Advantages of Investing Self-checkout Counters for the Retail Business in Singapore

This article is taken from a press release news from the Straits Times. Learn more how beneficial self-checkout counters are for the retail business in Singapore.

It is not just supermarket chains and fast food outlets – even mini-marts are starting to adopt self-checkout machines in Singapore’s push for retail productivity. In fact, the main reason why retail businesses in Singapore are adapting to this technology is the inventory management system, making their inventory monitoring easy and more accurate.

 

In South Buona Vista Road, mini-mart Food-Joy is one of the first few mini-marts to adopt the machines.

 

The company invested in its first self-checkout counter in January last year, with the support of Spring Singapore’s capability development grant. After two months, it decided to buy a second machine, which cost more than $50,000 each.

 

With the self-checkout counters, queuing time was reduced from about three minutes to one minute per customer, increasing the number of sales transactions per day by about 15 per cent, said general manager S. Janakiraman during a learning journey on Friday (April 21) for micro-retailers and attended by Minister for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran.

 

Since then, the mini-mart has seen up to 20 per cent increase in revenue last year compared to 2015, added Mr Janakiraman, who has been working at Food-Joy for eight years.

 

The self-checkout counters have also reduced the number of manned cashiers by half. As a result, employees are freed up to take on new roles such as stock-taking and merchandising, said director of Food-Joy, Mr Tay Eng Khiam.

 

While cash counting previously took employees 20 minutes at the end of each day, the process now takes about two minutes.

 

However, the store still needs at least one regular cashier counter, manned by an employee, for the sale of controlled items such as alcohol and cigarettes, said Mr Janakiraman.

 

During the learning journey, Mr Iswaran said more small and micro-retailers should embrace the use of technology to enhance their growth and competitiveness.

 

“The retail industry is changing fast,” said the minister.

 

“Scale should not be a barrier as small businesses can collaborate with associations and industry partners to acheive the desired outcome.”

 

So, if your business is not thriving and is still in the traditional system, why not consider shifting and adapting to the technology and take advantage of the self-service checkout machines to help you especially with its  inventory management system.

 

source http://businessachiever.net/2018/08/01/advantages-of-investing-self-checkout-counters-for-the-retail-business-in-singapore/

Reasons Why a Warehouse Inventory Management is Ideal

While you may think that warehouse inventory management is simply the practice of arranging your inventory so that it can be found quickly, there is more to it than that. Good warehouse organization is not only about putting everything in its place, it’s about maximizing productivity while saving time and money to increase inventory accuracy.

Some practices like labeling are intuitive and can be done without the use of software. Others like barcodes, scanners, RFID systems, automatic identification and wireless LANs are all part of warehouse and inventory management systems that focus on monitoring the flow of products and enhancing accuracy with software.

Today, I’ve gathered some helpful tips on a better warehouse inventory management and improve a warehouse’s performance that can be applied to any warehouse operation, with or without software.

 

Good warehouse inventory management starts with upkeep

 

Inspect your operation regularly and review your warehouse’s organization – just because it was well-organized when you initially started, doesn’t mean that it meets your current standards.

 

You’ll want to look for things like: is the stock located in a way that it allows your crew to easily and a safely access it? Are the fasting moving SKUs located at between waist and shoulder height so that they be quickly retrieved? Is there a designated area for damaged items, and are the damaged items being dealt with daily? Without regular upkeep, a well-organized warehouse can quickly become disorganized and difficult to navigate which can slow your pickers down and lead to safety hazards. Rather than waiting for operations to slow down before you decide to reorganize, have a daily checklist for the manager, and hold him or her responsible for the upkeep of the warehouse. Click here to learn more about warehouse optimization.

 

Know your high sellers

 

By placing your high volume items closer to the shipping area and making sure they are easily accessible, you’ll eliminate a lot of unnecessary labor time, and your employees will think you are super considerate. Win-win! Obviously, this should only apply to your proven top sellers to avoid unnecessary physical inventory re-allocation.

 

 

Utilize cycle counts

 

wait until the annual physical inventory count comes to perform regular inventory control audits.   Perform cycle counts and analyze their discrepancies to perfect the time it should take you to go through all locations. For those of you who don’t know, cycle counting is a type of perpetual inventory counting that takes places in waves over time. Only small subsets of inventory are counted during each wave. It’s good to have cycle counts go through all locations every quarter so that you have a more accurate back-office system. Check out our article on improving your cycle count procedure if this sounds daunting to you!

 

 

Minimize unauthorized traffic

 

Do you ever notice someone walking around your warehouse and think, who is this guy? A new hire? A lost pizza delivery kid looking for your shipping office? Someone from customer service picking something they shouldn’t? Eliminate the risk of having unauthorized people walking around the place where your inventory is stashed.  Give your employees some kind of an identifier (like special t-shirts) that can distinguish those working in the warehouse and those that shouldn’t.

