How Bricks and Mortar Are Embracing The Digital Era

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Gone are the days when all you needed to set up shop was a simple cash drawer, something to sell and a sparkle in your eye. No cornerstone has been left unturned as the digital revolution has come smashing out of the ecommerce and into bricks-and-mortar companies. EPoS systems have arrived, making offline businesses run more efficiently, and are definitely here to stay.

In response to the threat of being overpowered by the internet, bricks-and-mortar businesses have been forced to evolve; embracing and exploiting technology to change the face of offline business. From online advertising to electronic stock management, the future is digital even for bricks and mortar.

Online or Offline?

In the mid-90s the internet began its shake up of the retail industry. It saw the beginning of Amazon’s world dominance and the start of an online shopping revolution that looked like it would massacre high street retailing.

However despite an economic down-turn that burst many bubbles offline companies are still here and even thriving. Those that have survived in the new digital era have learnt to embrace, not just the need for an online presence, but also the electronic solutions that are streamlining businesses so customers’ needs are at the forefront.

The Electronic Offline Revolution

The digital revolution, rather than destroying offline companies, is offering solutions that are simplifying the complicated tasks of running a business. The development of EPoS has allowed companies to improve the way they perform, centralising accounting and stock management.

Without it the man-hours businesses need to dedicate to accounting and stock management put them at a significant disadvantage, one that leaves staff stuck in a back-room when they could be put to better use elsewhere.
EPoS at its simplest is a monitor, cash drawer and receipt printer that allows companies to automate their transactions and track their inventory, but both the peripherals and modular software options available have meant it can be adapted to suit any industry and any business.

Offline retail has accepted that the future is electronic, unable to ignore the unrivalled advantages on offer. The increasing variety and specificity of add-ons mean systems are being built, specified to individual needs across the industry. From the mobile POS needs of hospitality to multi-line barcode scanners in supermarkets, EPoS systems are shifting with the times and can now do just about everything businesses need, even if they don’t know it yet.

Concentrating On ROI

Although the capital investment required to cover hardware and software costs is high, businesses are focusing on the long-term advantages and the rate of return on investment. Managing transactions through EPoS software means that information is stored securely in centralised locations while being immediately accessible.

Basic functionality allows offline businesses power and clarity over their stock management like never before. Seeing which products are most popular means stock levels can be controlled accurately, saving costs from accounting and staff time. Also prices are easily updated and sales data instantly available for reports.

Adapting To A Changing World

The adaptability of EPoS systems are allowing bricks-and-mortar businesses to adapt to the changing needs and demands of its customers. By improving performance through stock management and synchronising online and offline business, companies are freeing up money and man hours that can be used to drive the business forward.

The software available allows companies to buy modules subject to requirements, elements that are relevant to their industry which can be built upon as and when, growing and adapting with the business.

Rather than fighting against the digital revolution, bricks-and-mortar companies are finding that it’s offering unrivalled benefits that are helping to improve the efficiency of offline businesses electronically.

How is your business benefitting from EPoS services? Share your comments below.

James Duval
James Duval is a marketing expert who has been cited by Mainstreet, ProBloggingSuccess and MarketingProfs. He works for Comm100, thinking about new tricks and techniques in the email and marketing industries.

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