Cloud-based software was born out of the increasingly mobile society of today. The recent advancements in e-commerce and retail technology mean that businesses have vastly expanded their geographical reach. By implementing a cloud-based back-office system, retailers can manage every aspect of trade from off-site or a head office for multisite vendors.
With a cloud-based POS system, owners and managers will find a far greater level of flexibility by being able to utilise countless wireless devices, such as tablets and smartphones, as mobile points of sale. With enhanced options for POS, retailers can expect improved customer satisfaction, especially during peak service time.
The integration of loyalty programs and the ability to capture consumer information gives owners and managers the power to identify real-time opportunities and create campaigns, rewards or incentives with a few simple clicks to realise and maximise the potential of the opportunity.
Cloud solutions with RESTful API's will easily integrate with third-party software and apps to streamline and simplify accounting, ordering, marketing and forecasting. Automating and integrating across all aspects of a business allows owners and managers to spend less time on tedious yet necessary tasks.
Contrary to popular opinions, cloud infrastructure can be as secure as legacy systems; 64% of IT professionals reported that cloud solutions are actually more secure. Data breaches relating to cloud systems are almost always associated with human error and usually result from entry via a third-party vendor. The heightened concern about cloud security has seen vast improvements in security, meaning cloud-based solutions will almost certainly provide you with the greatest bang for your buck security-wise.
Cloud solutions have been shown to provide a 2.1 return on investment compared to on-premise solutions by utilising resource pooling to mitigate costs. Lower initial and ongoing fees and a 91% drop in energy usage costs compared to an on-premise system make it hard to overlook the advantages of a cloud-based system.
You will invariably discover numerous providers when exploring your options for cloud-based Point of Sale and Back Office Solutions. Ask the following questions to assist you in your decision-making process.
1. Can the cloud solution be scaled to meet increased demand and business growth?
2. What support and after-sale service makes the provider offer?
3. What is the provider's history of downtime, have any significant issues occurred with their solution?
4. How secure is my data, and what happens in the event of a disaster?