 

 

Make room for receiving

 

A lot of inventory errors can happen at receiving if your warehouse inventory management personnel don’t have enough space to work.  Avoid giving them a small office at the end of the room. Eliminating receiving errors will relieve you from all kinds of ugly issues later in the selling cycle, like losing time, money, and credibility.

 

 

Implement quality control

 

Avoid having to fix your mistakes after the fact by double checking your orders. This is called quality control and adds another layer of responsibility.  The process usually involves checking a picked item against an order to make sure it’s the correct SKU and quantity. This is also the time for QC to check the item for damage to make sure that it is being shipped in it’s advertised condition and that the customer receiving it will be happy. Get one of your veterans to do this and save your business a lot of money.

 

source http://businessachiever.net/2018/08/01/reasons-why-a-warehouse-inventory-management-is-ideal/

Significance of POS for any Business in Indonesia

“Is it necessary to get a program kasir toko?” This is a very common question that is asked by a lot of planning to get started on or improve a company in Indonesia. The majority are in the opinion it is an additional expense that’s not really necessary. The easy thinking is that if the conventional cash till or cash register worked why adopt a far more expensive want to perform the same function. Simple truth is that Point of Sales (POS) is more than your ordinary cash register or cash till and includes a variety of benefits including the following:

1. Improved Financial Recording

 

One of the biggest challenges to businesses in Indonesia is keeping accurate financial records. Normally, they’re going to depend on people to record transactions, handle cash, give change, and in addition get money. Unfortunately, we make mistakes and will in most cases overcharge or undercharge a customer, or are not able to keep accurate records, or use wrong coding, which can lead to losing a customer or job as a result of feeling cheated. This can lead to the business losing its revenue (profit), or perhaps the business lacking its credibility. A POS machine eliminates all these issues ultimately causing financial accuracy.

 

2. Better Accountability

 

Monitoring transactions and staff happens to be an uphill job for companies. Firstly, a small business may fight to adequately compensate/pay its staff. Secondly, accurately monitoring the activities is actually difficult due to limited resources. This creates loopholes where unscrupulous staff may use the business. Also, knowing which member of staff performed a certain activity is also challenging. Electronic POS (EPOS) systems help businesses track all activities in tangible-time. As well as improving accountability in addition, it improves transparency.

 

3. Improved Speed

 

Many customers in addition to business proprietors complain of a process taking too long. Rise caused by slow workers relying on cash tills, cash registers, or electronic calculators to do the part. This becomes even more complicated every time a customer would like to pay using debit cards, credit card or some other way of online payment. Having less experience and lots of transactions not only decreases the task but could also cause many errors. Using a pos machine is the best way to handle drawbacks. It integrates several systems thus improving the velocity.

 

4. Enhancing Efficiency

 

The goal of any business owner Indonesia is to maximize revenue or profits and minimize loses or expenses. And the only way that is achievable is applying systems which are highly-efficient. An excellent system should capture all the vital data quickly, appraise the transactions, and in addition store the information. This ensures the client spends minimal time in the queue and feels satisfied. A real customer is more prone to keep coming back compared to another who had been kept waiting on the queue for a long time. That is why it is best that you should choose to purchase a program kasir toko.

 

5. Better Stock Management

Modern POS systems include a range of features. The most essential is stock management allowing business persons keep an eye on their inventory. A fantastic system will maintain accurate record in the stock at hand thus reducing the possibility of running out of stock. It’ll alert or remind the dog owner to restock when the re-order level may be reached. The procedure occurs in actual-some time to can be interacted along with other systems .It could also be used to evaluate which stocks moves fast and the volume of dead stock.

 

6. Improved Reporting

 

A POS machine not only monitors business performance and also provides reports and records of the. Someone who should verify transactions or business performance for any given period only needs to undergo the stored reports. Such data helps someone know which areas are accomplishing well and which departments are falling behind. It will help a company think of better methods to improve the overall business. Common corrective measures include giving discounts on slow-moving products, using promotions and advertisements, end of the season sales and even more.

 

The above are several reasons why any company should adopt POS Indonesia. It helps the firm improve financial accuracy, accountability, transaction speed, efficiency, and stock management. Furthermore, installing a good program kasir toko also boosts productivity and profitability.

 

source http://businessachiever.net/2018/07/29/significance-of-pos-for-any-business-in-indonesia/

Reasons You Require the Best POS to Your Retail Business

Everybody knows how tons of competition can be in Singapore’s bustling city and commercial hubs. Retail corporations are all attempting to inch in front of one another while they continue to sprout throughout the city during the entire economic boom of the country as well as continuously flourishing sectors. It’s thus important to arm your personal business with state-of-the-art equipment, part being an amazing point of sales Indonesia  (Point of Sales) system.

