Retail artificial intelligence represents the next generation of upselling, a true blending of human and computer, taking advantage of the qualities of both.

ArcherPoint’s retail expert Thomas Nielsen provides some tips for buying eCommerce software and selecting who will help you design, implement, and support it

Continuously streamlining business operations with retail ERP upgrades will help retailers to remain competitive in an evolving landscape

Less is more when it comes to getting the most out of your retail ERP reporting. In other words, hone in on the information that produces a clear snapshot of your company, and don’t get bogged down by reports that blur the big picture. That’s the key to unlocking the power of retail ERP reports — distinguishing quality over quantity.

With the rise of cross-channel shopping, consumers have retailers at their fingertips. Mobile retail solutions like smartphone apps enable customers to access nearly all the same services available when shopping in a store. Mobile technology enhances what every retailer seeks to do, which is to fulfill customers’ needs better than their competition.

Effective inventory management techniques are vital to cutting supply chain costs and fulfilling customer expectations. Retailers don’t want their money tied up in excess inventory, but at the same time, they do want enough inventory on hand to meet customer demand. Measuring vendor performance helps retailers manage inventory more efficiently.

Managing vendor relationships is crucial to better inventory demand planning. Varying lead times or inconsistent order fulfillment can lead to stock-out conditions, dissatisfied customers and more. Retailers that effectively track vendor performance are better able to create inventory forecasts that account for supply chain disruptions.

Retailers can make better decisions that help reduce costs and increase profitability if they have relevant, at-a-glance information provided by a retail ERP dashboard. Such dashboards are customized according to key performance indicators (KPIs) pertinent to a specific business operation, such as how overhead or occupancy costs affect store revenue.

A retail management system can help businesses determine optimal staffing levels at a competitive cost. Labor costs often eat away at store profits if they aren’t managed efficiently. The key is to gain visibility into your labor expenses. Technology holds the power to provide valuable insight into employee pay, staffing levels and technology.