Few IT professionals have practical experience in implementing IP Telephony solutions because there is both a voice and data component. It is not as simple as loading software on a server, assigning IP addresses and dropping telephones on employee desks. The voice professionals understand PBX and voice technologies and the IT professionals understand LANs and WANs. Implementing an IP Telephony solution requires expertise in both the voice and data world. A complete understanding of the two will ensure success.
As the business community migrates its voice and data systems to IP telephony, it is important to understand what elements need to be considered. An IP telephony implementation is very different than installing a traditional TDM PBX. Consideration must be given to the following when developing the initial project plan:
·Assessment and planning of current voice and data infrastructure
·Network readiness (QOS, capacity, network management, security, IP addressing, etc.).
·Voice and Data Infrastructure preparation (cabling, power, etc.).
·Equipment or data room preparation (back up power, cooling, etc.).
·Integration of applications such as Voice mail, ACD or branch office solutions.
·Validation of System design.
·New goals and expectations from affected departments.
·Organization readiness (aptitude and training of voice, data and user groups).
·Risk Assessment.
·Sign Off of the Project Plan by all team members
Now that the project plan outline is developed, take the following items into account to ensure project success:
·Ensure the Project timeline is realistic.
·It is imperative that the voice people talk to and understand the data people.
·Order any Telco services well in advance of assumed time frames.
·IP Telephony will require more planning than you expect.
·Have regular POTS circuits in place for back up.
·Ensure the IP Telephony PBX or Server supports POTS analog circuits or telephones.
·Treat station reviews as an important task.
·All PC's connected to IP Telephone sets must have all the latest patches loaded.
·IP Telephone sets require power to operate. What's your power continuance plan?
·Simplify your LAN architecture.
·Communication is key to users and department leaders.
·Minimize the number of vendors in your architecture.
·Identify any potential hidden and often overlooked costs of implementation.
·Don't underestimate the importance of network management.
·Prepare and draw out all call flows including the call center and voice mail back door.
·Analyze voice traffic and understand trunking traffic studies.
·Don't upgrade your data network at the same time of IP PBX cut-over.
·Make sure all software is compatible.
·It is useful to develop a multi-phase plan.
·Watch out for alarm circuits, HVAC and fire safety equipment circuits.
·Elevator telephones, Overhead Paging?
·Test, test, test.
·Any 911 issues?
·Address any additional network security concerns.
·Ensure all users are properly trained.
·Develop a post cutover action plan.
·Do not try to save money on the installation.
This is by no means a comprehensive plan as every project is unique, but I hope that you may have found some items to consider that maybe would have been overlooked.
John Leonardelli
Monday, March 8, 2010
Eight important factors to consider when getting VOIP for Your Home
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is becoming the alternative to the high cost of local telephone service. The primary advantage is the savings on local and long-distance calls. There are also savings for all the extra features that are included in the basic VoIP service. Traditional telephone companies charge extra for things like call display, voice mail and call forwarding. Many VOIP providers offer these features at little or no cost.
With this new technology there are eight important factors to consider before you take the plunge and get a VOIP service.
1) You need a High Speed Internet Connection
In order to use VoIP, you need to have a high-speed Internet connection, such as DSL or cable. If you do not have this then your costs to have VOIP will be higher.
2) Power Outages
VoIP is dependant on commercial AC power from your local utility. Your standard telephone runs on phantom power that is provided over the line from the telephone central office. Even if your AC power goes out, your standard telephone still works. The VOIP gateway, ATA equipment and high-speed Internet modem requires AC power. During a power failure if you do not have a UPS or back up power system, you will not be able to make or receive telephone calls. This could be a problem if you need to call 911. These is why some people use Voice over IP for long distance calling only and keep their existing telephone number with their standard telephone service.
3) Emergency 911
The 911 systems do not know what you physical address is because of the SIP addressing scheme. With SIP there is no way to associate a geographic location with an IP address, so calling 911 in an emergency can be a serious problem. You could be in Vancouver using a Toronto number and the 911 dispatchers would not know that. Most VOIP service providers have a work around that has you call into their 911 center where they can find out where you are and then dispatch the local emergency services to you. This could cause a delay in getting emergency services to you quickly. The standard telephone service uses a North American Number Plan and the local service provider knows your address based on the number called that's in their database. Keep this in mind when deciding to cancel your standard telephone service. Ask your provider how they are handling 911 emergency calls; your life may depend on it.
