By Deryk Powell, Velociti
Like the human body, the modern retailer absolutely relies on a network of interconnected systems for optimal health and performance. From warehouse and fleet to sales floor and consumer, disparate technologies and users must move status, location, pricing, promotional and other data from one point to another.
How would your infrastructure fare at its own checkup?
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Is data flowing smoothly through your system, regardless of environment or traffic? The sales floor, in particular, can suffer from signal interference due to lighting, metal and glass fixtures, escalators, and even crystal in a Bridal Department. And warehouse wireless performance can degrade depending on pallet contents, ceiling heights and new robotics. Surprisingly, though, just adding more access points can worsen the situation through oversaturation and crosstalk. You may need an infrastructure audit to determine the configuration that keeps your information flowing without interference or interruption.
Are your systems breaking where they should be bending? Is your wireless backbone robust enough? Given the rapidly changing data environment — think smartphones, wearables, vehicle telematics, omnichannel, digital signage, and beacons — an infrastructure layout that performed well last year may be too rigid or limited to handle this year and the next. An infrastructure expert can tell you where your network needs more flexibility.
What legacy systems are you still supporting? Is it time to pull the plug? While people can’t do too much to upgrade their genetics, retailers can choose to take a new look at compatibility and interoperability, especially after an acquisition or merger. At some point, what once was tolerable overhead becomes a drag on performance, adaptability, and competitiveness.
What’s causing your stress? Are you constantly patching, restoring, and working around network or device limitations? You need to manage infrastructure projects with the same transparency, rigor and accountability you bring to inventory control and promotional tactics. Don’t wait for “busy season” demands to expose your systems’ weak spots.
Have you had your “shots”? Have you taken measures to secure your data and devices from viruses, Trojan horses, credit card thieves and assorted other modern plagues? The “flu” keeps changing, so your defenses must stay current.
How knowledgeable are you? Do you and your staff understand how to get the most out of your technology investment? Do you know how to interact with consumers’ gear in the store? As retailing relies more on software and devices, infrastructure training is key.
A good technology deployment expert will give your network a head-to-toe evaluation, follow up on any symptoms, and make recommendations for a healthier system.
Isn’t it time to make that appointment? The cost of prevention will be less than waiting for a crisis to occur.
Deryk Powell is President of Velociti. In 1995, as technology-based products were rapidly emerging for enterprise use, Powell recognized a void in the market and developed Velociti’s business model to fill this void by offering professional technology deployment services. In 2005 he was named Chief Operating Officer and in 2013 was named President. Powell is responsible for the overall management of Velociti; however, his focus has always been on strategic growth initiatives and client relationships.
