What is retail automation for? Automation of the retail trade: methods of implementation. Basic set of equipment for automation

For any volume of goods sold, trade automation is possible - an option for small shop will manage with minimal costs and will greatly increase the convenience of work. There are usually two items in the store. functional responsibilities- a commodity specialist who receives goods and monitors their consumption and timely replenishment, and a cashier who releases goods to customers and accepts payment for them.

Allows you to maintain a database of goods available for sale on a computer, at any time to receive a certificate of the availability of goods, analyze the best-selling nomenclature and plan the next purchases. This is the job of a merchandiser. The seller, on the other hand, may not keep in mind the prices of all goods and, moreover, not look for them in a notebook: it is enough to swipe the scanner in front of the barcode of the goods so that the information, including the price, appears on the computer screen. If you add the simplest bank card reader, it becomes possible to perform cashless payments increasingly preferred by buyers.

Even the automation of a clothing store with its several dozen products will give its results, and if the trade is in stationery or foodstuffs, and the nomenclature has hundreds of positions, it is impossible to keep everything in memory, and confusion should not be allowed.

Minimum equipment composition

Let's consider what the most simplified trade automation can be - an option for a small store. The smallest store is a kiosk or a miniature trading floor, the warehouse is located here, in the back room, and the duties of a commodity manager and a cashier are performed by the same person - often the owner of the store. And no supply departments, remote warehouses, structural units, branches, and other attributes of the expanded trade at the supermarket level. Well, time dictates that even the “U Home” store - the minimum trade format - should be automated.

Automation of accounting in a store can be based on an ordinary computer, far from the most powerful PC or laptop. If the store owner recently replaced his home machine with a more powerful one, the old one will still serve - the store automation system does not require large resources. To the computer without problems (if it works under operating system Windows) connects the simplest set of peripheral devices:

, a small-sized portable device connected to a computer by a USB cable;
fiscal registrar or receipt printer - it depends on what taxation system is adopted in the store;
, necessary if the store must be ready to pay by customers not in cash, but by cards.

If you need to print barcode labels, you can use the same printer as for receipts (inexpensive universal designs available).

Software

For Windows OS, any program of store automation can be chosen, including such minimal automation of trade - an option for a small store. The software is not complicated, it can be debugged without special skills, the peripherals controlled by it are minimal. Since everything is concentrated on a single computer, there is no need to organize a network, and the stability of the programs is high.

The only drawback that such automation has retail- programs for receiving goods and sales cannot work at the same time. You can work either in a cashier program or in a merchandising work environment. However, if one person works in the store, he is the owner, merchandiser and cashier, then he will still go about his business in turn. At first, he will calmly accept the goods, stick labels on it, enter information into the database, that is, work as a commodity manager, and then start working as a cashier, serving customers.

Profitable automation

Not every city requires trade automation to be organized even in small stores: Moscow makes such a requirement. Therefore, most owners of small trading business who need a retail automation system, they try to choose the cheapest office equipment, software, so that they can fulfill the requirements of the authorities without special costs and make their work easier. If in the future it is necessary to expand trade, you can simply separate the functions of a commodity expert and a seller by installing another simple computer and connecting it to the network with the existing one.

Trading networks are actively developing, being presented in various formats. The process is related to information technology... Unable to manually work with wide assortment consisting of thousands of items. And a computer can do it. Small businesses acquire electronic equipment depending on a number of factors. But there is general principles, which are expressed in specific indicators.

Retail trade features

The concept of retail means the sale of services, goods in a small batch, piece by piece. By the way, our previous article has a very related topic. hospitality automation, which also uses information capabilities. Such activities are the function of the respective enterprises, which usually need:

in squares;
in the staff;
in a sufficient quantity of goods in trading floor, in a warehouse.

When making a profit, they apply trade margin for products. Its value is regulated by the state of the market (30, 200%). Prices for some goods and services are set by the state, then the percentage is lower. The purchase is usually confirmed by a check from the cash register.

The check contains the following information.

Business name.
Price.
Amount and rate of value added tax.
The date.
Location, address.

Important! Retail trade has existed since antiquity. First there was an exchange, and then the sale of products and services in the market area became the form. In the history of Russia, this process has been well developed. Merchants were famous for their significant turnover, providing the country with the latest goods.

About automation

Retail automation covers stores ranging from 70 to 350 square meters. The assortment usually does not exceed 6 thousand items. The over-the-counter sales format is usually much less effective than self-service. Reasons - the best access to the product, high speed in the second case.

When planning automation, you should prepare for restructuring and streamlining accounting as a first step. The process will not be limited to the acquisition of computer equipment. The whole system will change. So, just received goods are not immediately placed on the trading floor, but entered into the database. information system... After all, the cost should be reflected in the memory of the cash register, without which the goods cannot be sold.

