Retail Information System
Chapter 12
Retail Information Systems
Retail Information Systems
WHAT YOU W ILL LEARN
§ What system modules and functions you should look for in purchasing a new retail system. Names, phone numbers and web site addresses for some of the best Canadian distributors of retail system software. What you can expect to pay for a state-of-the-art retail information system. How to perform “reference checks” when evaluating a retail system you are considering. Why leasing computer software and equipment makes sense. How to calculate the “Return on Investment” when considering a system upgrade.
§
§
§
§
§
It has been said that not having a good, reliable retail information
The computer is an invaluable tool in processing the large number of transactions and vast amounts of information involved in managing a retail operation. For example, the amount of data needed for merchandise planning would require hundreds of manhours to produce, as compared to a well-designed
1
Chapter 12
Retail Information Systems
system is like flying an airplane with no instrumentatio n.
hours to produce, as compared to a well-designed computer system that can perform the task in seconds. There is no way that management can operate in today 's competitive climate without solid information on which to base decisions. With increasing competition from all fronts and operating expenses that are constantly inching upwards, gross margins are shrinking. This, coupled with the advent of the internet, means the business case for technology has never been stronger. Computerized systems are no longer the domain of large stores and chains. You simply should not think of opening a specialty store today without a good retail information system.
SELECTING THE RIGHT S YSTEM ü Tip
Selecting the right computer system is a complex and time-consuming process. There are at least sixty different software packages available for specialty retailers in Canada today. Each of
Retail Information Systems
Retail Information Systems
WHAT YOU W ILL LEARN
§ What system modules and functions you should look for in purchasing a new retail system. Names, phone numbers and web site addresses for some of the best Canadian distributors of retail system software. What you can expect to pay for a state-of-the-art retail information system. How to perform “reference checks” when evaluating a retail system you are considering. Why leasing computer software and equipment makes sense. How to calculate the “Return on Investment” when considering a system upgrade.
§
§
§
§
§
It has been said that not having a good, reliable retail information
The computer is an invaluable tool in processing the large number of transactions and vast amounts of information involved in managing a retail operation. For example, the amount of data needed for merchandise planning would require hundreds of manhours to produce, as compared to a well-designed
1
Chapter 12
Retail Information Systems
system is like flying an airplane with no instrumentatio n.
hours to produce, as compared to a well-designed computer system that can perform the task in seconds. There is no way that management can operate in today 's competitive climate without solid information on which to base decisions. With increasing competition from all fronts and operating expenses that are constantly inching upwards, gross margins are shrinking. This, coupled with the advent of the internet, means the business case for technology has never been stronger. Computerized systems are no longer the domain of large stores and chains. You simply should not think of opening a specialty store today without a good retail information system.
SELECTING THE RIGHT S YSTEM ü Tip
Selecting the right computer system is a complex and time-consuming process. There are at least sixty different software packages available for specialty retailers in Canada today. Each of