The Cloud Is Now Officially In Retail -- Will You Be Next?

Cloud computing has helped many businesses over the past few years. The many benefits it provides have enabled a variety of businesses in many industries to improve their functionality. The retail sector is a prime example of one such industry. Here are a few benefits that the cloud has imparted to those in retail--benefits that your business could enjoy as well.

Improved Data
Retailers have found that incorporating cloud technology into their other functions has allowed them to track a variety of business-essential considerations. Especially in businesses with multiple locations, the data collection and tracking that a cloud solution offers can reveal trends and insights that can be leveraged to the business’ advantage.

Reduced Investment Into Document Storage
Let’s consider the investment that physical document storage and management actually require. First, there is the equipment you will need to protect and contain the documents. This is usually accomplished with filing cabinets. You will also need the equipment and materials to produce the documents to be stored. The investment you will have made by this point is already considerable, but there is still more to consider.

As your business continues, you will also continue to produce documents that need to be stored. A filing cabinet can only hold so much, so it can be expected that you will need to add to your storage before long. Finally, you also have to consider if you’re missing out on a better use of the space that your documents are occupying, a use that could potentially contribute to the revenue you generate. With cloud, however, these concerns are greatly reduced if not eliminated entirely. Without the cost of adding new filing cabinets, or the expense that utilizing so much paper and ink brings, the cloud is simply the more economically-friendly option over the long term.

Better Communication
Members of the retail industry are communicating almost constantly, whether it's with a prospective customer or other members of their team. The cloud can be used to help them do so. Employees can be equipped with a mobile device to help them find an item that a customer is looking for, reaching out to their fellow employees or pulling up the store’s inventory to quickly reference. As a result, their ability to communicate and collect information produces a better experience for the customer, as well as the employee.

If you can see how these benefits can apply to your business, or to hear what else the cloud can do for you, reach out to SCW at (509) 534-1530.