4) You may still need your standard telephone line
Satellite TV subscription services and home security systems all use a standard phone line to communicate. There is currently no way to integrate these products with VoIP. Consider your requirements if you are planning to discontinue your local standard telephone service.
5) Local Telephone White Page Listings
VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance or local white page listings.
6) Reliability
Because VoIP uses a high-speed Internet connection, it is susceptible to all the problems normally associated with home broadband services. All of these factors will affect call quality: Latency, Jitter, noise, and Packet loss. Telephone conversations can become distorted, garbled or lost because of these transmission errors. It is important to have a High Quality connection from a reputable internet service provider.
7) Security
Like many Internet based programs, VoIP is susceptible to worms, viruses and hacking. Make sure you use anti-virus and firewall security software.
8) Extensions
The standard telephone service is analog. It uses 2 wires to transmit and receive the telephone call. You local telephone company may have already outfitted your residence with extension jacks throughout the house. With VOIP, the main connection point becomes where your High Speed Internet modem is located. You may not have cabling connections at that location to the rest of the house. The solution is to have an electrician assist you in cabling the extensions or using a cordless telephone.
With this new technology there are eight important factors to consider before you take the plunge and get a VOIP service.
1) You need a High Speed Internet Connection
In order to use VoIP, you need to have a high-speed Internet connection, such as DSL or cable. If you do not have this then your costs to have VOIP will be higher.
2) Power Outages
VoIP is dependant on commercial AC power from your local utility. Your standard telephone runs on phantom power that is provided over the line from the telephone central office. Even if your AC power goes out, your standard telephone still works. The VOIP gateway, ATA equipment and high-speed Internet modem requires AC power. During a power failure if you do not have a UPS or back up power system, you will not be able to make or receive telephone calls. This could be a problem if you need to call 911. These is why some people use Voice over IP for long distance calling only and keep their existing telephone number with their standard telephone service.
3) Emergency 911
The 911 systems do not know what you physical address is because of the SIP addressing scheme. With SIP there is no way to associate a geographic location with an IP address, so calling 911 in an emergency can be a serious problem. You could be in Vancouver using a Toronto number and the 911 dispatchers would not know that. Most VOIP service providers have a work around that has you call into their 911 center where they can find out where you are and then dispatch the local emergency services to you. This could cause a delay in getting emergency services to you quickly. The standard telephone service uses a North American Number Plan and the local service provider knows your address based on the number called that's in their database. Keep this in mind when deciding to cancel your standard telephone service. Ask your provider how they are handling 911 emergency calls; your life may depend on it.
4) You may still need your standard telephone line
Satellite TV subscription services and home security systems all use a standard phone line to communicate. There is currently no way to integrate these products with VoIP. Consider your requirements if you are planning to discontinue your local standard telephone service.
5) Local Telephone White Page Listings
VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance or local white page listings.
6) Reliability
Because VoIP uses a high-speed Internet connection, it is susceptible to all the problems normally associated with home broadband services. All of these factors will affect call quality: Latency, Jitter, noise, and Packet loss. Telephone conversations can become distorted, garbled or lost because of these transmission errors. It is important to have a High Quality connection from a reputable internet service provider.
7) Security
Like many Internet based programs, VoIP is susceptible to worms, viruses and hacking. Make sure you use anti-virus and firewall security software.
8) Extensions
The standard telephone service is analog. It uses 2 wires to transmit and receive the telephone call. You local telephone company may have already outfitted your residence with extension jacks throughout the house. With VOIP, the main connection point becomes where your High Speed Internet modem is located. You may not have cabling connections at that location to the rest of the house. The solution is to have an electrician assist you in cabling the extensions or using a cordless telephone.
The Benefits of Wireless Internet Access in a Handheld Device
Handheld devices with wireless Internet access have become very popular for business travelers. Cell phones, and WiFi enabled personal digital assistants (PDAs) make it easy to surf the Web and check email while you're away from your office. The rapid growth of WiFi hotspots and wireless internet access at hotels, airports and coffee shops is making it easier to be connected to the Internet.
Internet enabled handheld devices have seven advantages over Laptop PCs:
Lighter than a laptop - Your laptop is portable, but it can't go everywhere with you. The typical laptop weighs almost 10 pounds with their protective carrying case. Handheld devices fit in your pocket and are convenient because they can provide quick and discreet Internet access.
