Business tech snapshot
What is currently the biggest challenge for retail business systems suppliers to the fashion industry and why?
Nortech Australia managing director Graham Meyerowitz
Getting the right solution in front of the customer. Supply chain solutions are often purchased for the wrong reason and management and operations professionals do not have the time or ability to select alternatives.
Syscap Retail Systems managing director Alaister Harris
Evolution and convergence: The rate of technological change has not decreased; the challenge is to determine what to adopt or implement and the strategic timeframe for doing so. Technologies such as broadband communications, 3G/Next-G, and handheld equipment have opened up new possibilities.
SVI Retail sales and marketing manager David Tyc
Few software vendors truly support multi dimensional inventory (covering style, colour, size and fit), imperative for the fashion industry. Most applications "reverse engineer" their single dimensional inventory support and have "patched" screens and reports to appear to show multiple dimensional inventory.
Future Business Systems managing director Mark Silver
Retailers' biggest problem is that as margins shrink and expenses grow, they look to their computer systems to save them money by making them more efficient. A totally integrated system that covers all areas of the organisation is the best solution.
What are some of the ways suppliers are responding to this challenge?
Nortech Australia managing director Graham Meyerowitz
By appearing at trade shows where industry professionals do have time to see the full scope of solutions available.
Syscap Retail Systems managing director Alaister Harris
Equipment manufacturers are developing improved hand-held convergent devices, and application software developers are developing applications to exploit the potential of the new offerings.
SVI Retail sales and marketing manager David Tyc
SVI's entire suite of modules were developed with true multi- dimensional inventory support from their inception.
Future Business Systems managing director Mark Silver
By creating integrated packages that allow the retailer to have
a total solution, provided by one supplier giving them one point of contact in the event of problems.
How have retail business systems changed in the past three to five years?
Nortech Australia managing director Graham Meyerowitz
There has been an increase in internet based technologies. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has arrived and everyone is waiting to see how effective it will be, especially for small and medium sized business.
Syscap Retail Systems managing director Alaister Harris
There has been a dramatic increase in the demand for a higher level of integration by retailers who want their POS systems linked to their general ledger systems. Consequently there has been a significant improvement in the level of integration in the solutions offered.
SVI Retail sales and marketing manager David Tyc
There has been more of a push to utilise the internet wherever possible, mostly through information exchange throughout the entire supply chain. This can vary from simple processes such as emailing rather than faxing supplier orders, through to EFTPOS over the internet.
Future Business Systems managing director Mark Silver
Systems have become more encompassing. Providers have also become more specialised. You no longer see generic retail systems being used in the TCF sector because they don't cater to the specific needs of the industry.
In your view, how will retail businesses evolve into the future?
Nortech Australia managing director Graham Meyerowitz
They will increasingly use websites to purchase and sell. On the purchase side, their supply chain systems will be electronic, while on the sales side, in-store scanners will contain product information, while websites will help sell and display full product ranges.
Syscap Retail Systems managing director Alaister Harris
While e-commerce shopping will continue to grow and settle into its niche, traditional retailing will continue to grow and prosper for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which is the social interaction that it offers.
SVI Retail sales and marketing manager David Tyc
Technology will play a major part in developing and enhancing businesses. The internet, wireless technology, quicker computers and the increasing affordability of these technologies are all positive factors in this evolution.
Future Business Systems managing director Mark Silver
Retailers will grow in order to achieve economies of scale. Most larger retailers will become vertical, not relying on wholesalers but doing their own sourcing. Retailers will increasingly operate integrated web based stores to complement their bricks and mortar outlets.
If any, what are some of the barriers or hurdles in the way of this evolution?
Nortech Australia managing director Graham Meyerowitz
Reluctance to embrace new technologies.
Syscap Retail Systems managing director Alaister Harris
There are no specific barriers or hurdles other than the need to cope with the increasing rate of change; the psychological and financial stresses that rapid change places on the incumbents, and the challenges and opportunities it presents to the upcoming generation.
SVI Retail sales and marketing manager David Tyc
The biggest hurdle is the lack of technical resources within smaller business to maintain and take full advantage of technological breakthroughs.
Future Business Systems managing director Mark Silver
There should be no barriers as the relative cost of systems has come down over the years and the technology is readily available.