With the influx of data your business receives on a daily basis, it’s no surprise that security is always top of mind. After all, 19% of buyers say they’ll stop shopping at a store that has experienced a cyberattack.
Cloud computing is a great option for retail businesses in the midmarket space when it comes to data security. The cloud offers a flexible solution that bolsters endpoint and network defenses, increases efficiency, doesn’t require additional hardware costs and provides anytime access to critical applications — so your business has an always-on presence.
One way that retailers are integrating the cloud into their operations is via cloud-based Point-of-Sale (POS) systems. In addition to saving valuable floor space by getting rid of bulky cash registers, cloud-based POS systems receive automatic updates, so your business is always ready to meet workflow demands. Mobile, retail POS systems also improve the customer experience by providing instant access to shopping resources, inventory data, deals, trends and more.
POS security
In 2018, 31% of retailers adopted cloud-based file sharing and collaboration services to increase productivity and data management. With cloud computing, businesses are able to ensure data encryption and store data off-site with added layers of redundancy to protect sensitive information from calamity.
Plus, cloud-based solutions alleviate business owners from the complicated task of hosting and maintaining an on-site server. Imagine having to search for malware and viruses on your own — no, thanks. Cloud-based technologies place most of the responsibility for security on service providers that already have the expertise and resources needed to keep your data secure. And, with you customers’ credit card information secured in the cloud, not in your system, certain types of viruses are rendered ineffective.
Even though your data will be stored off-site via the cloud, you will have access to it when your system is offline. In the event that your wireless connection or electricity is interrupted, you can still conduct business as usual. Then, when the lights go back on, your data will automatically sync with your system, saving time and preventing costly mistakes that could occur from re-entering the information manually.
Seeing your IT strategy come to life
An ideal POS strategy combines leading technology solutions to ensure your business runs smoothly.
Imagine this: Your customer walks into your store and already has a smartphone in hand. She’s using your store Wi-Fi to research the items she wants to buy. When she’s ready, your employee processes the order from an iPad without the physical barrier of a counter or checkout line. Because your customer was able to find her product and make her purchase quickly and easily, she takes a few more minutes to pick up some extra accessories. Her data is already saved on your system, so all she has to do is confirm her additional purchases.
You’ve now provided a best-in-class experience that will act as the foundation for loyalty and trust from your customer. When your cloud applications and secure POS system work together, you can unlock new small business opportunities and thrive with the best of the big companies. Talk about a successful promotion because of an advanced IT strategy.