Running a retail store is a juggling act — managing customers, stock, staff, and systems all at once. The secret to keeping things smooth? Empowering your team with the right tools. Technology doesn’t just help your store run; it helps your staff work smarter, not harder. With the right IT setup, your team can save time, reduce errors, and spend more energy where it matters: with your customers. Here are the five essential IT tools every retail business should consider to boost staff productivity…
1. Cloud-Based POS System
A modern Point of Sale system does more than ring up sales. It connects your inventory, tracks customer data, and syncs across locations — all in real time.
Benefits for your team:
- Faster transactions and fewer errors.
- Automatic updates — no more manual stock checks.
- Easy access to customer preferences or purchase history.
Pro Tip: Look for systems that integrate with your stock and CRM — and make sure your staff are trained to use it properly (we can help with that!).
2. Inventory Management Software
Manual stock control is a time-sink and prone to errors. Smart inventory systems let your staff check, count, and update stock from a tablet or scanner — often in seconds.
Benefits for your team:
- Quicker, more accurate stocktakes.
- Alerts for low or excess stock.
- Less time in the stockroom, more time on the shop floor.
At Datascan, we work with systems that simplify this for even the busiest stores.
3. Mobile Devices for Staff
Whether it’s a tablet, handheld scanner, or mobile POS, giving your team mobile tools means they can serve customers, check stock, and process sales — from anywhere in the store.
Benefits for your team:
- No need to run back and forth to check stock.
- More flexibility during busy periods.
- Faster queue-busting during peak hours.
We help retailers roll out secure, managed mobile devices with minimal fuss.
4. Password & Access Management Tools
How much time does your team waste dealing with lost passwords or access issues? With a secure password manager or single sign-on system, they can log in faster and more securely.
Benefits for your team:
- No more forgotten logins.
- Controlled access to systems based on roles.
- Less reliance on managers or IT for access resets.
We set up systems that keep things secure and simple — the best of both worlds.
5. Internal Communication Platform
For multi-location stores or busy teams, communication can fall apart quickly. A shared platform like Microsoft Teams or Slack can streamline everything from shift swaps to stock queries.
Benefits for your team:
- Instant updates across the team.
- Easy sharing of checklists, policies, or alerts.
- Reduces confusion and missed messages.
Datascan can help you implement a communication platform tailored to your team’s size and style.
Your staff are your greatest asset — and the right IT tools make it easier for them to deliver excellent service, stay productive, and actually enjoy their work.
At Datascan, we specialise in helping retail businesses choose, install, and support the tech that makes everyday work easier. From POS systems to mobile devices and team training, we’ve got you covered.
