Retail automation can fix many challenges that retail business owners face, including order fulfillment and data handling. Beyond addressing challenges, retail automation also enables businesses to foster growth. Retail business owners should evaluate and choose the right automation solutions based on their support, efficiency, scalability and more capabilities.

What is Retail Automation?

Retail automation is the business practice of utilizing technology to streamline and automate repetitive tasks in retail operations, including inventory management, order processing, customer service and marketing tasks. Retail automation focuses on unifying systems through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). 

Types of Retail Automation

Retailers utilize retail automation in various ways. The following are a few techniques that streamline retail operations.

Self-Checkout Kiosks

Self-checkout kiosks can reduce labor costs because automated registers can complete transactions in place of human employees. They also eliminate human error, ensuring that items are not missed or incorrectly charged to customers. 

Robotic Inventory 

Robotics can be utilized in warehouses for inventory management. Robots catalog products and organize them in facilities, leading to more innovative packaging and safer warehouse conditions. 

Smart Shelves and IoT Sensors

Smart shelves and IoT sensors track when products are purchased, allowing retailers to restock items for future sales. They also monitor theft and improve retail operations by suggesting innovative solutions to common problems.

Unified Platforms

These critical systems collect data from all avenues of retail management, including specific stores, warehouse operations and customer information. Retailers rely on unified platforms to make data accessible for the benefit of the entire team.

Benefits of Retail Automation

Retail automation solves many common issues retail business owners struggle with. 

Increased Efficiency

Retail automation increases operational efficiency by reducing human error. It performs data entry tasks to avoid incorrect cataloging, as well as to improve orders, inventory and billing.

Lower Costs

When efficiency improves and specific tasks are automated, labor costs are reduced and operations are simplified. You will not need as many employees to work shifts, and automated tasks can prevent costly human errors.

Improved Customer Experience

Retail automation also improves customer experience by sending orders faster, providing accurate inventory and streamlining returns. Customers often appreciate when retail interactions are smooth and stress-free. 

Scalability

As your business grows, retail automation can evolve with it. Because operations work efficiently, retailers can handle higher order volumes without needing more manual labor.

How To Find the Right Partner

To achieve the benefits of retail automation, you must find the right partner. Consider the following tips to make an informed decision.

Assess Current Technology

Assess your business’s current technology and research which retail automation system is most compatible with it. You want a new retail automation solution that integrates well with your current system, so determining compatibility is crucial.

Define Automation Goals

Decide what areas you want to improve in your retail business. Some potential concerns are data entry, order processing or inventory accuracy. You can then prioritize partners that offer solutions to these goals.

Look for Scalability

It is important to select a solution that can grow with your business. Searching for new retail automation software while also navigating a changing business can lead to unnecessary stress. The partner must also be adaptable as technology continues to evolve.

Examine Support

The right partner should offer support as you implement the software and as your team adapts to the new system. Consider a prospective partner’s customer service availability. 

Top-Rated Automation Solutions for Retailers

Consider the types and benefits of retail automation while evaluating potential providers.

• ConnectPointz

ConnectPointz is the top automation solution for retailers. It features a unified commerce platform, compatible with retail EDI, API and FTP. The partner helps businesses navigate order receiving, invoicing, order fulfillment, payment processing, bookkeeping and reconciliation. Its automation tactics increase efficiency, enhance customer experiences, streamline orders and provide greater visibility.

The platform syncs with your inventory and provides high scalability as your business grows. ConnectPointz works with both established and new retailers. The primary attribute is its custom white-label portals, which provide administrative and live support. You can manage all e-commerce activity directly from the portal. It also helps you onboard new vendors and gives clients 24/7 access.

• BigCommerce

BigCommerce is another notable retail automation partner offering a flexible and professional e-commerce platform. Its systems handle increased complexity and growth. The partner primarily serves B2B and B2C companies. 

BigCommerce’s unified platform enhances operational efficiency and provides localized customer experiences. The team comprises e-commerce experts who are trained, passionate and provide end-to-end services.

• NCR Voyix

NCR Voyix is a retail automation partner that can serve retail companies and restaurants. Its unified e-commerce platform powers Point-of-Sale (POS), payment and checkout operations. Its team has deep industry experience and offers end-to-end services. Because data can be vulnerable across different channels and devices, NCR Voyix offers various secure protections, including risk management features.

The partner can provide AI-powered insights to boost sales, streamline operations and improve overall transaction speed. Integrated payments, loss prevention and corporate planning are a few other notable attributes of NCR Voyix. Its business services are available on the cloud for easy access.

• Nimble

Nimble is a retail automation partner that aids companies with AI email marketing, engagement and growth. It provides a simple, AI-driven platform with automation techniques. The Nimble Prospector application specifically cultivates client information for future sales. Nimble offers one plan that incorporates all features without additional fees.

The service is primarily for small businesses with features like relationship management, web forms, AI prospecting, workflows and segmentation.

• Klaviyo

Klaviyo is an AI marketing and service company with an AI-first platform. It offers 24/7 services in texting, emailing and other marketing opportunities. You can utilize Klaviyo’s agents for personalized marketing strategies. 

It helps B2C companies grow seamlessly with high-quality integration. The platform unites data, analytics and marketing to ensure this scalability. Klaviyo has offices in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, demonstrating its broad reach.

Roundup of the Top-Rated Automation Solutions

Retail business owners should compare solutions to determine which one best suits their needs.

Methodology

The retail automation partners were chosen based on a comparison of the features they offered and their company reputations. The ranking was selected according to services, scalability, automation tactics and integration capabilities.

Challenges of Retail Automation

Even with a dependable partner, it is essential that your business can overcome the potential challenges of retail automation. Monitor the following areas:

• Initial cost: The initial cost of retail automation is higher than that of other technologies. However, the return on investment (ROI) is incredibly beneficial once the system is integrated.

• Security concerns: Whenever you use data, security concerns inevitably arise. Retail automation leverages information to streamline processes, so incorporating strong cybersecurity measures reduces this risk.

• Maintenance and regulations: You must maintain and update retail automation software as developers release improvements. You must also stay current with new or revised government regulations that are relevant to your workflow. 

Retail Automation Improves Operations

Retail automation is an excellent way to improve your business’s overall operations. Establish a structured evaluation process when deciding which technology to use and which provider to partner with. Start by auditing your current systems and exploring solutions that will benefit your organization, so you can reap the most impactful benefits of retail automation.