10 years ago, the retail industry was not what it is today. In the past, shopping was an activity that required a lot of effort for all of us. Imagine, to buy an item, we definitely have to go to malls and supermarkets, pay for it in cash, and have to contact customer service directly if there are complaints. Everything is done separately and feels complex.
But now, all of these things are no longer a burden that takes time and energy. Because the retail industry has transformed. With increasing internet access in various regions and massive technological disruption, modern retail businesses are also developing with the concept of e-commerce, which makes the online shopping experience more seamless and practical. Even since the pandemic over the past three years, the retail industry has also transitioned to a new era, in which it adheres to the digitally integrated omnichannel concept.
According to a Gartner study in 2022, the modern retail business will be completely dependent on new technology and innovation, especially during the post-pandemic era where many consumers have carried out online shopping activities. This technology will optimize the customer experience to make it smoother and safer, as well as act as one of the driving factors for the concept of unified commerce.
The modern retail business does not solely emphasize a better customer experience. Behind its sophistication, it turns out that there are still many issues experienced by retail businesses in implementing modern retail, especially at the stage of goods distribution and workload management. Therefore, they need the right IT solution to support this need. For more details, read the summary in the following article.
What Are the Challenges of Modern Retail Business Transformation?
Implementing a modern retail business is not as easy as one might think. The more existing technology develops, triggering challenges that are no less sophisticated. So, what are the challenges experienced by the modern retail business?
Unequal Distribution
The increasingly widespread adoption of e-commerce in various regions turns out to be a challenge for retailers to manage equitable distribution, so they must be able to guarantee the availability of their products. The biggest challenge they are currently facing is having to speed up and improve the accuracy of the fulfill mentorer process.
Cannot Handle All Needs
In its operations, retail must be able to drive the distribution process to handle all aspects, from inventory replenishment to order fulfillment. Therefore, this must be optimized with the support of Internet of Things (IoT) technology which can connect all distribution devices to the internet.
Unable to Process Data
The modern retail business will actually always depend on the internet, which is related to the process of distributing goods via data. Here, retailers are required to utilize data such as activity, location and daily sales performance.
In addition, each retailer usually has to collect, integrate and analyze data from various sources, such as data centers, branch stores, and applications to meet customer satisfaction and identify buyer behavior. This is also done in order to predict demand that occurs seasonally and see what product trends exist in consumers.
To be able to do this and be more competitive, retail businesses need an IT infrastructure that is agile in managing and analyzing their data. This is because traditional IT infrastructure is unable to deliver fast and flexible scaling. With so many infrastructure and data components, the process will be more complicated and valuable resources will be wasted.
Surge in Demand and Competition
Often distribution in retail has to be faced with the reality on the ground that there will often be spikes in demand that cannot be predicted beforehand. Not only that, they also have to face challenges such as increasingly tight business competition in the industry.
What are the Solutions Needed by a Modern Retail Business?
To be able to overcome the various challenges mentioned above, modern retail businesses can take advantage of technology solutions that can manage important workloads and facilitate the optimal distribution process between retail employees. Both of these solutions are in Nutanix and Helios Mobility Suite (HMS).
HMS has capabilities that enable retailer-owned mobile devices and applications to be managed and used safely and productively. The presence of HMS software can also guarantee data security and employee productivity during the product distribution process.
Meanwhile, Nutanix can support all critical workloads including databases, VDI and provides full visibility and control of hybrid and multicloud environments through the Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) platform which already includes cloud environments.
What are the Features of HMS Solutions for Modern Retail Business?
HMS is equipped with several features to optimize modern retail business operations. Here are some of them.
GPS Tracking
This feature can track the location of employees when distributing goods, so that retailers can monitor the movement of these devices and analyze whether field workers have carried out their tasks efficiently. In addition, the endpoint management feature will also monitor device conditions and information through real-time device information.
Push Notification & Push File
This feature delivers notifications and files directly related to the latest catalogues, updated promos, promotional media, and training materials to all sales in the field simultaneously, so they stay up to date with the latest information.
Application Management
With this feature, retail companies can manage and control what applications are allowed or not allowed to be on employee devices, so they cannot install applications arbitrarily.
Silent Installation
To keep retail company apps up-to-date on employees’ mobile devices, they can take advantage of this feature to update, install, and remove apps without the device user’s knowledge.
HMS is also capable of blocking OS updates which can slow down productivity on employee devices. In addition, companies can also ensure that applications are distributed on employee devices and cannot be uninstalled without admin approval.
What Are the Features of the Nutanix Solution for the Modern Retail Business?
Solutions from Nutanix are also equipped with features that can optimize retail business workloads. Here are some of them.
Simple Management
Through this feature, users can access a single management dashboard that can control all Nutanix clusters. This feature is also capable of performing recovery when one of the nodes dies, without requiring interference from the IT admin.
Integration
Nutanix brings together virtualization, storage and networking to deliver superior performance, availability and data protection. This feature is software-based which is equipped with security for all company operations.
Flexible Options
Because it is flexible, retail businesses that implement Nutanix can start using options ranging from small to large depending on their needs.
Advanced Automation and Self Service
Nutanix can help automate infrastructure and application management to increase the productivity of the developer team and other divisions.
Advanced Database Deployments
The database management solution from Nutanix can also help make database management simpler, faster and more consistent through one single dashboard management so that retail companies can increase working time, reduce manual operations and increase business cost-efficiency.
Nutanix EUC Solutions
Nutanix also handles corporate work more easily and helps build applications up to eight times faster whether done via virtual desktops, cloud or data center.
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Get This Solution from Helios As Infrastructure, Digital IT and Cloud Solution Provider for Retail in Indonesia
You can get HMS and Nutanix solutions from Helios Informatika Nusantara. Helios as an infrastructure, digital IT and cloud solution provider, developed the Helios Mobility Suite which is ideal for use in various industries, including retail. Helios will also help you implement HMS and Nutanix solutions, starting from the consultation, deployment and after-sales stages. A professional and Helios-certified IT team will help you avoid trial and error. Find out more about HMS and Nutanix by contacting us via WhatsApp Helios.
Penulis: Jeko Iqbal Reza
Content Writer CTI Group