Stages of transition to information technology

The transition process to new technology includes a number of basic steps.

Costs, equipment

In a small shop up to 180 sq. meters will require automation at a cost of up to $ 17 thousand. The suggested list is as follows.

POS-terminals (Point-of-Sale, point of sale) - electronic devices accepting payment through payment cards. Appliances will make commerce modern. You can take cash registers of domestic production, calculating how many are needed: per 100 sq. meters - about 2 terminals with a scanner, a thermal printer that prints a receipt tape.
Up to 2 computers (not counting the needs of the accounting department), a data storage server is desirable.
Automation of a grocery store is usually not complete without scales. For example, from the principle of self-service, the installation of devices in the packaging and in the department follows.
A label printer will come in handy, marking quick-buy items.
Nothing will work if there are no programs.

Store automation equipment isn't the only need. The costs include:

laying of a local network;
delivery of computers;
installation and configuration software;
training of commodity experts, cashiers, operators and management, supervising the work of the store.

Automation point of sale should be carried out with the assistance and accompaniment of reliable companies, people who do not depend on financial results her work. Otherwise, there is a risk of artificially increasing them.

Note! The final figure of expenses is subject to adjustment with the use of discounts, phased payments.

Reasons for possible failures

Many entrepreneurs make common and common mistakes that make up the list. It is entirely possible to avoid them and automate your store in an almost perfect way.

When selling clothes, it is not necessary to use POS systems, which is more expensive and leaves the company without advantages. Or it is allowed to use a specialized version. For example, “1C: Retail. Clothing and footwear store ". It is preferable to use a PC or POS computer, "1C" and POS peripherals.
Ignoring anti-theft systems. The automation system of any store must provide security. Otherwise, up to 12% of revenue or more is lost. The following methods are used.
- Anti-theft systems.
- Video monitoring.
- Security personnel.
The best solution includes all methods at once. If the complex implementation of the project is impossible, it is necessary to analyze the statistics on thefts. For example, alcohol and clothing are most susceptible to illegal export. To protect them, trade automation includes an option - anti-theft systems. Food is monitored by video surveillance.
Attention! Losses with the use of security are reduced, the recoupment of costs comes in up to 3 months.
Retail store automation does not include bill validation. The price of the detector does not exceed 10,000 rubles, so you should not save.
Do not update systems with innovations. Stores that do not provide an opportunity to pay for purchases by card lose profits. Another case - the food department is not equipped with devices for cutting cheese and sausages.
The automation of the store was unsuccessful, for which a ready-made solution (turnkey) was built incorrectly due to incompatible, poorly connected software. It is difficult to correct such errors in the information system.
Having carried out automation, they do not delve into the process. It is necessary, together with a team of employees, to monitor the correctness of tasks and decision-making.

Conclusion

What will the store look like if it is not automated at all? It is impossible to keep records on paper, to exercise proper control over the process in the absence of such modernization. Although the events are by no means free of charge, it is necessary to acquire equipment, software for it and make settings. Retail store automation accepts solutions with an integrated, multi-faceted approach. Literacy, planning, choosing a partner with whom you should delve into the processes, and timely updating are important.

Retail sale of goods appeared a long time ago, replacing natural exchange. IN modern world it reaches its peak development, acting as the main way of acquiring benefits for the citizen. But without a high-quality system for automating the work of a retail store, the point of release of products simply cannot exist in a competitive environment. Otherwise, the pace of work will inevitably decrease tenfold, the paperwork will increase, and customers simply will not be able to fully cooperate with the seller.

Retail sale features

Sell benefit to a specific target customer is a process that always needs three main factors. The area where the products are sold, employees, use dull duties of the seller, manager, security guard. And most importantly, the product itself, which is located in visual or physical accessibility for the buyer.

This method of market relations is subject to a surcharge depending on the specifics of the product, current conditions, the commercial strategy of the enterprise and other aspects. The margin can fluctuate in gigantic ranges: from some 20% to huge 200-300%.

Also, the very fact of purchasing a good is accompanied by a minimized form of a purchase and sale agreement. Confirmation of the deal public offer- This cashier's check... It contains basic information: date and time, cost, company name, tax deductions in this case, the actual location of the branch. These factors are inherent in all trade automation options for both a small store and a large facility.

About the process itself

The transition to the electronic form of documentation, cooperation with the client, the release of benefits is always a global modernization. It mainly affects objects, the maximum area of which does not exceed 350 square meters. First of all, modernization implies a transition to a self-service system.

It's over efficient model cooperation with the client. A person himself chooses the product he likes, sorts the purchase and makes contact with the cashier only at the moment when he already decides to buy specific items.

