Create your perfect store with your android device
Create your perfect store with your android device. Electronic point-of-sale systems have been around for quite some time now. In fact, they have almost entirely replaced outdated registers as they offer so much more than just cash management.
Most retailers now make use of some kind of POS system to better oversee their business. EPOS provides transaction management with stock control, reporting, and better visibility of general operations.
Of course, technology has a habit of moving on. Electronic point-of-sale software now offers even more features and capabilities. Integrated services provide endless add-on possibilities for your business. Hardware has become smaller and more portable, yet more powerful than ever.
Android devices have become a valuable set of tools within retail points of sale. They offer useful, customisable options for the point-of-sale setup. This enables retailers to create a system that is unique and tailormade to their own environment.
We take a look Android-based options for retailers, and how you can use them to create your perfect store.
Android Devices
Devices that operate on an Android platform can be beneficial to your retail business, even if you already have an EPOS system. Generally, the most flexible devices for retailers are:
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- Scanners
Each of these devices can offer many different functions, depending on your store’s requirements.
Tablets
Tablets can be used as a portable mini back office. An android touchscreen tablet can be connected to your back office PC, giving you access to all of your main back-office features and providing instant, real-time data anywhere within the store.
This is particularly useful for stores that require instant access to back-office functionality from their shop floor. For example, staff can access pricing and stock information, or create an order for their customer, serving them directly from the product they are looking at. Instant service enables immediate purchasing decisions, reducing lost sales.
This is a great option for stores with large floor space, as it saves a lot of time and legwork for your team. It also offers the customer those same benefits; it’s ideal for shoppers with reduced mobility or those who are simply in a hurry.
For very small businesses, such as kiosks, tablets can even be used as a standalone back office, providing the basic features of a full POS system.
Mobiles
Android smartphones have lots of useful features for busy retailers. There is a multitude of handy apps that you can download, and some are even free of charge. Smartphones have the added benefit of being pocket-sized, so while they may be less powerful than a good tablet, many of these features will benefit you wherever you are in the world. Of course, they also allow you to take phone calls.
Mobile apps
For example, retailers can make use of Android apps that handle:
- Payments
- Loyalty
- Scheduling and planning
- Meetings
- Sales data
- Accounting
- Storage
- Document scanning
- Hygiene management
- Social media marketing
- Shipping and postage
Don’t overlook your mobile when looking for fresh ideas to improve your retail business. Many apps can be linked to, or used alongside your EPOS system for greater visibility and portability.
For example, Retail Solutions’ RS Dash app provides real-time sales data to your mobile, allowing you to instantly react to market changes even if you are not actually on site. This is particularly useful for businesses with multiple site operations, or for those who travel frequently.
Scanners
There are plenty of choices when it comes to Android-based scanners, but they all have the same main function – scan, log, and recall data. So, what do you want your scanners to do? Choose the hardware that best suits your store’s needs, add the app, and go!
Some examples include:
- Stocktaking
- Barcode scanning
- Stock management
- QR code scanning
- Temperatures
- Imaging
- Personal shopper
Every business that sells physical products needs good stock management in place. Android scanners can be a highly portable solution, and a cheaper alternative to traditional scanners. With Android scanners, you might also discover that more than one scanning problem is solved. For example, all your barcode scanning needs could be solved with a single device.
Our verdict
Android-based devices are far more customisable than traditional single-function solutions. Hence they can offer tremendous flexibility when it comes to creating your perfect store.
Make use of android based devices to facilitate the exact ecosystem that your retail space requires.
Flexibility, portability, and reduced costs. What’s not to love?
Got a question? Talk to one of our experts
Who are we?
Retail Solutions is a market-leading EPOS provider with over 25 years of business experience. Our leading sectors are convenience stores, supermarkets, forecourts, and pharmacies.
We are dedicated to providing your store with the most up-to-date and reliable point-of-sale hardware. Our software management tools help you manage your business effectively.
Our self-checkout partners are NCR, which are global leaders in self-checkout technology.
About the author:
Susan McGuire is originally from London, U.K., and has lived in Galway, Ireland, for 15 years. She has been with Retail Solutions for nearly 7 years, and during that time has had roles within the areas of Maintenance, Finance, & Marketing.
You can follow her on LinkedIn!
