News in the Channel - issue #12

RETAIL

against disruptions and help to reduce their carbon footprint, but they can also mitigate the strain on the grid, transforming themselves into active participants in the broader energy ecosystem by contributing to grid stability.” This is increasingly important as every point of sale (including printers) needs to be always operational, Henk adds. “Because the grid is getting less stable, it is essential that retailers install an UPS. If a grid failure occurs retailers need back-up power from a UPS to enable shoppers in stores to always have the capability to pay for their goods and leave the shop safely.” Labelling technology Another aspect of technology that retailers are increasingly focusing on concerns labeling. “Retailers are turning to labelling technology to help shore-up cost efficiencies as inflation continues to squeeze margins, and to help provide a first-class customer experience as they compete for subdued demand,” says Simon Brennan, senior end user client manager at Brother UK. “A recent Brother survey found that 38% of retailers admit to making labelling mistakes on products at least once a day, and 74% of retailers are looking to invest in technology to help them enhance their in-store labelling as a result. “Mislabeling items inadvertently thins margins, and risks confrontation between shoppers and staff. Resellers have a key role in providing the right technology to help minimise shop floor errors. Handheld mobile devices allow staff to quickly pick and pack goods in the stock room, as well as label price markdowns in the aisle, which is why they’re in high demand. “Retailers also want to produce banners and signage in-house as it means they won’t need to work with external suppliers for their displays, helping to save time and money. Businesses can react rapidly to promote sales opportunities and keep the design of the store fresh to enhance the customer experience too. We recently launched our first colour inkjet device to support these efforts, which has been designed for retailers looking to create high-quality signage and banners up to 2.7 metres. “Retailers’ quest to boost efficiency and improve the experience on the shop floor will continue to offer new opportunities for resellers to engage with customers.

browse and buy extended collections while still in-store, and even ship purchases home so they don’t have to carry the bags is one way to bring the convenience of online shopping to the high street while solving a real consumer issue. “But whatever is done with technology it should be to move a business forward, not just for the sake of it.” Point of difference Henk Ijspeerd, sales director EMEA strategic segment retail at Vertiv, notes that as retail is a very fast moving market retailers need to do all they can to stand out and differentiate in areas such as quality, price, shopping experience or how consumer or environmentally friendly they are. “The relentless pace of technological advancements – such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and augmented reality – add another layer of opportunity to differentiate but require retailers to be agile and innovative in adopting technologies that enhance the customer experience,” he says. “To take advantage of these, they must create an IT infrastructure that meets the needs of today and tomorrow because it is this foundation that will enable retailers to act fast to implement new systems and applications and speedily standardise them across all stores and warehouses.” Henk adds that the escalating pressure on energy grids is also influencing retailers. “Retailers have the potential to become contributors to grid stability,” he says. “By embracing more sustainable energy practices such as the integration of renewable energy like solar panels and wind turbines, strategic storage of energy in batteries (Battery Energy Storage Solutions; BESS) and use of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions with dynamic grid support features, retailers can not only fortify their own infrastructure

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Because the

grid is getting less stable, it is essential that retailers install an UPS. If a grid failure occurs retailers need back-up power from a UPS to enable shoppers in stores to always have the capability to pay for their goods and leave the shop safely.

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