The system implies a transition to new form, so you should be ready to purchase modern equipment, as well as to a qualitative change in the entire angle of work. These are new forms of accounting, registration of received products. It is no longer sent straight from the supplier to the trading floor, but for a start it is registered in a virtual system so that later it can be released at the outlet.

Retail Automation: Where to Start

We present three main pillars on which the process rests:

Switching to new equipment required to actually bring the idea to life.

Software. Of course, the technique itself will not work. To organize the entire methodology, you will need high-quality software, which must be purchased separately. This issue also requires a reliable supplier who is ready to offer a solution - "Cleverence". The company sells high-quality equipment and various software for it for the effective functioning and conduct of business.

Staff training in innovations.

Stages of transition to technology

Conventionally, the task can be broken down into several key steps.

Identifying the reasons for modernization. It makes no sense to make this transition based on trends. There are specific reasons and they need to be understood. This is a competitive struggle, an increase in turnover, a reduction in costs, an expansion customer base and increasing the level of customer comfort.

The choice of the methodology for the implementation of the problem. There are many types of hardware and manufacturers as well as software vendors.

Purchase of technical means.

Placement of equipment and re-equipment of premises, if necessary.

Installation of security equipment, surveillance cameras, fire safety.

Employee training.

Types of transition to a new system

There are only two basic techniques. This is a complete or partial variation. In the first case, all areas of the enterprise are undergoing qualitative changes, moving to new regulations and technical equipment. And in the second, only one specific area is affected. For example, a warehouse. Or go to a separate product category.

The choice often depends on the capabilities of the owner, quantitative factor points of sale of products, storage facilities and logistics. Retail automation trading network- this is often a complete transition. But a small shop can partially switch to a new technique gradually, in several stages, moving towards a complete change of regulations.

System capabilities

All the functional features of this step are difficult to describe in a single survey. But speaking superficially, we list the following aspects:

Operational search for products.

Verification of articles.

Usage electronic forms calculation.

Simplified inventory.

The use of bonus and special cards in the calculation.

Product quality control without human intervention.

Using smartphones for work.

The last aspect is very important. Retail store automation with short shelf life is always about responsiveness. Quickly reconciling, managing, getting information and changing products on the shelves is a daunting task. Therefore, integration with mobile gadgets simplifies and speeds up the process.

Expenses

The specifics entirely depend on the volume of purchases, the number of products, the customer base, the areas where the goods are sold. Of course, the more significant the object, the more financial resources need to invest. But you should start from three main cost branches:

Purchase of new equipment.

Costs for commissioning, connection, reconstruction of premises.

Purchase of programs.

System advantages

An increase in the number of customers, an increase in the level of customer convenience.

Optimization of work, performing a larger volume of actions over a period of time.

Getting rid of red tape.

Using analytics tools in your work.

Prompt pricing.

Acceleration of staff work, taking into account a small staff.

Using cashless payments.

Operation of bonus cards.

Accounting that does not require human intervention.

Efficiency and demand analytics.

Automation of supermarkets, large shopping centers Is a great solution to simplify your business. In such enterprises it is impossible to work with clients without technical innovations. And do not forget that based on the 54th Federal Law everyone, without exception, must have an online checkout.

Reasons for failure

The only reason something can go wrong in this event is if the supplier of equipment, software provided a poor-quality product. If the equipment cannot perform its functions, and the software is not properly integrated, then the entire system will not be able to function normally. Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to the choice of a supplier.

Automated retail - a new approach to sales

It should be understood that this decision Is the inevitable future. Sooner or later, but all methods of selling products will move to a similar or even more progressive form. It is easy to understand the huge number of advantages of this technique. Therefore, it is better to jump earlier than to lag behind and catch up.

Basic hardware and software

IN basic set usually involved:

Online checkout.

Cash register blocker.

Special scales for weight products.

Terminal for cashless payments.

Naturally, for all these tools to work, you need the appropriate software.

Trade accounting

The time has passed when this was a huge problem. Especially in the context of a serious amount of goods. How much has arrived at the warehouse, how much has fallen into disrepair, how much is in stock, how much has been sold, and so on. Out-of-the-box solutions for the automation of a retail store can solve the problem of inventory control in the blink of an eye. All commodity items are included in the database at the stage of delivery, and then each change is carefully recorded.

Accounting software

There is a mass ready-made solutions box type. The Cleverens company implements both them and an individual approach. Sometimes it is more profitable and cheaper to choose the first option, and sometimes only taking into account the specifics can ensure the operability of the software.

The main thing to understand is the direct impact of collateral program type on the efficiency of the final operation of all equipment.

Automated registration of price tags

Another aspect that can significantly speed up the work of the point of delivery of products. Considering the fact that in a modern store there can be a huge number of goods, names, each of which contains thousands of items, the registration of price tags by hand is a large expenditure of physical resources. They can be channeled into a more logical and commercially viable channel.

