Small business automation programs briefly. Retail automation - an option for a small store

Trade automation tools are being implemented in seven stores out of ten. This implementation is not always deliberate. Is automating a clothing store different from automating a beer store? How to organize automated accounting in a grocery store? In the article we answer questions and give ready-made solutions.

Store automation

More and more representatives retail decides to automate trading operations. But few retail outlet owners realize how much easier in-store retail automation can make life if you approach it wisely.

If the store is automated simply because “the neighbor” has already set up this process, the work will not be effective.

There are two rules:

it is necessary to approach the process of automation, being aware of the tasks to be solved (and not because “all the stores in the district have abandoned the counter trade, we need to do this too”);

equipment and software package are selected for specific requests.

choose that software, which has flexible settings. The solution from "Business.Ru" suits any type of retail trade precisely because of its extended functionality.

We list the tasks that automation of trade in the store can solve:

theft by staff;

reducing queues at the checkout;

inventory errors and arrears issues;

saving money on a commodity manager (when an individual entrepreneur cannot cope with the purchase of goods on his own);

forecast of demand for goods (based on previous purchase volumes);

increasing the number of goods offered, by opening access to products for customers by organizing boxes with cash desks at the exit from the hall.

Can automation fail to solve some of the problems? Yes, if the difficulties in the store are related to systemic market problems.

For example, in the city where the store is located, closed large plant and over 1,000 people were laid off. The store will have a demand problem that analytics and inventory cannot solve. After all, demand will gradually fall for all positions, since some people will not be able to find a job and will move to another city.

Will automation solve the problem if next to a small grocery store open "Pyaterochka"? Partly yes, because a special cash program connected to the commodity accounting system will help:

• identify the most popular categories to focus on;
• launch a loyalty program and introduce bonus cards (with accumulation of points).

Store automation equipment

How much an entrepreneur will spend on equipment for store automation is one of the main questions of an individual entrepreneur who decided to introduce a barcode reading system at the checkout.

Equipment required for store automation:

Personal Computer or a laptop (from 15 thousand rubles - used);

fiscal registrar (online cash desk) with a fiscal drive (from 15 thousand rubles);

barcode scanner (from 4-7 thousand rubles).

You will also need software (not necessarily all of the following):

software that will keep inventory;

CRM for managing the client base and setting tasks for managers;

cash register program for quick counting of goods at the checkout and management of promotions and bonus programs.

Software costs vary. Free programs do not provide all the necessary functionality. A program for automation “out of the box” with a license can cost from 3.5 thousand rubles (truncated functionality) one-time.

The cost of cloud solutions starts from 300-390 rubles per month. Cloud programs are usually easier and more convenient to use.

Additional equipment for store automation:

scales with label printing (from 40 thousand rubles);

a data collection terminal with a built-in barcode scanner (from 25-35 thousand rubles).

Ready-made store automation solutions

Let's present ready-made solutions for automating retail stores and approximate prices for hardware and software for each of the options.

For convenience, we will divide the store into several zones and tell you what automation solutions are available:

at the checkout;

in a warehouse;

in the trading floor.

In our review, we will show what solution we have for automation:

grocery store;

beer shop;

a small retail outlet or an island in a shopping center;

butcher shop;

clothing store;

online sales, etc.

Grocery store automation

Checkout area

Using a computer, laptop in conjunction with an online cash register and cash register program, a barcode scanner is the first step towards automating trade in a store.

For simple store automation, it is better to choose a fiscal registrar as an online cash register. It is easier to connect it to a PC or laptop (compared to a standalone online cash register)

If a retail store sells alcohol, then it is necessary to install a scanner that can recognize EGAIS codes (2-D scanner). It is also necessary to configure the exchange of EGAIS data with computer program. For example, "Business.Ru" has a special solution for EGAIS and commodity accounting.

The second option is to install an expensive POS system protected from moisture and dust, which is able to work without failures 7 days a week for 24 hours, instead of a computer and a cash register. The POS system already includes a computer, an online cash register, and has ports for connecting additional equipment(keyboard that can be programmed for the needs of a particular store and scanner).