Email everywhere and anywhere - With wireless web access you can stay connected to your office whether you're stuck at the airport or away on a week long business trip. Some portable devices even have always-on Internet access, which saves you the time and trouble of establishing a connection. Being able to unobtrusively check your email will also let you take urgent messages without disrupting meetings with phone calls.
No more Cords - A wireless Internet connection means no phone lines, extra cords or external modems to lug around. Except for a charger cord, the handheld device is very simple to pack. Laptop computers become a headache when you start to add cables, power supply unit and a mouse.
Longer battery life - A typical laptop computer battery lasts only two to three hours. Some PDAs can run for several days on a single charge.
Day Timer calendar function - Most handheld devices have Pocket Outlook or Calendar functions. Thus it is very easy to synchronize your laptop Outlook to your handheld device. Having immediate access to this sort of information can be useful in planning your day and appointments on the road. Wireless access to the web allows you to make flight changes and get schedule information easily.
Less does more - Some handheld devices, such as cellular phones with built-in PDAs, perform a variety of functions. One device that makes phone calls, keeps your appointments, lets you write documents, and play games and even provides Internet access will save you money and a trip to the chiropractor.
Productivity during standby time - Most devices have Windows Mobile software. Pocket versions of Microsoft Office allow you to create, edit and read word documents. Why not update your sales forecast in excel while waiting for your flight to arrive. You can even present power point documents to a LCD projector. The wide variety of software will allow you to make the best use of your time.
Internet enabled handheld devices have seven advantages over Laptop PCs:
Lighter than a laptop - Your laptop is portable, but it can't go everywhere with you. The typical laptop weighs almost 10 pounds with their protective carrying case. Handheld devices fit in your pocket and are convenient because they can provide quick and discreet Internet access.
Email everywhere and anywhere - With wireless web access you can stay connected to your office whether you're stuck at the airport or away on a week long business trip. Some portable devices even have always-on Internet access, which saves you the time and trouble of establishing a connection. Being able to unobtrusively check your email will also let you take urgent messages without disrupting meetings with phone calls.
No more Cords - A wireless Internet connection means no phone lines, extra cords or external modems to lug around. Except for a charger cord, the handheld device is very simple to pack. Laptop computers become a headache when you start to add cables, power supply unit and a mouse.
Longer battery life - A typical laptop computer battery lasts only two to three hours. Some PDAs can run for several days on a single charge.
Day Timer calendar function - Most handheld devices have Pocket Outlook or Calendar functions. Thus it is very easy to synchronize your laptop Outlook to your handheld device. Having immediate access to this sort of information can be useful in planning your day and appointments on the road. Wireless access to the web allows you to make flight changes and get schedule information easily.
Less does more - Some handheld devices, such as cellular phones with built-in PDAs, perform a variety of functions. One device that makes phone calls, keeps your appointments, lets you write documents, and play games and even provides Internet access will save you money and a trip to the chiropractor.
Productivity during standby time - Most devices have Windows Mobile software. Pocket versions of Microsoft Office allow you to create, edit and read word documents. Why not update your sales forecast in excel while waiting for your flight to arrive. You can even present power point documents to a LCD projector. The wide variety of software will allow you to make the best use of your time.
Six VoIP Security Recommendations
Before you begin to implement VoIP across your organization, there are several things you should consider. Security is extremely important these days and it is best to think before than act after an attack. Some vendors are building security solutions within their products others are not, leaving it up to the user to implement these measures.
1. Make sure your network and security infrastructure, including firewalls routers, VPNs, etc., are voice-optimized and capable of supporting the advanced security requirements for VoIP. More importantly, bandwidth, latency and quality of service become critical requirements for network and security infrastructure.
2. Your IP PBX is at the core of your VoIP infrastructure. Depending on the software you are using, especially windows servers, ensure that the base operating system of your IP PBX, as well as network infrastructure, are always updated and patched for the latest security vulnerabilities. Vendors that provide proprietary operating systems are a lot less vulnerable.
3. It is important to be proactive in conducting regular security assessments of your VoIP infrastructure. Being aware of such security flaws will help to avoid attacks and prevent system outages.
4. Manage your remote access ports and system backdoors. Default login and administrator passwords on such devices are a very common entry for attacks. Disable any insecure remote access features, such as FTP and Telnet, and disable local administration and management features.
