A web order management system is an absolute game changer for any retail business and if you are reading this as a small business owner then you should pay attention too, because it will help you to thrive. Once upon a time sophisticated ordering systems like this would have been something exclusively for the big boys in the industry and those at the other end would be relying on pen and paper. In the modern world however this is a thing of the past and the reality is that businesses big and small can rely on this type of ordering system. When you do, here are some of the benefits which you will be able to count on.
Waste and Shrink Management
Wastage and shrinkage in the business is an accepted cost and of course businesses will still look at ways in which they can minimize this amount. The issue is however, that if you have no idea what is being wasted or what is disappearing from the business, you can have no clear idea of how to manage it. With a web based system you can then begin good practice like stock counting and waste cleaning which can help you to stay on top of what is happening with items that leave the business without being sold.
Trend Ordering
The sophistication which we get with this kind of software means that we can stay on top of customer trends and make sure that we have the quantity of stock which we need, at the exact times that we need it. A perishable product which sells 20 units on Saturday and Sunday yet less than 2 the rest of the week for example, that is something which should be arriving Thursday or Friday to give customers the best shelf life. These sorts of trends are critical to customer satisfaction and of course, to sales too.
Tying Up Stock
For small businesses in particular there is no point in having capital all tied up in slow moving stock, this will greatly restrict your spending power when there is an opportunity to be found. Thanks to the sales based approach to this kind of ordering system, the notion that you ask for a slow moving product will be a thing of the past and you will be able to better manage your stick levels based on what you need and when you need it.
Accuracy of Information
A product selling out is nothing new, and whilst we all aim to avoid it sometimes that just isn’t possible. What we should always be able to do however is to tell the customer when exactly that product will next be in. If you are not able to do this then it certainly throws into question your professionalism and will bring about some question marks. Customer satisfaction is about giving your customers that service and that information which they need and although a detail like finding out when a product will next be in seems small, it makes a big difference.