The only downside of a POS system is the price. The lower limit of the cost (a system with a small screen) is 60 thousand rubles.

Whatever type of online cash desk is, using the cash program () you can manage promotions and print the number of bonus points in each check (when implementing the cash program).

In the hall

If you want to reduce the number of staff in the hall thanks to the automation of trade in the store, you can install:

electronic scales that can print barcode labels;

price checker (cost from 35 thousand rubles).

The buyer will not contact the sellers to weigh the goods and clarify the price if the price tag has gone astray.

In the warehouse

Working in a grocery store means receiving goods daily. For prompt acceptance, you can hand over the data collection terminal to the merchandiser or manager.

With the help of a manual terminal, not only acceptance, but also inventory is carried out.

In the warehouse, scales with barcode printing for those goods that are sold by weight will be useful. You can also use the scales in the warehouse to check the weight of the goods brought from the supplier. For example, if a grocery store sells vegetables.

Flower shop automation

There are several reasons for automating the trade of a flower shop:

this is a chain of flower shops, and the owner wants to control the work of sellers;

keep track of how many flowers (the goods quickly deteriorate) are left in order to place an order to the supplier with an accuracy of one piece;

According to Federal Law 54, any flower shop must have an online checkout. We recommend choosing a fiscal registrar that can be connected to a laptop. The second option is Evotor, a smart terminal that is already being sold with a tablet.

Simply print barcodes on a piece of paper so that the seller simply scans when buying desired code scanner. This makes it easier to work, especially during peak hours or March 8th.

Whichever checkout option you choose, you need a cash register program that not only transmits sales data, but also analyzes how much product is left in the store. Moreover, access to Personal Area the owner of the flower shop should have the program, regardless of where he is located - in the office or replaces the seller in another store.

The solution from "Business.Ru" is suitable for flower shops, as it is a cloud service that includes the ability to account for goods and software for an online checkout.

Clothing store automation

Checkout area

The main thing for a clothing store is to have a program that could check the availability of all sizes of a model in a warehouse and in other stores (if it is a network). This should be able to do the accounting program. For example, the size check function is implemented in .

Also a useful “chip” for increasing customer loyalty is a bonus card for a regular customer with the accrual of discount points or the accumulation of discount percentages. Promotions are registered in the program for the cash register. This functionality is in the service.

In addition, the Business.Ru solution will automatically calculate the “contribution” of each seller to the common cause: which of the consultants should be awarded a bonus, and which should not.

clothing store sales floor

A large clothing store has to reprint price tags before sales. Therefore, it is desirable to have a small label printer right on the sales floor.

If there are few consultants on the trading floor, you can install one price checker in a conspicuous place, which will display not only the price of a dress or T-shirt, but also the availability of sizes.

Warehouse or utility room

A printer for the manufacture of price tags and labels will be required in a warehouse or in a company office.

You can automate the acceptance of clothes if you implement a data collection terminal. But it costs from 35 thousand rubles.

Another option is to install another laptop with a barcode scanner connected to it in order to keep inventory records and implement it in the store.

The head of a clothing store will be able to monitor the work of one or several stores through the Business.Ru Retail program, upload purchase figures or give instructions to marketers about promotions and price reductions (if necessary).

CRM, access to which is available for all subscribers, helps to maintain a database of regular customers and counterparties to congratulate them on the holidays, send newsletters and remind them of themselves.

Butcher Shop Automation

Butcher shop checkout

Every Butcher shop must work according to 54-FZ, so the owner of the butcher shop needs to install a cash register. It is better if it is a laptop or a computer with a fiscal registrar. A cash program is installed on the PC, which can:

print checks with information about promotions (this way you can sell goods that are slightly stale on the shelves at a reduced price);

give analytics about the best-selling products;

make discounts for regular customers (incentivizing them to go to this particular store).

Warehouse or utility room

By law, a butcher's shop must have a warehouse or utility room where carcasses are cut. Electronic veterinary certificates are also canceled here (as it is written in the article “How to open a butcher shop”).