5. Structure your network to use VLANs to separate voice and data devices and its corresponding traffic. Deploying VoIP devices on separate VLANs permits isolating data traffic from voice and signaling traffic, as well as utilizing Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. VLAN separation does not ensure a robust security practice but having separate VLANs will help in isolating the traffic.
6. If your VoIP traffic goes over the Internet, use encryption technologies like IPsec tunnels to secure the VoIP traffic. While many of the VoIP protocols include capabilities for encryption and authentication, most of them are optional. Ensure your vendor has a security policy within the product itself.
1. Make sure your network and security infrastructure, including firewalls routers, VPNs, etc., are voice-optimized and capable of supporting the advanced security requirements for VoIP. More importantly, bandwidth, latency and quality of service become critical requirements for network and security infrastructure.
2. Your IP PBX is at the core of your VoIP infrastructure. Depending on the software you are using, especially windows servers, ensure that the base operating system of your IP PBX, as well as network infrastructure, are always updated and patched for the latest security vulnerabilities. Vendors that provide proprietary operating systems are a lot less vulnerable.
3. It is important to be proactive in conducting regular security assessments of your VoIP infrastructure. Being aware of such security flaws will help to avoid attacks and prevent system outages.
4. Manage your remote access ports and system backdoors. Default login and administrator passwords on such devices are a very common entry for attacks. Disable any insecure remote access features, such as FTP and Telnet, and disable local administration and management features.
5. Structure your network to use VLANs to separate voice and data devices and its corresponding traffic. Deploying VoIP devices on separate VLANs permits isolating data traffic from voice and signaling traffic, as well as utilizing Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. VLAN separation does not ensure a robust security practice but having separate VLANs will help in isolating the traffic.
6. If your VoIP traffic goes over the Internet, use encryption technologies like IPsec tunnels to secure the VoIP traffic. While many of the VoIP protocols include capabilities for encryption and authentication, most of them are optional. Ensure your vendor has a security policy within the product itself.
5 Steps to Starting Your Own Telephone Company
Fed up with your local Telecom provider? Tired of poor customer service? In 5 easy steps you can start your own Telephone Company. In the new world of Open Source software, low cost hardware technology and the Internet, it is very easy for anyone to start their own Long Distance telephone company. Yes! You can start your own Long Distance Telephone Company for under $5,000. With the big boys charging 5 to 10 cents a minute North America wide, you can make money when your actual costs are less than 2 cents a minute. Let's take a look where we can spend our start up funding.
Your office costs will be pretty minimal as all you need are some business cards, a decent website, a maildrop and tab with your local coffee shop. This will set you back for less than a few hundred bucks.
Your biggest and monthly recurring cost (don't forget marketing costs) will be your Telecommunication Infrastructure costs. The two elements of these costs are co-location and local access or T1/PRI circuits. You need to locate your Telephone Carrier PBX in a Telco hotel or managed host environment. They provide the power, environmentals and the access to the various carrier circuits all in one place. Your carrier equipment sits right beside the racks used by the "Big Boys" in the industry.
You can probably negotiate all of this with a couple of PRI circuits for under $2000 per month. The MCI sales representative will be very happy to buy you lunch after you tell him that you also require LD termination. Now, take your credit card and stop buy Radio Shack for some hardware and software.
You now need to assemble your Telephone Carrier PBX. Thanks to the team of open source developers it is possible to get yourself a low cost solution. No need to call Nortel for a Central Office switch. First, you need to get a decent Intel P4 server and some LINUX software. This can be had for under $2000. Don't forget a back up drive.
Second, you need some software and the one you want is from Asterisk. Asterisk is the developer of software for an open source TDM/VOIP PBX. This is a free download but add $200 to get yourself some books and manuals as you will need them.
Third, you need to install network interface cards. You can get these from Digium or other manufacturers. They sell cards for the Asterisk TDM/VOIP PBX. You will need some cards for say 2 PRI cards. These will cost you about $800 each. If your marketing guys are optimistic, get a quad card.
Fourth, get a telecom technician that knows voice, data and Linux and start assembling the platform and making your interconnections.
Fifth, start your advertising campaign to your target market and start answering sales calls.
Congratulations! You are now the president and CEO of your own Telephone Company.
