Digital business transformation can help the retail industry innovate so that they are able to create extraordinary experiences with customers and increase the company’s operational efficiency. However, digital transformation can also widen the gap between business leaders and those who are slow to adapt to change.
Therefore, 2022 is the right year for retailers to make changes so they can survive in the digital era. One of them is the implementation of information system technology in the retail industry. So, what are the challenges facing the retail industry? Why is information systems technology important in the retail industry? In full, see the following article.
What are the challenges facing the retail industry?
Illustration of Retail Industry Challenges. (Source: Samsung)
The retail industry is a business activity that involves selling goods and services directly to end users. In its development, the retail industry in Indonesia began to transform from traditional retail to modern retail.
According to a report by the Indonesian Retailers Association (APRINDO), the modern retail industry during the pandemic era in 2021-2022 has fallen by 80%. This is inseparable from the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) which make it difficult for customers to travel to shops and employees to carry out business operations.
Changes in consumption patterns of people who rely on online and business people who rely on remote activities have an impact on the retail industry in utilizing information system technology to support business activities.
Digital transformation will not happen in a day or two, but must be done gradually and thoroughly.
Therefore, businesses that want to carry out digital transformation must also carry out business transformation by making changes to business operations so that they can be truly aligned with developments in digital technology and consumer needs.
Talking about consumer needs, businesses must also be able to put themselves in the consumer’s position. That is, businesses need to understand roughly what are the things consumers need now and in the future.
Furthermore, digital transformation on the consumer side also means significant changes regarding the customer experience. This is also what business people should pay attention to so that consumers can remain comfortable using the products or services offered.
4 Ways to Adapt the Retail Industry in the Digital Age
Retail Industry Solutions: Customer Experience (Source: Freepik)
Smart retailers are not just about having the right data but also having the ability to apply that data, work smarter, and deliver better results for customers. In order to remain competitive, retailers need a system to utilize the latest technology effectively and in turn improve their customer’s customer experience.
The following are four ways and types of technology that need to be applied by the retail industry to face the digital era and optimize customer experience, according to the Indonesian Retailers Association (APRINDO):
More Comprehensive Data
With so many selling platforms used, it means there is a lot of data that can be collected and analyzed to better understand customers. The more information you collect, the easier it will be for you to understand your target audience starting from their demographics, behavior, habits, and preferences.
Create a Strategy for a Specific Audience
With the convenience of analyzing consumer and transaction data, it will be easier for you to develop the right strategy for each audience group.
For example, for customers who often buy one type of product, you can increase the stock of goods available at the store so that you can get a higher profit margin.
Integrated IT Infrastructure
Integrating various IT infrastructures makes it easy to manage and monitor sales in offline or online stores through a single channel.
If previously you had to monitor and serve transactions one by one with different platforms, with technology you can manage them through one channel so that it is more efficient. So, you can serve consumers more effectively without consuming much time.
Provide a More Enjoyable Experience for Consumers
Technology is designed to help provide the maximum experience for consumers. Today, consumers have high expectations for their shopping experience. They want to be able to find the product they want to buy easily and of course it’s safe to use.
From these four methods, you already understand that improving customer experience is an absolute requirement for the retail industry to survive in the digital era. Adopting the right technology is important for industry players, here are some solutions you can use to improve the customer experience with an integrated and secure system.
It’s Time to Use Solutions from Helios to Improve Your Retail Industry’s Customer Experience
Planning and using the right IT technology is needed to support retail business success in improving customer experience in the digital era. Here are some solutions from Helios to improve your retail business performance quickly and precisely.
Samsung Device & Helios Mobility Suites (HMS) Bundling
Mobility Devices from Samsung can support mobile sales and POS (Point of Sales) activities to improve customer experience, support barcode scan support for database access and inventory checking.
Helios Mobility Suites (HMS) can provide push notifications for the latest catalogs and training materials to all of your stores simultaneously. In the distribution area, HMS also supports sales, driver and collector activities for accurate device tracking in real time.
Zero Trust Cloudflare
With the sending of data from various stores that use the internet and also the expansion of retail to e-commerce. Protection of the ZTNA WAF internet network is needed with role-based access to avoid potential malware, phishing and ransomware attacks.
Zero Trust Cloudflare will authenticate and verify all traffic trying to connect to the system before granting access.
HPE Proliant DL325
HPE DL325 has a large performance server for database storage and stock items. This solution is supported by VDI technology so that data withdrawal and storage can be centralized without worrying about user access from anywhere.
Aruba Instant On
The increasing trend of shifting online sales and the need for internet for retail is one of the supports in business. The use of IoT that can be connected efficiently can be a solution for your retail business.
Aruba Instant On makes it easy to update stock in real time on the web or app. The set-up and monitoring process has become easier so that employees of each branch can manage inventory more quickly and efficiently.
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Helios, IT Solutions Provider for the Retail Industry in Indonesia
It’s time to improve a good customer experience in your retail industry with a solution from Helios that makes it easy to monitor your retail business activities, see the sales performance of sales, collectors, drivers and provide stock information anywhere and anytime, so your customers get excellent service.
Get these four solutions at Helios Informatika Nusantara (HIN). Helios as the authorized partner of Helios Mobility Suites (HMS), Cloudflare, HPE DL325 and Aruba Instant On in Indonesia will assist companies starting from the consultation, deployment, to after-sales support.
Helios certified and professional IT team will also help you avoid trial and error. Find out more about the application of technology in the retail industry by contacting us via [email protected].
Penulis: Ary Adianto
Content Writer CTI Group