Thus, in a warehouse, a computer is a mandatory attribute so that the butcher's shop does not violate the law on electronic veterinary certification.

If this computer is connected to, then you can automate several processes at once:

residue monitoring;

printing of price tags (they quickly get dirty and need to be updated);

document flow with suppliers;

calculation of the performance of each seller.

Beer store automation

Beer shop checkout

It is necessary to install a computer with a fiscal registrar at the checkout to comply with 54-FZ and automated accounting. For a beer store, a 2D barcode scanner is not necessary. According to the law, when selling, it is not required to keep records in the EGAIS of each bottle.

The cash program installed on the computer can:

support discount programs;

automatically disconnect at a time when it is forbidden to trade by regional legislation (so that the store does not violate the law);

give beer sales analytics and related products on separate days or on separate sellers and so on.

In the warehouse

When accepting beer, a mark is made in the EGAIS system, so it is advisable to have a computer with a connected EGAIS in the warehouse. The quantity of beer on the bill of lading must be the same as the actual number of bottles received from the supplier. If the numbers do not match, it is necessary to note the discrepancy in the Unified State Automated Information System directly in the warehouse.

For more effective work beer store and simplify work in EGAIS, we recommend purchasing a barcode scanner for a computer in the warehouse in order to quickly enter all bottles of beer into the program and count them.

Auto Parts Store Automation

Automation at the checkout and when issuing goods

The equipment at the checkout of an auto parts store is similar to what is installed ... in a retail grocery store. This is a computer or laptop, a fiscal registrar and a barcode scanner.

The functionality of the software for an auto parts store is more complex than for a regular store. The computer must have not only a cash register, but also an accounting program (or one that includes both of these functions), integrated with the order processing system in the warehouse.

A barcode scanner is needed not only when working with motor oils (according to the law, their name must be written on the check), but also when working with samples. Typically, only product samples are displayed in the windows of an autogoods store, and a complete order is formed in a warehouse. Therefore, warehouse workers should receive notifications about the assembly of a new order using the program.

In addition, the cash program together with the accounting program can:

show the best-selling goods and those that have already ended (in order to quickly order from the supplier);

print documents for suppliers from a template;

determine the most effective consultants of the month (week, day).

Automation in the trading floor of an auto parts store

On peak days, an auto parts store receives a number of customers that cannot be served by all sales assistants. Therefore, it is ideal if the trading floor has a computer with a database of goods in stock.

Using a computer or terminal, the buyer will be able to view information about the quantity of goods in the warehouse, about its price and, possibly, additional information about components.

This computer can be equipped with a receipt printer to print out the guest bill - in this way, the buyer himself will be able to form an order, which will only be paid at the checkout.

Trade automation: an option for a small store

Is it necessary to automate the work small shop? If the store has less than 50 products (for example, it is a fruit and vegetable store or an island in a shopping center), then it will be enough to install a cash register program on a laptop.

Analytics of the cash program (for example, "Business.Ru") will help:

run shares and bonus system for regular customers;

calculate the best-selling products and those that only occupy the shelves.

The program can also print price tags and generate document templates, for example, for interacting with suppliers.

Store network automation

The solution for automating a chain of stores practically does not differ from programs for a single store. However, there are nuances.

It is important that the program for the store helps:

the owner or manager of the network to control several outlets;

managers to see the remnants of goods in different stores (to solve the problem of a buyer who is looking for an already finished size of clothes or shoes);

conduct promotions or work with discount cards in all stores of the network;

keep uniform prices for goods throughout the network.

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

The owner of a small store has to carry out operational management on his own, including analytics, planning and performance control. Even a small mistake can result in big losses.

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

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

Trade automation options for a small store:

1. Packing bulk goods (cheese, sausage, confectionery) before entering the counter, still in stock. To do this, the warehouse needs to install electronic scales with the function of printing labels with barcodes. After the goods arrive on the counter, lay it out.
2. Weigh the goods at the checkout (vegetables, fruits). Then the cashier with the help electronic scales weighs the goods without printing labels, enters the product code. In this case, the cost is calculated automatically.

