messaging, discounts and rewards that improve customer lifetime value and enrich a retailer’s competitive differentiation. GK Engage was announced at GK’s first-ever Retail Innovation Summit for the Americas, which is taking place Sept. 25-26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can view GK Engage, alongside other GK solutions, at the newly unveiled GK Customer Experience Center. GK is a world leader in point-of-sale (POS) technology and, as a result, its product team has talked with retailers who wanted more out of their loyalty systems. To fill this gap, GK developed GK Engage, a modern take on loyalty. The solution draws inspiration from two successful GK solutions, MCA, GK’s mobile loyalty program, and T+ Loyalty. These predecessor technologies have serviced more than one billion transactions per year for over six million registered users. Now, GK Engage customers will reap these benefits at scale using one comprehensive platform that works across a diverse range of online and in-store retail touch points. GK Engage provides retailers with real-time, AI-driven, personalized loyalty offers that surprise and delight customers. The complete solution creates loyalty tiers that automatically track all customer interactions and generate relevant campaigns to safeguard long-term retailer relationships and customer lifetime value. GK Engage can be integrated with merchandise master data and customer data to ensure all recommendations, promotions, coupons and more are beneficial to the individual customer, as well as the retailer’s current inventory availability and financial goals. What’s more, GK Engage is already integrated into GK’s OmniPOS solution across all touch points including traditional POS, self-checkout kiosks, mobile, and frictionless store technology like GK GO. “GK Engage was created for any retailer, regardless of where they are in their loyalty journey,” said Michael Jaszczyk, chief digital transformation officer, GK and CEO, GK Americas. “The solution is extremely flexible. For some retailers, GK Engage will serve as a complete solution, while others may integrate the solution into a CRM or an existing customer offer system. I look forward to presenting GK Engage alongside our other innovative solutions at the now unveiled GK Customer Experience Center.” Today and tomorrow, GK customers and partners from across the U.S., Latin America and Canada are gathering at GK’s US headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina to take part in the 2023 GK Retail Innovation Summit. In addition to hearing from renowned retail experts like Greg Buzek, founder and president, IHL Group, attendees can visit GK’s new Customer Experience Center. The center showcases GK technology and allows viewers to envision a modern, efficient and exceptional shopper experience across various key touch points including the point-of-sale, the fuel pump and the e-commerce site. At the Customer Experience Center, prospective retail customers can hear from solution experts who will help them to design the best solution deployment for their end-customers. The technology featured in the center includes GK Engage, GK OmniPOS, self check-out, GK Drive, GK GO, GK AIR (artificial intelligence for retail) and fraud prevention solutions from Fujitsu, which invested in GK as a strategic investor earlier this year. About GK GK breaks down the barriers to unified commerce with its open CLOUD4RETAIL platform and a broad portfolio based on it, like OmniPOS for point of sale, mobile POS, mobile customer engagement and a full range of store/back-office solutions. The company is a recognized leader in omnichannel retail, offering a single, global software platform for all retail formats and touch points. Ten of the Top 50 retailers worldwide rely on GK, and GK is the fastest growing global POS provider in new installations over the last three years. For more information, visit www.gk-software.com.

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