How many times have you been caught off guard with stock numbers coming in late? Reporting being overdue or price changes not happening in time? These problems exist for everyone, and it’s easy to become frustrated with your team when they happen – but here’s the truth: your team isn’t slow, they’re just spending time on the wrong things.
In a typical retail store, stock checks need to be done manually, price changes have to be updated one by one and goods are often received with paper trails. Each of these processes take time, but it’s not due to your team, it’s the result of disconnected systems and outdated processes.
Thankfully there’s an easy solution.
What a connected store operation looks like
For most in-store teams, the time drain isn’t one big problem, it’s dozens of small ones. Things like checking stock levels by calling around other stores, or updating prices and reprinting tickets manually take time. Individually each might feel manageable, but when stacked together, with customer orders and shop floor requests included too, they consume a lot of hours that your team could be spending elsewhere.
That’s the problem Swan solves with its Store Operations App (SOA).
- Stock levels are visible in real-time across multiple stores, so enquiries get answered in seconds
- Live price adjustments also happen in real-time, with automated ticket printing that enables changes to take place en masse, at speed
- Goods can be received and reconciled directly via purchase order number, streamlining the process and removing paperwork
- Order management works with your staff, so wherever they are, they can view, manage and update orders
The result is a team that spends less time on process and more time on the shop floor dealing with customers, making them feel more valued, and meaning your store operates smoother and with less errors.
Saving more than just time
Saving time on manual processes doesn’t only improve how your staff work, but has a ripple effect across the entire store too.
When staff aren’t tied up reconciling stock, chasing order updates or reprinting tickets, they’re free to do what they’re actually there for: helping customers, driving sales and delivering the kind of service that brings people back. They’re under less pressure from repetitive tasks and that shows in their morale on the shop floor, leading to happier customers, more completed sales and a stronger bottom line.
And this isn’t the only way your revenue can increase with smoother store operations. Fewer manual processes mean fewer errors, which in turn leads to fewer complaints, fewer returns and less time putting things right. Ultimately this is a way to increase sales and do more with the same team, improving your ROI.
Try before you buy
At Swan, we’re committed to improving your workflows however we can, which is why we want to give you the opportunity to experience first hand the difference it can make. Speak to your account manager today to try the app and take the first step towards saving time and boosting your sales.