The main parameters that you should focus on when choosing the right equipment for automation retail store: the planned traffic, the size of the store and the size of your budget. In this article, we will look at various options a turnkey store automation solution, ranging from a small store with low traffic to a medium-sized store with over 200 customers per day. For each option, the appropriate equipment and approximate prices for the finished solution are proposed.

Automation of a small store in which goods are brought in in their spare time

In this case we are talking about a store with a traffic of no more than 70 customers per day, in which workplace the cashier is combined with the workplace of the merchandiser (i.e. both functions are performed by one person) and new product starts at a time when there are no visitors. In this case, the most convenient combination in our experience is the following combination:

• Cash desk Atol 30F "turnkey" - 20300 rubles;

Atol 30F has a capacity of up to 70 checks per day, width check tape 57 or 44mm, small in size and can support Wi-Fi and 3G. The complete set of the turnkey cash desk includes a fiscal drive for 15 months, registration of the cash desk with the Federal Tax Service, connection to the OFD and an electronic signature.

• 1C: Retail - 4,000 rubles;
• Connecting a cash register to 1C - 1,500 rubles;

In this option, the cash register is connected to a personal computer or laptop. On the same computer, 1C: Retail is installed, which will be used both as a cash register program and as an accounting program.

• 1C: Retail 8. Basic version

  The software is designed to automate stores with a large number of employees. The software is also used as a cash program. You should buy 1C: Retail 8 basic version due to the support of two database distribution modes. There are RIBs for sales points, as well as jobs. The configuration is designed for autonomous and independent operation.

  There is support for data exchange with "Management" and "Company Accounting". It is possible to create entire software systems. At 1C: Retail 8, the basic version, the price is at a fairly attractive level.

  Vendor code: 5066

  3,600.00 ₽ buy
• 

  Vendor code: 5499

  2,300.00 ₽ buy
• Fiscal registrar Atol 30F

  Fiscal registrar without auto-cut and receipt width up to 57 mm. Up to 100 checks/day, mains powered. USB

  Vendor code: 5085

  from 11,300.00 ₽

Total:
= 35 150₽ all store automation.

Solution for a small store where the goods are brought in during sales

This option is more convenient, since you do not need to interrupt sales to launch a new product. In such a store, a separate workplace for a cashier and a place for a merchandiser is organized.
In this case, a set of equipment for store automation is as follows:

• For the cashier's workplace:
• POS computer Atol NFD10 – 23 800₽;

The POS computer is more reliable than a conventional personal computer because designed specifically for trading. In addition, it does not have a fan, which means it will not make noise and become clogged with dust.

• POS monitor Atol sj 1088 – 8 636₽;
• Frontol xPOS program – 6 500 rubles;
• Connecting a cash register to Frontol xPOS – 1,500₽;

As software, we offer the Frontol xPOS program - a budget solution that supports most of the connected equipment, has flexible settings for any customer needs (bonuses, discounts) and has minimal system requirements.

• box office Atol 55F "turnkey") - 32 300 rubles;

Atol 55F has throughput up to 250 checks per day, receipt tape width 57 or 44 mm and auto cut.

• 1D barcode scanner Winson WNL 5000g – 2 350₽;
• 

  Vendor code: 5540

  6,750.00 ₽ buy
• POS monitor ATOL LM10

  The device has optimal display resolution, color depth, brightness and contrast parameters, which will allow the cashier to spend a lot of time at work without harm to health and well-being.

  Vendor code: 5364

  10,428.00 ₽ buy
• 

  POS-computer ATOL NFD10 PRO is a solution for a cash register.

  Vendor code: 5633

  30,020.00 ₽ buy
• Winson WNL-5000g barcode scanner

  The Winson WNL-5000g-USB laser scanner is designed to read one-dimensional barcodes at a speed of 120 scans/s. It is one of the most budget models. Capable of reading high density barcodes (up to 5 mil). Support for Hands-Free mode allows you to use the equipment, freeing the operator's hands (requires the purchase of an optional stand).