Your office costs will be pretty minimal as all you need are some business cards, a decent website, a maildrop and tab with your local coffee shop. This will set you back for less than a few hundred bucks.
Your biggest and monthly recurring cost (don't forget marketing costs) will be your Telecommunication Infrastructure costs. The two elements of these costs are co-location and local access or T1/PRI circuits. You need to locate your Telephone Carrier PBX in a Telco hotel or managed host environment. They provide the power, environmentals and the access to the various carrier circuits all in one place. Your carrier equipment sits right beside the racks used by the "Big Boys" in the industry.
You can probably negotiate all of this with a couple of PRI circuits for under $2000 per month. The MCI sales representative will be very happy to buy you lunch after you tell him that you also require LD termination. Now, take your credit card and stop buy Radio Shack for some hardware and software.
You now need to assemble your Telephone Carrier PBX. Thanks to the team of open source developers it is possible to get yourself a low cost solution. No need to call Nortel for a Central Office switch. First, you need to get a decent Intel P4 server and some LINUX software. This can be had for under $2000. Don't forget a back up drive.
Second, you need some software and the one you want is from Asterisk. Asterisk is the developer of software for an open source TDM/VOIP PBX. This is a free download but add $200 to get yourself some books and manuals as you will need them.
Third, you need to install network interface cards. You can get these from Digium or other manufacturers. They sell cards for the Asterisk TDM/VOIP PBX. You will need some cards for say 2 PRI cards. These will cost you about $800 each. If your marketing guys are optimistic, get a quad card.
Fourth, get a telecom technician that knows voice, data and Linux and start assembling the platform and making your interconnections.
Fifth, start your advertising campaign to your target market and start answering sales calls.
Congratulations! You are now the president and CEO of your own Telephone Company.
Three Steps to IP Contact Centre Implementation
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or more specifically IP-based telephony, is quickly becoming the technology of choice in contact centers as companies replace their aging time-division multiplexing (TDM)-based systems with IP-based systems. Your organization may be wondering how to go about implementing its own IP-based contact center, whether as a new implementation or as a replacement for a TDM system.
Dividing the process into three major steps: business planning, implementation planning, and implementation/support are a good approach to success.
Business Planning
A comprehensive business plan is the single most important step in a contact center implementation. It is critical that the project clearly link the technology initiative with the needs of the business. The plan must specify what they wish to accomplish and how the contact center will help them achieve their goals.
Naturally, the contents of the business plan vary from organization to organization. Some considerations for your company include:
*The industry you're in, which helps determine the contact center features you'll need *If your contact center will be volume-oriented or value-oriented *Is your contact center primarily for internal or external customers? *Will you expect to use your contact center only for customer support or also to help generate additional sales and revenue? *If you'll provide service through diverse media (voice, e-mail, Web).
With a business plan in hand, you can link your goals to the features of your system.
Implementation Planning
Once the business plan is complete, we can now focus on its implementation plan. This step details the best way to build out the contact center so that objectives are met in terms of functionality, cost, and features. Do consider the following:
*What's the best design for the network? *How will it interface with other network components, such as voice mail or an existing customer relationship management (CRM) system? *Will the system be centralized in one location or decentralized across many sites? *Will customer service include a Web-based component, or only voice? *How will the system be managed? *How will you account for additional users, locations, or features in the future?
As in the previous stage, you must consider your organization's reporting requirements. An IP-based contact center can generate a wealth of data--far more than a TDM system--that can be of tremendous value, allowing your company to measure your customers' concerns, preferences and plans. These requirements, though, must be taken into consideration when designing and configuring the system. The types of data you wish to capture and how you want it represented must be thoroughly considered before implementation.
Implementation and Support
Now that we have completed our planning we are ready to implement the solution. Ensure your implementation partner/vendor is certified in the appropriate technologies, has a list of references and can demonstrate a critical path process. Engage your partner early in the process so they can assist in building your plan. They would bring a wealth of experience that can help you build your business case if need be and outline any contingency planning. It is also assumed that your partner will provide support for the system after implementation. This is a key factor to ensure any software updates are maintained and that any tweaking be done.
Nonetheless, it's important to remember that, like most IT projects, the greatest benefits accrue to those who thoughtfully prepare. Organizations benefit most when they engage in detailed business planning, thorough implementation planning, and knowledgeable implementation and support.
