Store automation and DCT - give employees the opportunity to work with goods from the trading floor!
The retail business is becoming more and more like a complex organism with many interrelated processes, therefore the accuracy of working with data and the speed of information exchange are decisive success factors. The faster and more accurately a store employee can process and enter item status data, the more accurate auto-order and inventory data will be, and the lower out-of-stock costs will be. How can a retailer improve the efficiency of the store with the introduction of automation and DCT (data collection terminal)? Let's figure it out.
Store automation and DCT - what is it, and how does it work?
Imagine that an employee, without leaving the shelf, right on the trading floor, can carry out all the necessary operations with the goods. He does not waste time going to the computer and does not write down information on a piece of paper, which he can then simply lose. That is, all work is done here and now. This is how a modern store automation solution works - Store Mobility of the global vendor Symphony RetailAi.
In fact, the automation system allows you to use the DCT to work with any information about the goods and all store operations without leaving the trading floor. Mobile devices can act as terminals, and a Wi-Fi signal is sufficient for communication. In addition, the system can work without an Internet connection and will update all the data as soon as the device returns to the signal range.
Ask our consultants all questions about the automation of retail trade, retail business processes, and audit or consulting services: write questions to the mail or fill out the form at the link.
Benefits of implementing store automation and DCT
The solution for store automation covers all operations of the outlet and provides high reliability, speed, and mobility for employees. Store Mobility is a solution that has a modern architecture and runs smoothly.
Thanks to the use of a store automation system and DCT, retailers receive a number of advantages:
- reducing labor costs and saving time on “walking” to a stationary workplace - the use of TCD for working in the hall helps to increase labor productivity;
- implementation with minimal investment – you can save on the purchase of equipment since the solution works with both a DCT scanner and a phone camera;
- practicality and ease of use – an employee can perform all operations regarding the goods: write off, return it to the supplier, place an order for a new batch, put down a markdown sticker, print price tags, and so on;
- accuracy and safety of data – the employee does not need to write down the barcode, take the goods and run to his workplace to process information or write down the article. It is enough right there, without leaving the shelf on the trading floor, to enter all these data;
- relevance of information – all entered data instantly enters the network in the Wi-Fi coverage area, while solutions with the old architecture work offline and take time to update information in a common database via a computer;
- simple training for new employees – an intuitive interface with a typical arrangement of menu controls minimizes the time required to complete operations;
- processing of non-typical tasks – if non-standard situations arise, there is no need to spend a lot of time communicating with colleagues, the user can simply create a task or a series of tasks for performers.
Another advantage of the implementation of a store automation system and the use of DCT is the optimization of the number of computer equipment due to its uselessness, and in parallel, the required area for workplaces and computers is reduced, which can be used more efficiently.
IRCG team specialists implement retail IT solutions and observe the benefits of using systems in our customers' stores. Here are a few examples of how automation works in practice.
How the solution helps with in-store operations
In fact, with the introduction of automation and DCT, the employee gets the opportunity to control and manage all operations in the store, and do it directly on the trading floor. The solution immediately processes all the data coming from the terminals and transmits information to other retail business process automation systems.
While on the trading floor, store employees can use mobile devices to revise price tags: availability, and relevance of information. If necessary, the employee can immediately send price tags for printing and indicate the number of copies. The only thing you need is to take the printed price tags and physically place them on the location.
For example, when an employee finds a product with a critical date, he can, without leaving the shelf, print a markdown sticker with a new barcode and then scan it at the checkout.
Inventory can also be carried out while near the shelf. Through the DCT connected to the management system, an employee with the appropriate permissions can initiate a check and update the balances.
Learn more about how the solution works from our consultants: write to [email protected] or fill out the form below. IRCG specialists have over 15 years of experience in retail, logistics, and distribution. The team implements retail automation solutions that have been proven to work in the real world. We will find a solution to your task!
The authors of the article are Anastasia Demina and
Igor Yatsenko, ERP Consultants at International Retail Consulting Group