  Vendor code: 5499

  2,300.00 ₽ buy
• Fiscal registrar ATOL 55F

  Fiscal registrar with auto-cut and receipt width up to 57 mm. Up to 200 checks/day, mains powered. USB, Ethernet, RS232, DYA.

  Vendor code: 5002

  from 24,600.00 ₽
• For the workplace of a merchandiser: personal computer or laptop +
• 1C: Retail as a product accounting program - 4,000 rubles;
• Installation, configuration and training in working with 1C - 7,000 rubles;

In terms of price / quality ratio, 1C: Retail is the best options commodity accounting system. If necessary, this program can be supplemented for specific needs: change printing forms documents, create reports and processing to download goods from Excel. Retail also allows you to set up the sale of alcoholic beverages both by the piece and in bulk. The program is easy to set up and, unlike other accounting systems, is not overloaded with unnecessary functionality and is easy to learn.

• 1D barcode scanner for assigning barcodes to goods - 2 350₽;

Outcome:
store automation cost = 88 436₽ .

Medium Store Automation

The average number of visitors to such a store is from 200 people. For a store with such a throughput, in order to be more reliable, it is recommended to have 2 jobs for a cashier and 1 for a merchandiser, since in case of any problems with cash register equipment sales will not stop at one checkout.
In this case, the configuration will look like this:

• For 2 jobs of cashiers:
• 2 POS computers Atol NFD10 – 47 600₽;
• 2 POS monitors Atol sj 1088 – 17 272₽;
• 2 cash desks Atol 22F on a turnkey basis - 67,820 rubles;

Atol 22 has a throughput of up to 250 checks per day, a receipt tape width of 80 or 57 mm and an automatic cut.

• 2 Frontol xPOS programs – 13,000 rubles;
• Connecting cash registers to Frontol xPOS – 3,000₽;
• 2 Datalogic Magellan 800i barcode scanners – 22,576₽;

This stationary omnidirectional scanner allows you to simply carry the goods in front of the scanner to add them to the check, increasing the speed of the cashier.

• Datalogic Magellan 800i 2D barcode scanner (EGAIS)

  Vendor code: 5484

  11,281.20 ₽ buy
• Frontol xPOS software

  Frontol xPOS is a professional software designed to automate the cash register at retail enterprises. It is developed on an innovative platform, compatible with different operating systems.

  Vendor code: 5540

  6,750.00 ₽ buy
• POS monitor ATOL LM10

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

Features of retail sales

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

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

Also, the very fact of acquiring a good is accompanied by a minimized form of a contract of sale. Transaction confirmation public offer- This cash receipt. 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 retail automation options for both a small store and a large facility.

About the process

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

This is a more effective model of cooperation with the client. The 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 purchase specific items.

The system involves the transition to new form, so you should be prepared to purchase modern equipment, as well as to qualitatively change the entire perspective of work. These are new forms of accounting, registration of incoming products. It is no longer sent directly from the supplier to the trading floor, but is first registered in a virtual system so that it can then be released at the outlet.

Retail Automation: Getting Started

We present three main pillars on which the process rests:

Transition to new equipment necessary to actually bring the idea to life.

Software. By itself, the technique will not work, of course. To organize the entire methodology, you will need high-quality software, which must be purchased separately. In this matter, a reliable supplier is also needed, ready to offer a solution - Cleverens. The company sells high-quality equipment and various software for it for efficient operation and business.

Training of staff in innovations.

Stages of transition to technology

Conditionally, the task can be divided into several key steps.

Identification of 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 competitive fight, increasing turnover, reducing costs, expanding the customer base and improving the buyer's comfort level.

Choice of methodology for the implementation of the task. There are many types of hardware and manufacturers, as well as software vendors.

Procurement of technical equipment.

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 main methods. This is a full or partial variation. In the first case, all areas of the enterprise's work undergo qualitative changes, switch to new regulations and technical equipment. And in the second - only one specific area is affected. For example, warehouse. Or the transition to a separate category of goods.

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

System Capabilities

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

Operational product search.

