Get Your Retail Technology Ready for Holiday Season
As consumers enjoy summer fun, retailers must gear up for the holiday frenzy. This means setting up networks and technology to handle high shopping demands. Mike Tippets, VP at Hughes Network Systems, emphasizes starting early with key updates.
Revamp Your Technology Stack
Retailers rely on various systems like inventory and loyalty programs. To improve shopping experiences, consider upgrading to the latest tech, such as handheld devices and interactive kiosks. Collaborating with a managed services provider can streamline this process, ensuring your tech is ready for peak times.
Equip Pop-Up Locations Effectively
The holidays often mean pop-up stores with tight deadlines. Planning ahead can ensure these temporary locations offer excellent customer experiences. Decide which tech features to support to smoothly handle holiday traffic.
Train Seasonal Employees Efficiently
Training seasonal staff quickly is vital. Using digital signage for employee training can speed up the process. Giving your IT team ample time to prepare hardware and software is crucial to avoid last-minute errors.
Assess Network Strength and Capacity
Your network is the backbone of operations, supporting mobile commerce and in-store devices. Ensure it can handle bandwidth-heavy apps and transactions. Consider solutions like SD-WAN and 5G to improve reliability and performance.
Boost Network Security
With growing cyber threats, robust network security is crucial. Secure all connected devices and protect POS transactions. Adopt a layered security approach to safeguard against breaches, especially as seasonal activities expand your network's attack surface. Managed security service providers can enhance your security setup, ensuring you're protected during the busy season.
