NBN National Broadband Network for Australian Retailers!
What are the bottom line and supply chain efficiency benefits and when…?
 

In the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s retailers demanded faster access speeds to deliver commercial EDI Supply Chain and early Web and email access – in 2009 all and more are fully commercially embedded in numerous Australian retail processes and practices.
 

During this period and up to now the technology cart has been before the communication horse – with the NBN the communication horse for the first time will lead the retail technology and supply chain cart – magic speed with new profit and supply chain efficiency opportunities for smart Australian retailers’.
 

·         The NBN promises to deliver seamless retail communication including video and voice communication with retail teams and customers – full view of every trading shop floor possible in real time.

Many retail uses still not thought of.
 

When, progressively but there are current fast communication options available now but Australian retailers seem to be slow on the uptake – similar to RFID?
 

·         Australian retail CEO’s look at current communication and POS / backend Systems to see if they are architecturally capable of migrating to the NBN – one of the top Retail Technology and Supply Chain move forward items for 2010 and 2011.

In previous articles we coined two new terms CAM (Communication Advantage Management) and POC (Point of Communication) – POC replaces the conventional POS.
 

·         CAM is an attitude change for retailers similar in move from snail mail to email, before and after the Internet – POC is a structural and attitude change for POS Vendors and software suppliers demanding a re-think of what Australian retailers will need at front desk in their stores replacing current POS equipment functionality.

Following are the extracts and links from previous articles to guide your thinking.
 

All credible Australian POS systems track sales via bar-codes; handle financial transactions such a credit cards and lay-by; many are communicating in real time with host home offices; many are not.
 

·         For a POS system to remain in the 2009, 2010 market embedded CAM (Communication Advantage Communication) needs to be front and centre of the POC (POS) function set.

 

Selected CAM (Communication Advantage Management) POC (POS) functions for consideration.

 

  1. Linking to Digital Kiosks

 

  1. Linking to Shop Floor on-line Website or Kiosks

 

  1. Linking dynamic real time promotions to Active Promotional Screens in windows and within the store.

 

  1. Ability to issue SMS promotions.

 

  1. Ability to manage RFID product location reporting.

 

  1. Ability to sync to EAS security systems.

 

  1. Ability to track transactions in real time for loss prevention purposes.

 

  1. Ability to receive, sell, transfer inventory using standard EDI document modules.

 

  1. Ability to allow for cycle stock takes linked in real time for stock accuracy and audit purposes.

 

  1. Ability to inquire re stock availability of customer access purposes for inter-store purposes in real time.

 

  1. Able to communicate via video for training purposes.

 

  1. Able to access training manual on-line

 

  1. Able to communicate via video with customers.

 

  1. Able to communicate with Home Office via video.

 

  1. Able to communicate with EDI capable DC’s, third party warehouse or suppliers for stock information via video.

 

  1. Able to be linked for maintenance purposes to a wired service network in real time.

 

All of the above and more should be part of a POC (POS) evaluation process.

 

·         Should retail CEO’s look at current communication and POS / backend Systems to see if they are architecturally capable of migrating to the NBN, absolutely – one of the top Retail Technology and Supply Chain items for 2010 and 2011.
 

·         Also one of the top items for retail sector industry association Retail Technology and Supply Chain Committees. 

For assistance on assessing your NBN, POC (POS) CAM (Communication Advantage Management) requirements email NBN, POC (POS) CAM evaluation.

 

Tony Standley

Principal
The RETAiL Alert Group (Australia)
Mobile +61 (0)41 924 0497
e-mail info@adsass.com.au
Fax +61 (0)2 9987 0633
Website http://www.retailalert.com.au
 
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