Reconciliation of articles.

Usage electronic forms calculation.

Simplified inventory.

Use of bonus and special cards in the calculation.

Product quality control without human intervention.

Use of smartphones for work.

The last aspect is very important. Retail store automation, where products have a short shelf life, always relies on responsiveness. Quick reconciliation, management, getting information and changing products on the shelves is a complex 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 client base, and the areas where the goods are sold. Of course, the larger 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, restructuring of premises.

Buying programs.

System Benefits

Growth in the number of customers, increasing the level of customer convenience.

Optimization of work, performing more actions in a period of time.

Getting rid of red tape.

Using analytics tools at work.

Operational pricing.

Accelerating the work of staff, taking into account the small staff.

Use of cashless payment.

Operation of bonus cards.

Accounting that does not require human intervention.

Analytics of efficiency and demand.

Automation of supermarkets, large shopping centers is a great solution to simplify business. At such enterprises it is impossible to work with clients without technical innovations. And do not forget that based on the 54th federal law An online cash register is a must have for everyone without exception.

Reasons for failure

The only reason something can go wrong in this event is if the supplier of the equipment, software provided defective goods. If the technology cannot perform its functions, and the software is not properly integrated, then the entire system will not be able to function normally. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the choice of supplier.

Automated retail - a new approach to sales

It should be understood that this decision is the inevitable future. Sooner or later, but all ways of selling products will switch 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 go ahead than to fall behind and catch up.

Basic hardware and software

IN basic set usually involved:

Online checkout.

• Checkout blocker.

  Special scales for weight products.

  Terminal for non-cash payment.

Naturally, for the operation of all these tools, you will need the appropriate software.

Trade accounting

Gone are the days when this was a huge problem. Especially in conditions of a serious amount of goods. How much has entered the warehouse, how much has fallen into disrepair, how much is in stock, what part has been sold, and so on. Ready-made solutions for automating a retail store allow you to solve the problem of inventory control in the blink of an eye. All commodity items fall into 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 functionality of the software.

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

Automated pricing

Another aspect that can significantly speed up the work of the product release point. Considering the fact that in modern store there can be a huge number of goods, items, each of which contains thousands of items, the design of price tags manually is a large expenditure of physical resources. They can be directed in a more logical and commercially profitable direction.

Inventory

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

Automated receipt printing

To achieve this goal, you will need a printer. This is one of the basic devices needed in any modern enterprise. Thus, the release of products itself is significantly accelerated, as well as sorting, placement and management. inventory. In addition, in some cases, the check contains a lot of additional information, stock regulations, marketing and advertising information, actually acting as a way of cross-selling.

How to improve the cashier's place

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

POS system

This complete solution, which contains a whole set of primary functions. Such technical means will be able to replace many different 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 the fiscal registrar, but greatly expands its capabilities. Thus, when compared with the price of each equipment separately, some of the functions of retail automation are provided to the seller for free. After all price policy the complex is still less than the cost of a separate set of elements.

Cash register selection

It is worth focusing on functionality. Indeed, in various cases, cash machine combines several areas. If there is alcohol and special goods on sale, the system works according to the principles of self-service, if integration with scales is implied, accounting for promotions and discounts, payment with points - all these functions should be prescribed in the operating rules of the device.

How to choose a barcode scanner

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

Different product prices

By using modern system Accounting for one product, you can bind different price positions. In the presence of 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 refers to software features. Retail automation of a chain of stores often requires the reservation of goods by call or personal order. To do this, it is necessary to virtually “postpone” the product in the accounting system, to fix it under certain conditions. But the availability of the function depends on the selected software. Therefore, we recommend an individual approach when choosing programs for work.

Profitability in retail

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

Mutual settlements with contractors

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

Efficiency for wholesale

Do not assume that only retail automation matters. The same patterns apply to wholesale trade. There is also a client base, competition. Also, efficiency has a direct impact on efficiency. And a lot of tasks cannot be solved by human forces, you will need a system that independently keeps records and registers transactions. Accordingly, the introduction of new equipment and software will significantly increase the productivity of the wholesaler.

