Problems Faced by POS System and Solutions

The modern point of sale systems is an easy and efficient way for merchants to trade their goods and services. It can help any business to get more sales, in business management, and also help in leveraging ecommerce features. Though, POS problems could face some problems which fortunately are avoidable if you choose the right pos system and implement it properly. So in the below context, we will discuss the problems while implementing a POS system and their solutions.

1) Security Issues

Even one breach to the customer's confidential data is enough to ruin your reputation and trust that you have built over the years with your customer. To counteract this costly mistake and to safeguard your business, it’s crucial to invest in the good POS system that includes a hacker detection. You also have to keep in mind the following tasks:

• Protection and encryption of your Wi-Fi
• A strong password for your POS
• Different Wi-Fi network from customers

2) Adopting the Wrong POS System

One of the key feature of the POS system is the breadth of reporting analytics that is made available for retailers. But if you skimp on implementing the POS system then that could lead to inaccurate reporting. So you don't have to skimp on implementing it as it is a one-time investment with great ROI.

3) No Backup 

Suppose you have selected a good POS system but what if the internet is down? How could you do a transaction? You need to ask these questions to yourself after implementing a POS solution.

This is especially important if you choose a web-based system that can’t process payments without a Wi-Fi signal. So it is suggested you have a backup “hotspot” connection. 

Depending on your business’s requirements, you might also think to have a complete backup POS system. For example, some businesses keep a free POS system or mobile payment app handy for when they have problems with their primary POS. 

4) Not Using POS Optimally

Sometimes even if the merchants have a great POS system they don't know how to use its advanced features like Sales reports, Email marketing, E-commerce, Employee management, etc. This means that they are wasting their money on the features they are not even using.

5) Proper Training of Employees

Employees face troubles when the new POS system is installed in your business. So employees have to be trained thoroughly which will enable them to run different operations on the POS system smoothly and efficiently.

Picking a POS system is the beginning of a long-term relationship, and you want to make sure that the company you choose will be there through thick and thin. You’re faced with a lot of options, and you want to make sure to partner with a strong company dedicated to the retail industry, therefore, we would likely suggest you go for the Trident Information Pvt Ltd which is the Microsoft Ls nav partner and can provide you an end-to-end retail POS solution for stores or chain of retails, which is powered by Microsoft Dynamics NAV. This integrated solution delivers completed and innovative functionalities to the busiest retailer without the need to build, manage and maintain multiple applications and interfaces. Its unique use of single application covers your whole retail business from the Point of Sale (POS) terminals to headquarter. The powerful functions including store management, inventory, merchandising, demand planning and all the back-office functions that you would expect to find at head office are available in LS Retail.

7 Steps to implement ERP in a right way

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are utilized by businesses looking to manage their business functions within a centralized and integrated system. ERP is commonly used by companies working within the supply chain to help keep track of all the moving parts of manufacturing and distribution. ERP can be utilized by several different industries including those in retail, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, etc. ERP is really important for any organization, it could act as a backbone of any company but you have to keep a lot of things to take full advantage from your ERP which we will discuss in below context

              

Steps to implement ERP

1. Finding objective and scope

Before ERP implementation recognizing the objective and scope of implementing ERP is very important. You should ask yourself a question that "What should ERP be implemented for" and the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) have to be analysed. You should not focus only on the present objective but you also have to keep in mind the future objectives as well, which enables your business to accommodate changes in your future.

As per Panorama's study, 61.1% of ERP implementations take longer than expected and 74.1% of ERP projects exceed the budget. Blurry definition of the ERP requirement is the main cause of a long time and over budgeting. For that you should know the scope of implementing ERP, the ERP demand list should be generated depending on budget and core necessity.

2. Selecting ERP vendors

In this competitive environment, the election of the ideal product is important to achieve productivity gains. There are over 500 ERP applications in the market. While selecting the perfect ERP application for your business, you should know the vendor’s previous projects, industry vertical and experience.

3. Monitor foundation 

According to Mint Jutras, 23% are unable to grow their business as quickly as they would like and believe this to be because they lack the tools they need in their current ERP system. The infrastructure on which the software will operate has to have the expanse of scalability along with options to update as per the demand. Such a requirement should not be limited. 

4. Make employees ready for ERP

Big changes in any organization could also lead to the retention of employees, this could immensely influence the growth rate of a company, therefore management should involve their employees and develop them psychologically to clarify the critical questions like - HOW will ERP help an organization to rise? OR How would ERP enhance productivity? OR How would an ERP automate back-office functions and save time? A couple of brainstorming sessions will build employees' confidence and prepare them to welcome the good change with open arms.
 