 

Preparedness for Growth and Competition

 

As new shops are set up, fresh local brands and popular franchises from abroad are popping up, and commerce and trade continue to thrive, you should also keep your own growth and advancement.

 

Are you certain you are well-ready for the influx of shoppers? Are you currently equipped to move forward and expand if necessary? Are you able to handle your growing inventory whilst still being manage efficient day-to-day operations? These some of the questions you may need to expect to answer— away from the future, these days.

 

Why and How the Top POS Can Assist You

 

Which has a high-tech POS system, it is possible to regularly update your inventory, manage and monitor your profits, transform your CRM, are available upright with comprehensive reports. This way, you may be in addition to your game… along with your competitors.

 

With all the best point of sales Indonesia industry has to offer, it will surely improve your management, transform your services, permit you to better cater to your customers’ needs, and supercharge your profits too within the long haul.

 

Specifically, listed here are the spectacular items that an outstanding POS system like that from Edgeworks Solutions are capable of doing for the business:

 

• Sales Supervision

 

By way of a brilliant retail POS system, you’ll be able to accurately capture the genuine time sales of every store you might have, view and compare the sales across multiple outlets, and even mention which are the popular categories and items that you have. Similarly info can assist you identify which stores or products ought to be promoted more and is incorporated into your discount offers and promos.

 

Furthermore, sales supervision through a good retail POS may also let you manage and schedule any orders and deliveries. It may be easier at the same time to integrate your ongoing promotions and discounts and apply them immediately to stop errors in sales reports. You can even view how they’re doing with an exact moment.

 

• Inventory Management

 

Every good business needs efficient inventory management. Since your business grows, you can only do so much in your humane abilities. But with aid from a reliable machine, stick to enjoy optimum inventory levels across your various branches while even getting quick stock alerts. These alerts help in what you if your particular method is already reduced stock or maybe if there are stock transfers within stores.

 

Using a well-organized inventory, make no mistake – of keeping the supplies intact, not running in short supply of your products along with other needs, avoiding theft and misplacements, and boosting productivity and operations.

 

• Customer Relationship Administration

 

Naturally, one of many most crucial areas of running any retail company is maintain good customer relationships. What if you’re not able to keep an eye on your customers’ submitted data? Then you won’t be able to make sure they know if you have an ongoing promo. Or what if you want to enhance your sales through upselling? Knowing your customers’ shopping history will certainly aid you in this regard.

 

With Edgeworks Solutions’ topnotch retail POS, you will not only maintain customer records efficiently but you can see these across multiple stores too. Moreover, the POS allows you for you too to research customer history and also recognize your top and frequent buyers.

 

• Comprehensive Reports Generation

 

In every single business, generating comprehensive reports is crucial because they documents will be the hardcore proof what are you doing in your operations and profits. Without thorough and accurate data, it will likely be difficult to tell if you’re really making profit or if your business is going to go down the drain.

 

Such reports can give you help with making important decisions like which store to spotlight in your promotions. You can also access them easily via the Internet no matter where you might be! Moreover, mobile monitoring of your respective KPI is now possible too.

 

These major benefits of an topnotch retail POS system are surely must-haves to your business if you would like not merely survive from the jungles of Singapore’s shopping districts and commercial centers, but actually help it become big. So definitely obtain a great retail POS that specifically matches the needs you have, provides the above-mentioned advantages, and turn into tailor-fit match your operations well and make you profit.

source http://businessachiever.net/2018/07/29/reasons-you-require-the-best-pos-to-your-retail-business/

5 Effective Ways to Communicate Better with Your Employees

While there are a lot of factors that contribute to employee satisfaction, good communication practices in the workplace often ranks high on the list. Organizations that have good communication practices are observed to have more productive employees and better profitability because of high retention rates and better employee satisfaction.

 

Undoubtedly, the benefits good workplace communication provides are numerous. That’s the reason many organizations encourage managers to hone their communication skills so they can lead by example.

 

If you are a manager looking for effective ways to communicate better with people in your organization, below are good starting points:

 

1.    Keep it personal

 

Nowadays, tweets, e-mails, and texts have been used increasingly in office communications. While undoubtedly fast and efficient, using them has one major downside—they are impersonal.

 

That being said, if managers want to enhance workplace communication significantly, they need to make sure they interact with their employees on a personal level. In other words, they need to interact face-to-face. When managers exert time and effort to interact with their employees on a more personal level, it helps them feel valued, appreciated, and heard.

 

2. Share corporate objectives openly

 

Managers who share corporate goals and objectives openly will not only help employees see the bigger picture, they can also help the company move forward with more ease.