Number of impressions: 1623

October 10, 2016

Regardless of the size of the trading enterprise, automation of trade is now quite real - the option for a small store will be inexpensive and at the same time will make the customer service process much faster. In any store, there are necessarily two stages of working with goods: receiving them from suppliers and selling them to customers. Accordingly, a certain employee is assigned to each stage. The merchandiser receives the goods, keeps their records and is responsible for the timely replenishment of stocks, and the cashier serves the customers. The larger the store, the more employees are required to perform these functions.

What can automation of a small store give? First of all, it becomes possible to create a database in the computer, to enter into it all the goods available. And this means that at any time the merchandiser can see information about the availability of goods of each type, analyze the best-selling positions and draw up a schedule for upcoming purchases.

For the seller, a constant problem is to keep in mind the prices for hundreds of all kinds of goods, and now you don’t have to do this, just like looking into a reference book. , on the cash terminal - a scanner, and it is enough to swipe a label with a barcode in front of it, so that the name of the product and its price appear on the terminal display. A very small peripheral device - a magnetic information reader with bank cards– will make it possible to carry out non-cash settlements with buyers: buyers increasingly prefer to pay in this way.

Such an improvement is convenient, even if a clothing store is automated, in which there are only a few dozen items of goods, and when selling food or stationery, when the cashier had to keep hundreds and thousands of item positions in memory, using a computer not only greatly simplifies the work, but also makes impossible mechanical errors.

The smallest set of equipment

So, what could be the simplest trade automation - an option for a small store. Imagine what this smallest store could be like. Even if this is not a kiosk, but a stationary room, its area trading floor is minimal, the warehouse of goods is located here - in the back room or under the counters, the merchandiser and the cashier are one and the same person, most often these positions are taken over by the owner of the outlet.

Naturally, there is no supply department either, structural divisions, branches, itinerant trade and other things that are found in supermarkets do not exist. But it is even possible to automate the U Doma store, which is considered the minimum format in retail.

Automation of accounting in the store requires a computer. But it is not at all necessary to purchase a powerful POS terminal - if the owner of the store has an old PC lying around that has long been replaced with a more powerful one, it is quite possible to make it serve a little more, since the store automation system does not require a lot of memory, processor power and computer speed.

If the computer is running the Windows operating system, even if it is far from the latest model, it is easy to connect the minimum necessary peripheral devices to it:

portable compact barcode scanner connected to a computer with a USB cable - this communication interface is available on any computer technology;

a fiscal registrar or a printer that prints receipts - what is needed depends on which taxation system the outlet operates;

a bank card reader, if it is intended to provide customers with the possibility of cashless payments.

A receipt printer is quite suitable for printing barcode labels - you can choose an inexpensive design that works with different types materials.

Computer programs

Is your old PC running Windows? This means that any store automation program will be able to work for you. This operating system will support even powerful programs with advanced databases and systems for analyzing turnover, the more feasible is the simplest automation of trade - an option for a small store. The software itself is not particularly complex, the composition of peripheral devices is minimal, the system is easy to set up, especially since the computer is the only one, you don’t have to create a network, and everything will work stably.

Sometimes they consider one feature that such retail automation possesses to be a disadvantage - the programs for the merchandiser and for the cashier are not able to function simultaneously. You can either accept and receive goods, or conduct a sale. But if the only universal specialist works in the store, he is the owner, one way or another he will have to do these things one by one. At the stage of receiving goods, he will work as a merchandiser, accept the goods, print labels, enter new information into the database, and then start serving customers, already working as a cashier.

In big cities, they begin to demand that in all outlets, even small ones, trade automation was introduced: Moscow was the first to start making such demands. Unwilling to incur the significant costs that a retail automation system requires, small business owners seek to use the cheapest office equipment, generic software, aiming to comply with legal requirements and at the same time make their work easier. In case of expanding trade, it is also not necessary to buy new equipment: if they are divided, it is enough to install another equally simple computer, and connect it to the network with the first one - this is a simple task.