5. Technology & Knowledge Transfer

21% of ERP implementations fail to give significant business benefits. The causes vary, beginning with inappropriate customization occurring from ill-trained personnel operating data to the solution. Training is the most important aspect of the ERP software implementation process. It assures there are fewer issues and higher success, especially when ERP is implemented for the first time in the company or when the platform is changed from one ERP solution to another. Decent use of technology and a useful knowledge transfer, along with proper training should be considered.  

5. Testing

 According to a Panorama Research study, 40% of ERP implementations cause major operational disruptions after go-live; therefore, proper testing is necessary before implementation. In the testing phase, improvising can be done keeping core objectives in mind simultaneously. Testing is an important phase of the implementation process, which takes care of system and user acceptance testing. 

6. Maintenance

 Once the ERP solution is properly-checked and implemented, it is the time to go live. After going live you your ERP needs continuous maintenance and updating to avoid any glitches and irregularities. It is a continuous process, not a one-time event.

Now the question is out of 500 ERP applications right now in the market, which one is the best to choose?? Trident (Microsoft ERP partner) ERP Software Solutions are one of the best ERP software providers in, India. Our ERP analyses your business individually before coming with an efficiency offer in order to meet the best needs of your business. We provide customized ERP software solutions in cloud & web based environment, which is our strongest value propositions. Our ERP consists of various building blocks, which enables businesses to choose modules according to their exact needs and integrate all of their key processes into a single solution.

IoT in the logistics and distribution industry

Internet of Things (IoT) is a booming technological domain that turns any electronic device into a smarter one which is drawing industry's recognition to embrace this technology in their operations to enhance their productivity and improve efficiency. Even in our home, from washing machines to air conditioners, IoT technology is effecting a large number of day-to-day objects into the digital fold to make them cleverer. With such a spreading rate of IoT in several fields, it is surprisingly lacking in the logistics and distribution industry which can raise some questions: -Why IoT growth is slow in the logistics and distribution industry? How important is IoT in the logistics and distribution industry? 

Types of Warehouse IoT

1) Autonomous picking robots

In this collaborative robots or cobots will work alongside a human workforce, rather than replacing them to improve picking efficiency.
 

2) Autonomous vehicles

Vehicles are automated guided vehicles or AGVs, for illustration, a pallet jack without a driver, rather, it can go to a particular spot, automatically pick up the pallet and move it reliably and efficiently, easing the work of the employees.
  

3) Warehouse management systems

IoT system with RFID sensors helps in tracking inventory location and movement in real-time which enables the supervisor or team leader to analyze the floor’s productivity and efficiency with a few keystrokes instead of spending hours reading reports. It also helps in analyzing its health and alert maintenance staff if there’s a problem.

Benefits of IoT in the Warehouse

How important is IoT in the logistics and distribution industry?

1) Inventory Management

We have also discussed it earlier that IoT with RFID trackers keeps track of inventory location and movement in real-time from the moment it enters the warehouse to the moment it ships out. During out of stock, an IoT system can inform administrators or sometimes place an order directly to a supplier.

2) Provides Efficiency

IoT enabled Mobile computers allows team members of the warehouse management system to complete their job anytime from anywhere without interrupting their workflow

3) Remove manual mistakes of shipping

IoT enabled packaging prevents the shipping of customers to the wrong customers. 

4) Provides Security 

IoT monitors on everything that comes in or goes out of the warehouse which helps in cutting off theft-related losses

It can also cut theft-related losses.

5) Good customer engagement

Since IoT provides real-time insight into inventory, you can integrate this information to your website enables the customers to see whether the item they want is in the stock or not.

With so many benefits points to one question, Why IoT growth is slow in the logistics and distribution industry?

CHALLENGES

1) High initial investment

The equipment, practice, and new team essential to unite these new devices to a warehouse are costly which leads to loss of interest of small logistics organizations in IoT.

2) Threat of micromanagement

Sometimes in the making of the job more efficient leads to the threat of micromanagement.

Amazon released a plan of making wearable rackers mandatory for its picking teams which received the rage of employees.

3) Security Problem

As it is a networked system, it is exposed to some unauthorized user's attack, which could put protected customer or client information at risk. You should address this problem before introducing any new IoT technologies to a warehouse.

CONCLUSION

Warehouses and the logistics industry as a whole have been sluggish to utilize the Internet of Things, but a revolution is coming. As the competition is increasing day by day, companies will need to adjust to keep up or get left back as the world advances without them.

Food Manufacturing Industry Need Intelligent ERP to manage operations & manufacturing Process

Nowadays various food industries providing all kinds of food services are established throughout the world. Now food industries have to focus on concerns like fitness and wellness, changing lifestyles, changing favourites, food protection, sustainability, and technology. Aside from serving their customers, they also are involved in managing their processes short and streamlined. In today's food market with such an immense competition the investment in technologies like ERP for food & beverage is not only a wise choice but a necessary one. In the below context we will address the needs for ERP for Food Manufacturing and its benefits.

