Confectionery intelligence

Confectioners of all sizes are increasingly focused on new Point of Sale (POS) technologies to positively impact the customer experience, and more importantly, to run a smart and profitable business.

A POS solution includes the system (the ‘hardware’) to facilitate sales, including cash registers, credit card machines, bar code scanners, and more.  It is also comprised of what we at WhenToManage refer to as ‘back-of-the-office software’ which, if developed with the proper features, provides extensive intelligence and analytical capabilities that help to maximise revenues and profitability.  For the purpose of this article I will focus on POS software.

Until recently, many retailers, including confectioners, could not choose POS software independent of their POS system.  Previously they were married to the software that came with the system they purchased even if it didn’t meet their needs.  Nowadays, however, retailers are realising they have better options.

 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, an international franchiser, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator in the US, Europe and Canada is currently deploying WhenToManage’s suite of cloud based retail operations solutions.  Previously limited by the POS software provided by the systems of its franchisees, Rocky Mountain’s enterprise IT team chose to switch to WhenToManage’s systems neutral software for significantly improved functionality, reliability, and data management capabilities.  In addition, franchisees now have the option to utilise user-friendly solutions on their system of choice for enhanced in-store operations.

Rocky Mountain’s use of WhenToManage’s POS software is a perfect example of how we’ve designed our solution to address the needs of both large and small operators.  Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, the parent corporation, is utilising the software to collect, store and analyse data from all of its stores, demonstrating the software’s ‘big data’ capabilities.  On the other hand, Rocky Mountain franchisees enjoy the POS software’s ease of use and the ability it provides to improve store performance.  In addition, franchisees can easily bundle their POS Intelligence software into one reporting platform with WhenToManage’s web-based labour scheduling and inventory management tools.

WhenToManage’s POS Intelligence software is a dynamic business retail analysis and reporting platform that allows each user to choose from many options and criteria to pinpoint the exact information needed.  It allows tracking of sales in real-time or for any time period of choice – down to a specific hour; analysis of customer preferences and cycles to help ensure availability of the best product mix and proper staffing for optimal customer service; easy development of and access to customised reports on a computer, smartphone or document; and much more.  With accurate and reliable data, operators can provide the right set of targets and metrics to increase profitability, as well as stay ahead of consumer demand.  In fact, with more businesses recognising that the quality of the data and analytical tools is most critical for their success, we are beginning to see a shift in the paradigm in which our systems-inclusive software is being selected before the systems themselves.

Small retailers

We are seeing a significant rise in the number of small retailers seeking and utilising good POS software.  After all, who wants to spend their day in the back-office handling dreaded operational tasks amidst piles of spreadsheets?  Instead, you should be enjoying and maximising time upfront with happy customers who are indulging their sweet tooth, or with employees who thrive on team building – all with piece of mind that your sales data is just the touch of a button away.

With advancements in technology, small confectioners can now easily access POS technology that traditionally was only available to companies with large internal IT departments.  With increased usage and trust in cloud computing, WhenToManage’s web-based POS software eliminates the need for smaller businesses to invest in expensive software and required updates.  Subscription based software is now a strong, cost effective option as well, eliminating huge upfront investments.

So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to leave your back-office and join the rest of us in the front of the store!

By Walker Thompson, vice president of sales and marketing at WhenToManage