|
1.
POS solutions are affordable.
Microsoft Retail Management System (MRMS), for example, can be purchased
starting at less than $5000. Larger
chain stores invest hundreds of thousands of dollars for similar solutions.
Payback can be measured in months.
2.
POS solutions are easy to use.
Microsoft Retail Management System is intended for use by store cashiers as
well as store managers. No lengthy training sessions are necessary. Built-in
wizards and an intuitive user interface make learning easy. But MRMS is much
more than a point-of-sale solution - you'll also be able to automate your
inventory management, supplier management and purchasing, shipping and
receiving processes, and integrate sales transactions with your accounting
software. MRMS easily integrates with QuickBooks' or Peachtree accounting
software as well as Microsoft's
Small Business Manager .
3.
Hardware requirements are minimal.
All you need for Microsoft Retail Management System is a Windows-based
computing device that accommodates Windows 98 or a later version. But it works
effectively with common point-of-sale peripherals such as printers, bar code
readers, magnetic strip readers and cash drawers. MRMS also can be utilized
with laptop PCs and Tablet PCs, as well as various PDA, mobile and wireless
solutions. Imagine taking your entire inventory report home each night simply
by unplugging the laptop and carrying it to the house. No more late nights at
the store, poring over inventory reports.
4.
You can eliminate double-entry bookkeeping.
By integrating credit-card transaction processing into your business operations
with Microsoft Retail Management System, you'll help reduce data re-entry at
the point of sale, and can facilitate easier reporting and reconciliation of
transactions at the end of the month. By integrating MRMS with your accounting
software, you eliminate the need for paper, cut down on errors and streamline
and improve your bookkeeping and tax record-keeping processes.
5.
You can eliminate manual inventory tracking.
With Microsoft Retail Management System, unlike other point-of-sale solutions,
you have the functionality to track your inventory more closely and
efficiently. As a result, you'll save time and be able to monitor trends and
buying patterns better, which can help you make better decisions in ordering,
buying and pricing. With a better handle on your inventory and how fast it
takes to "turn," you can increase sales.
6.
You can reduce operating and labor costs.
The ability to maintain tighter control over your inventory, the reduced need
to re-enter information and an overall simplification of associates' jobs will
free your staff to focus on managing and selling more effectively. You'll know
better when to staff up or cut back to accommodate sales demand. You'll also
eliminate the need for separate point-of-sale terminals for credit cards and
the associated phone lines, freeing up valuable counter space.
7.
You can serve customers and market products better and compete more effectively.
While electronic cash registers automate individual transactions, Microsoft
Retail Management System enables you to keep track of customers' entire
purchasing histories. You'll have a better sense of who your best customers are
and why they are buying, to focus more on their needs and to serve customers
better in general. You also can use this data for sales promotions and
marketing
campaigns
.
You'll be able to test-market pricing concepts, sales promotions and new
products better. In the end, you'll put up a better fight against competitors,
including the bigger retailers who are completely automated - but aren't as
nimble or customer-focused as you.
8.
You can more easily expand your number of stores and e-commerce options.
Microsoft Retail Management System is scalable; you can keep the same software
and systems as you grow into multiple stores and retail channels. You have a
trusted provider, too.
9.
You can keep your business around longer.
Want to be able to sell your business more easily or transfer it to someone
from the next generation? Good luck, if you haven't embraced technology.
The next generation will require technology.
Otherwise, there won't be a way for someone new to come in and grow the
business model. As time goes on, retailers who rely on paper-based systems will
increasingly find themselves sticking out like a sore thumb in a supply chain
where most will be doing transactions online.
10.
You can go home earlier and have more of a life.
You've got more time now, so why not? You've earned it.
|