 

Knowing the work they are doing can make a difference also helps employees feel like they matter and that they are helping the company achieve its collective goals and objectives.

 

3. Get rid of barriers

 

Typically, there’s this invisible wall that exists between management and employees. Managers should be willing to break down said wall especially if it already gets in the way of good communication.

 

One way to break the barrier would be for managers to step out of their offices every now and then and interact with their employees. Employees need to see their managers as approachable—someone they can comfortably approach whenever they have ideas, concerns, and feedbacks.

 

4. Take action

 

When you ask for employee suggestions and feedbacks but don’t take action, it’s synonymous to telling them their suggestions, feedbacks, and ideas don’t really matter. Indirectly, you are shutting down communication even if you are not aware of it.

 

At all times, don’t make employees feel like what they have to say does not matter. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of alienating them and dramatically driving productivity, morale, and job satisfaction down. Alternatively, when employees see that their suggestions and ideas are acted upon, they’ll be encouraged to contribute more and perform better.

 

5. Encourage employees to give honest feedback

 

Employees love working in an environment where their opinions, feedback, and ideas are valued. If they are encouraged to give feedback (including negative ones if there are any) without it being taken against them would be a powerful communication tool for managers.

 

That’s the reason employee surveys are very effective. They allow employees to give their feedbacks anonymously. However, soliciting suggestions, ideas, and comments face-to-face is always a better option so you can dig deeper when the need calls for it.
Good communication will require time, effort, and patience. It is also important to keep in mind that you won’t become a good communicator overnight. However, as long as you are willing to put in the work, the benefits you will receive will make all the hard work you put in worthwhile.

source http://businessachiever.net/2018/02/28/5-effective-ways-to-communicate-better-with-your-employees/

Keeping the Love Alive: How to Communicate with Your Partner Better

No matter how long you have been together, your relationship can still suffer if you don’t know how to communicate properly. In other words, if you don’t exert effort to improve your communication skills, your partner can end up firing back insults, retreating from the situation, or even emotionally detaching themselves from you.

 

Make no mistake about it. Communicating properly with your significant other can be challenging. However, while difficult, it can be done. Be on the same page with your partner by keeping in mind the following tips:

 

Remember that your partner cannot read your mind. Unless your significant other has the ability to read minds, you can’t assume they will know exactly what you are trying to convey. Even if there are instances where you feel like you are very obvious about how you think or feel, your partner can still be totally clueless unless you verbalize it clearly.

 

Rather than becoming upset about your partner’s inability to understand your message, work instead on ensuring you are able to articulate your thoughts in the clearest way possible.

 

Discuss issues and concerns in person. When dealing with relationship issues, consider it ideal to discuss things in person rather than over the phone or through text. Sure, texting is less uncomfortable but it’s easy to get misunderstood when the other party can’t hear the tone of your voice or see your facial expressions.

 

Speak your truth. What good is your relationship if you are constantly walking on eggshells and unable to say how you truly feel? If you want your relationship to prosper, you need to be straightforward and honest.

 

Understandably, there are things that are difficult to deliver and hard for the other person to hear but honesty is crucial if you want a loving and healthy relationship. Whether it’s telling your significant other you are not ready to take the next step yet or opening about the things you want in the relationship, honesty is always the best policy.

 

Practice active listening. There’s hearing and then there’s active listening. The latter is deemed more ideal since it can help you understand the other party instead of just merely hearing what they are saying.

 

Active listening requires giving the other person your undivided attention, establishing and maintaining eye contact, and asking questions to ensure you are both on the same page.  So, yes, checking messages on your phone while your boyfriend is talking is NOT active listening.

 

Use the sandwich method. When you have to deliver something that can be difficult for the other person to hear, using the sandwich method can be your best recourse. Basically, the sandwich method involves delivering the difficult information in between two positive statements.

 

The sandwich method can look something like this: “Listen, babe. You make me so happy and I love you so much but I’m really having a hard time with you constantly away. I always love spending quality time with you.”

 

Use “I” statements. When you are having a misunderstanding with your significant other, using “I” statements would be ideal. In other words, rather than using “you,” appear less offensive by using statements starting with “I” instead.

 

For instance, rather than saying, “You never help with the house chores,” say “I feel upset when you don’t help with the chores.” It is not only more polite, it is also less accusatory.

 

Be mindful of your body language. When you communicate with your partner, keep your body language in check. Remember that communication is not limited to the things you say alone. It also involves your actions.

 

For instance, even if you say you are willing to meet halfway or that you understand where your partner is coming from, they will surely doubt you when you cross your arms or roll your eyes. Bottom line, always make sure your body language matches what you say.

 

 

source http://businessachiever.net/2018/02/04/keeping-the-love-alive-how-to-communicate-with-your-partner-better/