Information in the palm of your hand
As the world moves to a more remote way of working, we find ourselves asking more of technology than we ever have before. Whether shopping online for delivery, ordering for click and collect or checking the stock before setting out for an “essential” journey, the role of technology has become even more important as we navigate new challenges in life, both at home and at work.
It used to be the worst kept secret that merchants were wary of the role technology could really play in the success of their business. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mantra used to be commonplace in our conversations with merchants across the country, but with the rise of online shopping across all sectors it wasn’t long before merchants began to venture into the world of technology to find out more about the possible benefits. The past 12 months has catapulted the use of mobile apps due to the constraints that Covid has forced upon us.
“There’s an app for that”
95% of us have a smartphone in our pockets; it’s become such a regular fixture in providing useful apps for our personal lives that this has quickly become the case in our professional lives as well. As ERP software grew in popularity within merchant businesses the technology evolved to handle processes and promote efficiencies that most merchants now wouldn’t be without.
These are the top 4 benefits of having an ERP system with apps for merchants:
Works both online and offline
Your team will often be in a range of places depending on their role within the business. They might be in the warehouse, at the trade counter or out making deliveries. Enabling them to take the ERP system with them via the app ensures that the information they need or the activities they are processing can be synced with the back-office system with no loss of data or lengthy admin tasks at the end of the day.
Can be used for multiple tasks or designed for roles
These apps can be suitable for a range of people within your business. The beauty of modern technology is that it can be reshaped and configured to meet your specific requirements. For example, using a modern ERP system like Intact iQ allows you to have role-tailored dashboards which show you just the information that is relevant to your role. The app can be used in a similar way, making it easier to access the information you need when you’re out on the road or putting away stock in the warehouse.
Improves customer service
Many merchants have become more diverse in their product offerings over the years, and some will hold thousands of lines of stock, which makes it impossible to remember specific details about every single item they hold. Additionally, it enables staff to make enquiries about customers’ orders, invoice and credit status from any location; all of which add to improving customer service levels across the business.
Increases efficiency
Productivity is key to a merchant’s profitability. By taking the app with you wherever you need it you can remove duplication, being able to answer more with less effort and speeding up the response to your colleagues and staff. While it may not seem much, it will probably surprise you just how much time can be lost to this extra admin, and every minute saved contributes to a leaner and more effective operation.
If your current system does not have a native app available, you may be able to get more mobile via a 3rd party application; or simply by liaising with your system providers to provide remote and mobile staff with a live link to the back-office system. Whilst this second option isn’t an app, it will still save time and help to improve customer service. If you’d like to find out more about how apps can benefit your business, please contact our team for a chat.
