7 Retail POS Integration Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Technology has made it easier and even cheaper to run businesses. Venture into new markets and engage with clients more intimately.
As a retailer, your focus is on trends that will improve your retail POS integration bottom line. As a result, it’s tempting to invest in all the latest business process tools that promise to deliver immediate results.
But, like any other technology investment. First, you’ll need to ensure that this tool is compatible with existing platforms and adequately integrated into your back-end systems. Only then can it yield the expected benefits.
If you already have a POS system, you should focus on incorporating it into your retail store inventory control system.
Doing so will ensure that your sales and inventory data is up-to-date. This, in turn, will help you make better decisions about customer service, purchasing, and business growth.
Here are seven common POS integration mistakes that can limit or even cripple your retail business growth.
1. Not Having a Retail POS Integration Plan
POS vendors and retailers may consider integrating their systems as a “technical” project that only requires an IT resource to install it.
The fact is, while the technical aspects of the integration are essential. It’s also crucial to involve the people who have the power to influence your business growth.
For example, suppose you are expanding into a new market or introducing a new product line.
In that case, your employees need to know more about POS system features to prepare for this change.
It’s an opportunity to train them on how their daily tasks will differ from what they were doing before.
Suppose you don’t have a solid plan to introduce your retail POS system to the workforce. The result could be an increase in errors, a waste of time, and lost revenue.
2. Not Doing Regular Integration Testing
Your retail store is only as strong as its weakest link. If your POS hardware and software, systems can’t integrate properly. Then you could be exposing your business to unnecessary risk.
If you fail to integrate, this is a recipe for disaster as technology evolves. The last thing you want is for your POS system and inventory control system to suddenly stop communicating with each other.
If this happens, it will result in severe productivity and accuracy issues that will cripple your business.
3. Going for a Wrong Retail POS
Usually, many merchants don’t take the time to understand what it takes to integrate your store inventory control system to your retail POS.
This is why you must take the time to research what options are available to you. For example, suppose you have an eCommerce website.
In that case, you will need a POS integration process that offers web and mobile interfaces for customers and employees. It also needs to integrate with significant carriers and shipping services.
Often, failure to choose the right provider results in high costs and low flexibility.
4. Not Having a Backup Plan
When technology fails, then you need to have a solid backup plan. For example, if your point-of-sale system crashes and the store inventory control system is not integrated. This could cripple your business, leading to lost sales and cash flow problems.
Have solid POS system backup and disaster recovery solutions.
5. Not Meeting Your MSA Requirements
Every merchant account provider has a contract or agreement that you must agree to each time you set up a new service.
These agreements declare the rules of operation. They protect both you and your payment service provider from any problems that may arise.
Failure to meet the requirements of your MSA could result in a penalty or a shut-off of your service.
Always make sure you read and understand these agreements before signing them to avoid crippling your business.
6. Not Taking Full Advantage of Your POS
A retail point-of-sale system is not just about handling cash transactions. It also helps you manage your customer relationship through features such as coupons and email marketing.
But, if you are not taking full advantage of these features. Hiring a professional POS developer to help you with this integration might help.
When installing POS systems, take time to understand how they can transform your business, and speed and boost smooth operations.
Also, note that when you fail to upgrade your point-of-sale and store inventory control software and hardware, it could hurt your business in the long run.
Computer technology evolves rapidly, and you need to keep up with the latest versions or risk finding yourself behind.
7. Having a Poor System Installation
A poor system installation can result in many issues such as system downtime, data loss, and unexpected errors.
For example, if your cabling is incorrect or when you fail to install the right peripherals. These can lead to system malfunctions, ultimately hurting your business.
To avoid this, find a retail POS system provider that offers installation and training so you can go live with total confidence. Ensure they’re well experienced, have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle your systems integration.
Also, misplacing and mismanaging your data files, including POS software programs, can lead to business disruptions and lost sales due to system crashes.
To avoid this, use a solid backup solution that will protect all your business data in case of disaster strikes.
Another thing to consider is system security. If you’re running a small business, you probably don’t have many options for retail point-of-sale systems.
With this in mind, make sure the provider offers practical security features to keep your data safe from hackers and malware attacks.
Choose the Right Retail POS Integration System
When choosing the right POS system technology, you need to know that all technologies are not equal. Some are more complex, while others are easier to use.
RedIron is an integration platform for retail that will help you create proper infrastructure. Besides, it will enhance functionality and implementations that boost efficiency and customer experience.
Note that with a plug-and-play retail POS integration. You’ll make your business more customer accessible and maintain stress-free operations for the workforce. Call us today for an evaluation and demo that will lead to a customized solution.