John Leonardelli
Dividing the process into three major steps: business planning, implementation planning, and implementation/support are a good approach to success.
Business Planning
A comprehensive business plan is the single most important step in a contact center implementation. It is critical that the project clearly link the technology initiative with the needs of the business. The plan must specify what they wish to accomplish and how the contact center will help them achieve their goals.
Naturally, the contents of the business plan vary from organization to organization. Some considerations for your company include:
*The industry you're in, which helps determine the contact center features you'll need *If your contact center will be volume-oriented or value-oriented *Is your contact center primarily for internal or external customers? *Will you expect to use your contact center only for customer support or also to help generate additional sales and revenue? *If you'll provide service through diverse media (voice, e-mail, Web).
With a business plan in hand, you can link your goals to the features of your system.
Implementation Planning
Once the business plan is complete, we can now focus on its implementation plan. This step details the best way to build out the contact center so that objectives are met in terms of functionality, cost, and features. Do consider the following:
*What's the best design for the network? *How will it interface with other network components, such as voice mail or an existing customer relationship management (CRM) system? *Will the system be centralized in one location or decentralized across many sites? *Will customer service include a Web-based component, or only voice? *How will the system be managed? *How will you account for additional users, locations, or features in the future?
As in the previous stage, you must consider your organization's reporting requirements. An IP-based contact center can generate a wealth of data--far more than a TDM system--that can be of tremendous value, allowing your company to measure your customers' concerns, preferences and plans. These requirements, though, must be taken into consideration when designing and configuring the system. The types of data you wish to capture and how you want it represented must be thoroughly considered before implementation.
Implementation and Support
Now that we have completed our planning we are ready to implement the solution. Ensure your implementation partner/vendor is certified in the appropriate technologies, has a list of references and can demonstrate a critical path process. Engage your partner early in the process so they can assist in building your plan. They would bring a wealth of experience that can help you build your business case if need be and outline any contingency planning. It is also assumed that your partner will provide support for the system after implementation. This is a key factor to ensure any software updates are maintained and that any tweaking be done.
Nonetheless, it's important to remember that, like most IT projects, the greatest benefits accrue to those who thoughtfully prepare. Organizations benefit most when they engage in detailed business planning, thorough implementation planning, and knowledgeable implementation and support.
John Leonardelli
The 9 Retail Technologies That Will Propel Your Small Business Forward
Here are 9 retail technologies that I believe will give retailers the biggest benefit and maximum return on their technology investments. Your small retail operation can be just like the Big Box stores when it comes to being efficient and productive. Every retail operation must have technology in place to manage it s pricing, sales and inventory.
1) Point of Sale (POS) and Inventory Control Software A POS / Retail Management System are mandatory. A good POS system will track all your sales. It replaces your cash register and allows a multitude of features that will save you time and help you manage your inventory. Immediate benefits include: Simplify and improve inventory management. Improve the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Show where you're making and losing money so you can make adjustments and increase profits.
2) Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software Building a successful retail business is to build relationships with your customers. CRM software is a critical tool for the retail business. A CRM system will help you improve your customer loyalty it will help you market to potential prospects and generate new business. CRM software allows you to track your customers, identify market segments and then easily communicate with them via email, telephone, and direct mail. It can also track your customer buying patterns and manage information.
CRM software can also be integrated within a contact centre system or your POS system.
3) Bar Code Scanning and UPC Codes Bar Code and UPC Code scanning allows you to check products at the point of sale much faster and more accurately than can be done on the keyboard. It can also maintain your inventory system to be up to date.
The technology is very robust and can easily be implemented using hand held scanner devices.
4) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) EDI technology allows you to send purchase orders, created in your POS software (based on order levels and sales history) to your suppliers electronically via the internet. This can ensure your inventory is never oversold and there is ample stock for your customers to purchase. No stock on fast moving items means lost sales.
5) Retail Accounting Software Accounting software can be purchased stand alone or can be integrated with your POS software. This allows a small business owner to manage their accounting in a very timely manner. This is not to replace your Accountant but to provide reports in between your meetings with your accountant. The most important modules are the Accounts Receivable, Inventory and Cash Flow Analysis.
6) Store Traffic Counters These valuable devices will help you improve sales ratios, tally store traffic, and manage your advertising campaigns. You need an accurate measure of your store traffic so you can better schedule your sales staff because they identify actual foot traffic in your store during certain time periods. You can also determine if traffic goes up or down during marketing promotions so you can figure out what works the best.