Needs for ERP for Food Manufacturing & managing operations

       

·        Single integrated system

·        Streamline Production Management

·        Monitoring of the food

·        Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency

·        Manage R&D for Faster Time to Market

·       Strategic Financial Management

Benefits of ERP for Food & Beverage Industry

1) Single integrated system

ERP makes an organization efficient and simplified its management by addressing data from every single distinct zone of the organization, allowing all data to be accessed by employers in real-time. This also helps the administrators to have overall information of the whole organization. Furthermore, most ERP programming is presently accessible on cell phones which makes it's more easily accessible.

2) Streamline Production Management

ERP helps in following up with the seasonal demand with simpler production scheduling tools. Furthermore, it reinforces accuracy with automated barcodes, and RFID tags and track a variety of things including the loss of inventory and ingredients

3) Continuous monitoring of food

An ERP ensures the protection of your manufacturing company by continuous monitoring of food for its security, for example, stock details, expiry dates, content properties, and nourishment can be effortlessly observed and verified. 

4) Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency

ERP helps in making ingredient and raw material sourcing more efficient and economical by purchasing more strategically with an eye on seasonality and Improving forecast accuracy for just-in-time production. Furthermore, it enhances materials and inventory management to maximize shelf life and reduce waste.

Manage R&D for Faster Time to Market

By knowing what ingredients are included in each order with robust batch and lot tracking, ERP Applies discipline to managing recipes throughout development with revision auditing.

Enable Strategic Financial Management

It helps in Streamlining accounting operations by gaining visibility into trends with built-in sophisticated analytics and reporting and Optimizing profitability with end-to-end costing analysis.

For food and beverage companies, these hurdles have been especially acute because of the very vital necessity to balance changes that influence cost-effectiveness and product safety. But such concerns are not new to this industry as today’s business environment has become very competitive and nowadays ERP is not just a choice, it has become a necessity. Without an integrated ERP software system, the task is less effective, less economical and has a greater chance of losing to manage both your business plans and long term aims. An investment now in an ERP system can help you further by having more ROI.

Enterprise Software Solution for Retail, Hospitality & Manufacturing

An organization consists of various departments like Marketing, Finance, Operations Management, Human Resource and IT. So no matter what the size of the company, it becomes difficult for a company to unify or manages its data. Therefore all companies prefer ERP systems to manage their day-to-day activities to follow the business status comfortably and the same goes for the hospitality, retail, and manufacturing industry. For any business in hospitality, retail, and manufacturing, be it bar services, some steel industries or some food court, maintaining all becomes critically important if they want to boost their profits. In the below context, we will discuss how ERP benefits the hospitality, retail, and manufacturing industry.

ERP Benefits
 

1. Real-Time Data

Organization data is dynamic, it varies every day and every company needs a real-time insight on their data so that any change will be reflected uniformly across all the units of an organization. 

ERP can solve this problem as ERP is all about information. It explores and scatters real-time information to all the relevant units, leaving no scope for error or delay.

2) Point of Sale System

A point-of-sale (POS) terminal can be connected to other terminals and a server at another location. It can be expanded with handheld devices wirelessly linked to the remote area. You can trace several operations in beneficial ways and customize it as your requirements vary over time.

3) Customer management

ERP plays a significant role in customer management and maintenance. You can order the purchase history of customers and choose the most productive ones, offering them reward points or gift vouchers. The customer history gives you an idea of customer practices that enables you to promote accordingly. ERP also assists you to resolve customer complaints promptly.

4. Employee Management

 Employee management is the main advantage of using ERP in any industry. Apart from the challenges of maintaining data of several employees in any industry, the geographical restrictions make it more difficult.

ERP helps in the management of employees through an integrated system. Primary employee details are saved in the ERP system, along with real-time information like shift timings, work hours, their work, etc. All of this helps in managing the employees more efficiently and making interaction with them easier.

5. Inventory Management

 ERP saves the data of individual product details so that we can know exactly what is presently in your inventory and which items are out of stock or going to be out of stock. It also traces the expiry date, temperature, etc. and helps in demand forecasting.

We have seen the benefits of ERP, now you must be wondering which ERP software is best to use ? Trident's Dynamic NAV ERP is easy-to-use software, which helps the recording and processing of multiple financial transactions and processes. It is outlined to overcome inadequacy and heighten your organizational productivity. This ERP software for the hospitality, retail and manufacturing industry is easy to learn, scalable and requires low maintenance.