Commodity stocks

In the field of storage and availability, accounting plays no less important role than quality conditions for keeping. As well as the operational fixation of products that go beyond the expiration date or operational period. In order for the seller to always have up-to-date information on the availability of items in the warehouse or on the trading floor, it is worth entering modern forms accounting and exchange of information.

Automated receipt printing

To accomplish this you need a printer. This is one of the basic devices you need on any modern enterprise... Thus, the release of products itself is significantly accelerated, as well as sorting, placement and management. commodity stocks... In addition, in some cases, the check contains a mass additional information, campaign regulations, marketing and advertising information, actually acting as a way of cross-selling.

How to improve the cashier's seat

To automate a store means, first of all, to re-equip the working area of the cash register staff. It is at this point that the main work takes place, reading product signs, changing its state in the server archives. And besides, the weighing of products, if there is such a need. Therefore, printers, fiscal registers, cash registers, barcode scanners, scales and other means are placed exactly here, depending on the needs of the point.

POS system

This is complex solution, which contains a whole set of primary functions. Such technical means will be able to replace a wide variety of devices, significantly reducing not only the time, but also the final cost of each specific device.

The system is being developed on the basis of a fiscal registrar, but significantly expands its capabilities. Thus, when compared to the price of each piece of equipment separately, some of the retail automation functionality is provided to the retailer for free. After all, the price policy of the complex is still less than the cost of a separate set of elements.

Selecting a cash register

It is worth focusing on functionality... Indeed, in various cases, cash machine combines several directions. If there is alcohol and special goods on sale, the system works on the principles of self-service, if integration with scales is implied, accounting for promotions and discounts, payment by points - all these functions must be spelled out in the device's operating regulations.

How to choose a barcode scanner

It is impossible to make a balanced choice without the whole system in the complex. The scanner may not work with certain models. Outdated hardware is not integrated into the overall new system... Therefore, a complex purchase from a specific manufacturer is recommended.

Different prices for goods

Through modern system accounting for one product, you can link different price items. If there is a delivery, region, costs, expiration date and date, the cost can be varied. When registering products, this function is available on modern technical means.

Reservation

This option is related to software capabilities. Automation of retail chain stores often requires product reservations by phone call or personal order. To do this, it is necessary to virtually "postpone" the product in accounting system accounting, assign to certain conditions... But the availability of the function depends on the selected software. Therefore, we recommend an individual approach when choosing programs for work.

Retail profitability

This is another area that will help improve commercial performance firms. A thorough accounting of the sold products will form a detailed report on the most popular items. This way, you can identify products that are in demand by customers and focus on them in the future.

Mutual settlements with counterparties

By law, mistakes in this area are not allowed. Any person who has financial relations with the company, is recognized as a counterparty. An error in calculations can be regarded as a violation of the law, even without intent to deceive. And given the fact that the calculations are carried out in most cases without human intervention, a huge amount of enterprise costs depends on the chosen software. Mistake - threatens with serious fines.

Efficiency for wholesale

Don't assume that retail automation alone matters. The same schemes are applicable to wholesale trade... There is also a customer base, competition. Also, responsiveness has a direct impact on efficiency. And a lot of tasks cannot be solved by human resources, you need a system that independently keeps records, registers transactions. Accordingly, the introduction of new equipment and software will significantly increase the productivity of the wholesaler.

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The store is too small, the assortment is small, there are few buyers, there are few sales personnel, and the budget for automation is quite modest. But it is also important for small retail stores to control and manage business processes. For sales management, it is important to analyze competitors, pricing, marketing. For inventory management, sales are analyzed, stocks are tracked, and an operational order of goods is carried out. Working with clients involves expanding the client base, loyalty programs, and feedback. Also, from the point of view of financial management, it is necessary to control mutual settlements with suppliers, calculate salaries.

The owner of a small store has to carry out operational management independently, including analytics, planning and execution control. Even a small mistake can result in large losses.

The most popular argument against small store automation is expensive. However, if we compare the trade automation option for a small store and financial losses a non-automated enterprise due to the dishonesty of employees, delays in ordering products, unsatisfied customers - the argument about the high cost is refuted.

On average, the automation of a small store pays off within 6 months, and the benefits of optimizing management business processes become obvious immediately, as soon as you start using the accounting system in your operational work.

Trade automation options for a small store:

Packing bulk goods (cheese, sausage, confectionery) before arriving at the counter, while still in stock. To do this, you need to install an electronic scale in the warehouse with the function of printing labels with bar codes. After the goods arrive on the counter, lay it out.
Weigh the goods at the checkout (vegetables, fruits). Then the cashier, using electronic scales without printing labels, weighs the goods, enters the product code. In this case, the cost is calculated automatically.