7) Web Presence Websites can be powerful tools to promote your retail business. For example, you could link to your website from business cards and newspaper ads. This gives you an opportunity to tell your story, show what you sell, and convince them to stop by your store. Many Bricks and Mortars operation use web presence to either advertise their business or generate traffic to their physical store.
You can also utilize a website shopping cart so customers can place orders and pay you right from the website.
8) Portable Data Terminals and Hand Held Computers Portable data terminals are great tools that allow you to quickly count your inventory and easily update your POS system. You can simply carry around this portable terminal, scan your merchandise, and then enter your quantities. This allows you to more easily and accurately count your inventory. They are also invaluable as price checkers.
Hand held computers have become very popular and cost effective. They allow you to create orders and complete various tasks on a computer that fits in the palm of your hand. They can perform various tasks especially if linked to your POS system using WiFi or be used as a way to manage customer contacts and selling information.
9) Digital Video Recorders Digital Video recorders have become the tool for loss prevention. Video cameras capture activity in real time and can record to a digital device for storage and later recall. They can integrate with POS systems and can include powerful tracking software. Simple installations can be a few cameras with a monitor and DVR to large installations that include traffic counters and 2 way audio.
1) Point of Sale (POS) and Inventory Control Software A POS / Retail Management System are mandatory. A good POS system will track all your sales. It replaces your cash register and allows a multitude of features that will save you time and help you manage your inventory. Immediate benefits include: Simplify and improve inventory management. Improve the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Show where you're making and losing money so you can make adjustments and increase profits.
2) Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software Building a successful retail business is to build relationships with your customers. CRM software is a critical tool for the retail business. A CRM system will help you improve your customer loyalty it will help you market to potential prospects and generate new business. CRM software allows you to track your customers, identify market segments and then easily communicate with them via email, telephone, and direct mail. It can also track your customer buying patterns and manage information.
CRM software can also be integrated within a contact centre system or your POS system.
3) Bar Code Scanning and UPC Codes Bar Code and UPC Code scanning allows you to check products at the point of sale much faster and more accurately than can be done on the keyboard. It can also maintain your inventory system to be up to date.
The technology is very robust and can easily be implemented using hand held scanner devices.
4) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) EDI technology allows you to send purchase orders, created in your POS software (based on order levels and sales history) to your suppliers electronically via the internet. This can ensure your inventory is never oversold and there is ample stock for your customers to purchase. No stock on fast moving items means lost sales.
5) Retail Accounting Software Accounting software can be purchased stand alone or can be integrated with your POS software. This allows a small business owner to manage their accounting in a very timely manner. This is not to replace your Accountant but to provide reports in between your meetings with your accountant. The most important modules are the Accounts Receivable, Inventory and Cash Flow Analysis.
6) Store Traffic Counters These valuable devices will help you improve sales ratios, tally store traffic, and manage your advertising campaigns. You need an accurate measure of your store traffic so you can better schedule your sales staff because they identify actual foot traffic in your store during certain time periods. You can also determine if traffic goes up or down during marketing promotions so you can figure out what works the best.
7) Web Presence Websites can be powerful tools to promote your retail business. For example, you could link to your website from business cards and newspaper ads. This gives you an opportunity to tell your story, show what you sell, and convince them to stop by your store. Many Bricks and Mortars operation use web presence to either advertise their business or generate traffic to their physical store.
You can also utilize a website shopping cart so customers can place orders and pay you right from the website.
8) Portable Data Terminals and Hand Held Computers Portable data terminals are great tools that allow you to quickly count your inventory and easily update your POS system. You can simply carry around this portable terminal, scan your merchandise, and then enter your quantities. This allows you to more easily and accurately count your inventory. They are also invaluable as price checkers.
Hand held computers have become very popular and cost effective. They allow you to create orders and complete various tasks on a computer that fits in the palm of your hand. They can perform various tasks especially if linked to your POS system using WiFi or be used as a way to manage customer contacts and selling information.
9) Digital Video Recorders Digital Video recorders have become the tool for loss prevention. Video cameras capture activity in real time and can record to a digital device for storage and later recall. They can integrate with POS systems and can include powerful tracking software. Simple installations can be a few cameras with a monitor and DVR to large installations that include traffic counters and 2 way audio.
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