Modern optical networking has the power to connect your customers, empower your workforce, and streamline your operations. Are you getting the most out of your IT infrastructure in the retail industry? From small businesses to major corporations, retail companies can harness the power of a reliable, safe, high-speed optical network. Learn more about the benefits of a strong network in your industry and how Equal Optics can help.
Optical Networking in the Retail Industry
A strong optical network is essential in a modern retail environment. From point-of-sales systems to inventory management software, technology connects your team, streamlines their tasks, and improves the efficiency of your entire organization. Your retail workforce can stay connected using mobile devices to track inventory, make sales, print receipts, and perform other basic tasks while moving around the store and working face-to-face with your customers.
In addition, innovations in the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence have made a strong network even more important for the retail industry. According to EY, 71% of retailers are making both the Internet of Things and 5G technology a priority for their organization. With more and more retail workforce tasks being moved online, a safe, strong, and reliable network is more important than ever. Explore the benefits and steps to implement a reliable network in detail below.
Benefits of a Strong Optical Network
A smart store makes for happy customers. With a fiber optic network that offers reliable, high-bandwidth, secure connections, your retail team can leverage it to enjoy the following benefits. Dive into the ways optical networking can improve your POS devices, inventory management strategy, e-commerce opportunities, and daily retail workforce tasks.
Interconnected POS Systems
POS systems rely on a strong, secure network to process transactions seamlessly. Whether you have traditional POS stations or have adopted a more fluid, mobile option for your workforce, the latest POS systems allow your team to easily complete transactions in a safe, secure way.
Without a reliable network, your POS system could be a liability. Data theft can be a major issue for your customers. A network outage or low-bandwidth connection could stall or prevent the sales process. Approximately 70% of all retail transactions are by credit card, so it’s imperative to ensure your team has a reliable network to maintain a safe connection.
Efficient Inventory Management
A synchronized inventory management system requires a reliable network connection. With a high-speed optical network, your inventory management system can also be linked to your POS system and available for your workforce to view and adjust as necessary. This streamlines stocking, online ordering, and other key tasks for your workforce.
Convenient Mobile Devices
The future of many retail locations includes mobile POS and inventory management systems. Equip your workforce with convenient, secure mobile devices connected to a stable network to enjoy the best of smart store technology.
These modern, mobile devices allow customers to check out with any employee, digital signage throughout the retail location, and up-to-date information about inventory and ordering. If you’ve already implemented mobile devices for your workforce, a strong network can be a great way to improve their daily operations. If you’re considering implementing mobile POS systems and inventory management systems for the first time, then a reliable network can pave the way for convenient implementation.
Clear Customer Service Conversations
A strong network allows clear phone conversations by using voice over internet protocol. VoIP services can improve the clarity of your customer service calls and can make for a more convenient calling experience for your workforce.
e-Commerce Opportunities
Finally, optical networking opens up e-commerce opportunities for your retail brand or assists you in taking the next step in the current e-commerce branch of your company. Global e-commerce retail sales reached approximately 4.9 trillion dollars in 2021, so it’s worth taking a look at this massive area of retail sales. A secure network gives your customers the confidence they need to process orders online.
In addition to fulfilling orders, your e-commerce platform can assist customers with their questions and custom orders. An estimated 89% of businesses in the retail industry plan to use more AI customer service technology, so your website can assist your workforce by assisting customers with questions about your products and services. AI-powered customer service technology requires a strong network to perform well at scale.
How to Update Your IT Infrastructure
From national brand C-level leaders to small business owners, consider ways to update your IT infrastructure and take advantage of the latest in optical networking. Explore the ways that you can not only enjoy the latest IT products but also tailor networking services to fit your retail business with the help of Equal Optics.
Comprehensive IT Products
Your network may be limited by the quality and scope of your IT products. Cables, transceivers, and other products affect the way your network operates. Here are a few distinct ways that new IT products can enhance your current network:
- Download and upload speeds
- Bandwidth
- Reliability
- Security
- Cost
Fiber optic technology allows you to quickly process credit cards and update inventory through face upload and download speeds. Because your retail business is handling sensitive personal information, it’s essential to have a secure network to manage your business.
Customized Solutions for the Retail Industry
Partner with a team of optical network professionals who understand the specific challenges you face in the retail industry. While the IT products that create a network may be the same, the specific features you need out of your network can vary.
At Equal Optics, we can help you identify the infrastructure you need to optimize your POS system, update or launch an e-commerce store, and manage your inventory in an efficient and cost-effective way. This level of customization helps you build a strong foundation for the future of your retail business.
Enjoy Dynamic Optical Networking With Equal Optics
Take the next step in building your brand and growing your retail company with Equal Optics. Contact us today to learn more about optical networking and the benefits of an updated, safe network for your business.
