It has been quite astonishing how rapidly smart phones and mobile devices have become commonplace. Today’s consumer is always connected; they can browse and shop 24/7 whether at home, or on the move. It’s something you can’t ignore and successful retailers are those who adapt to the new mobile world.

While tablets and in-store wi-fi can enable staff and improve the shopping experience, understanding how and when to adopt new technologies remains challenging. The important thing is not to lose sight of the basics, because it is distribution that’s the bigger issue and warehouse management is key.

Warehouse

Why? With the growth in mobile and online shopping more and more goods are being delivered to the doorstep or being shipped for collection in store. This will only increase. It means customer experience extends way beyond the initial transaction: how you pick and dispatch items and handle returns, and accurately allocate stock, have become significantly more important to your brand.

So warehouse management is crucial, it’s where your stock originates and where orders are picked and dispatched. Customers expect speed and accuracy, so it’s crucial your warehouse team can respond quickly and keep customers informed.

But there’s another reason. In today’s omni-channel retail environment accurate real time management information is essential. You can’t expect 100% stock visibility across your business if the warehouse element is a separate system. Order processing, store replenishments and the agility to move stock and respond to seasonal changes swiftly are already challenging. Disparate systems make it even harder. And then you’ve got seasonal peaks, holiday periods and Christmas too, all piling on the pressure.

With Futura, warehouse integration is just a step away. Seasalt, the Cornish lifestyle retailer and clothing brand, have already gained significant advantages from Futura, including strong inventory control, all round stock visibility and real time management information supporting a store network across the South West, as well as mail order, online, and 350 UK outlets.

Integrating their warehouse system with Futura has been an important element, delivering time savings and greater accuracy, as well as a complete picture of the business. What’s more it has contributed to warehouse productivity gains in the region of 40%. Check out the latest case study here for more information.

Futura Retail offer EPOS and stock management solutions for lifestyle retailers, click here to find out more, or why not follow us for our latest updates on Twitter?