Trade automation. Retail Automation: How to Run a Small Business Automation Program in Brief

The main parameters to be guided by when choosing the right equipment for automation retail store: Planned traffic, store size and size of your budget. In this article, we will consider various options for a ready-made store automation solution, ranging from small shop with low traffic to a medium-sized store with over 200 clients per day. For each option, the corresponding equipment and approximate prices of the ready-made solution are offered.

Automation of a small store in which goods are launched in their free time from sales

In this case, we are talking about a store with a traffic of no more than 70 customers per day, in which workplace the cashier is combined with a merchandise manager's workplace (i.e. both functions are performed by one person) and a new product is introduced while there are no visitors. In this case, in our experience, the most convenient combination is the following:

Cashier Atol 30F "turnkey" - 20,300 rubles;

Atol 30F has a throughput of up to 70 checks per day, width check tape 57 or 44mm, small in size, and can support Wi-Fi and 3G. The complete set of the "turnkey" cash desk includes a fiscal drive for 15 months, registration of the cash desk with the IFTS, connection to the OFD and an electronic signature.

1C: Retail - 4,000 rubles;
Connecting a cash desk to 1C - 1,500 rubles;

In this variant, the cash register is connected to a personal computer or laptop. On the same computer, 1C: Retail is installed, which will be used both as a cash program and as a product accounting program.

1C: Retail 8. Basic version
The software is designed to automate stores with a large number of employees. The software is also used as a cash program. You should buy 1C: Retail 8 basic version because of the support of two modes of database distribution. There is an RIB for sales channels, as well as jobs. The configuration is designed for autonomous and independent operation.

There is support for data exchange with "Management" and "Company Accounting". It is possible to create whole software packages... On 1C: "Retail" 8 basic version, the price is at a fairly attractive level.

Vendor code: 5066
3,600.00 ₽ buy
Vendor code: 5499
2,300.00 ₽ buy
Fiscal registrar Atol 30F
Fiscal registrar without auto-cut and receipt width up to 57 mm. Up to 100 checks / day, mains powered. USB

Vendor code: 5085
from 11,300.00 ₽

Total:
= 35 150 rubles all store automation.

Solution for a small store in which goods are introduced during sales

This option is more convenient, since there is no need to interrupt sales to introduce a new product. In such a store, a separate cashier's workplace and a commodity manager's place are organized.
In this case, a set of equipment for store automation looks like this:

For the cashier's workplace:

POS computer Atol NFD10 - 23 800 rubles;

A POS computer is more reliable than a conventional personal computer because it is designed specifically for trading. In addition, it does not have a fan, which means it will not make noise and clog up with dust.

POS-monitor Atol sj 1088 - 8 636 rubles;
Frontol xPOS program - 6 500 rubles;
Connecting a cash register to Frontol xPOS - 1,500 rubles;

As a software, we offer Frontol xPOS program - a budget solution that supports most of the connected equipment, has flexible configuration for any client's needs (bonuses, discounts) and has minimal system requirements.

box office Atol 55F "turnkey") - 32 300 rubles;

Atol 55F has throughput up to 250 receipts per day, receipt tape width 57 or 44 mm and auto cut.

1D barcode scanner Winson WNL 5000g - 2 350 rubles;

Vendor code: 5540
6,750.00 ₽ buy
POS monitor ATOL LM10
The device has the optimal display resolution, color depth, brightness and contrast parameters, which will allow the cashier to spend a lot of time at work without harm to health and well-being.

Vendor code: 5364
10,428.00 ₽ buy
POS computer ATOL NFD10 PRO - a solution for the cash register.

Vendor code: 5633
30,020.00 ₽ buy
Winson WNL-5000g barcode scanner
Laser scanner Winson WNL-5000g-USB is designed to read one-dimensional barcodes at a speed of 120 scans / s. It is one of the most budgetary models. Capable of reading high density barcodes (up to 5 mil). Support for "Hands-Free" mode allows you to use the equipment, freeing the operator's hands (requires the purchase of an optional stand).

Vendor code: 5499
2,300.00 ₽ buy
Fiscal registrar ATOL 55F
Fiscal registrar with auto-cut and receipt width up to 57 mm. Up to 200 checks / day, mains powered. USB, Ethernet, RS232, DN.

Vendor code: 5002
from 24,600.00 ₽

For a merchandise manager's workplace: Personal Computer or laptop +

1C: Retail as a product accounting program - 4,000 rubles;
Installation, configuration and training to work with 1C - 7,000 rubles;

In terms of price / quality ratio, 1C: Retail is the best options commodity accounting system. If necessary this program can be added to fit specific needs: change printed forms documents, create reports and processing for loading goods from Excel. Also, Retail allows you to set up the sale of alcoholic beverages both individually and in bulk. The program is easily customizable and, unlike other commodity accounting systems, is not overloaded with unnecessary functionality and is easy to learn.

1D barcode scanner for assigning barcodes to goods - 2 350 rubles;

Outcome:
store automation cost = 88 436 rubles.

Mid-size store automation

The average number of visitors to such a store is from 200 people. For a store with such a throughput, for the sake of greater reliability, it is recommended to have 2 cashier workstations and 1 commodity manager, since in case of any problems with the cash register equipment at one checkout counter, the sale will not stop.
In this case, the package will look like this:

For 2 workplaces of cashiers:

2 POS computers Atol NFD10 - 47 600 rubles;
2 POS-monitors Atol sj 1088 - 17 272 rubles;
2 cash desks Atol 22F "turnkey" - 67 820 rubles;

Atol 22 has a throughput of up to 250 checks per day, a receipt tape width of 80 or 57 mm and an auto cut.

2 Frontol xPOS programs - 13,000 rubles;
Connection of cash registers to Frontol xPOS - 3,000 rubles;
2 barcode scanners Datalogic Magellan 800i - 22 576 rubles;

This stationary omnidirectional scanner allows you to simply carry the goods in front of the scanner to be added to the receipt, increasing the speed of the cashier.

Datalogic Magellan 800i 2D barcode scanner (EGAIS)
Vendor code: 5484
11,281.20 ₽ buy
Frontol xPOS software
Frontol xPOS is a professional software designed to automate a cash register at retail enterprises. It is developed on an innovative platform, compatible with different operating systems.

Vendor code: 5540
6,750.00 ₽ buy
POS monitor ATOL LM10

The store is too small, the assortment is small, there are few buyers, there are not many sales personnel, and the budget for automation is quite modest. But it is also important for small retail stores to control and manage business processes. For sales management, it is important to analyze competitors, pricing, marketing. To manage inventory, sales are analyzed, stocks are tracked, and an operational order of goods is carried out. Working with clients involves expanding the client base, loyalty programs, and feedback. Also, from the point of view of financial management, it is necessary to control settlements with suppliers, calculate salaries.

The owner of a small store has to carry out operational management independently, including analytics, planning and execution control. Even a small mistake can result in large losses.

The most popular argument against small store automation is expensive. However, if we compare the option of trade automation for a small store and the financial losses of a non-automated enterprise due to the dishonesty of employees, delays in ordering products, unsatisfied customers, the argument about the high cost is refuted.

On average, the automation of a small store pays off within 6 months, and the benefits of optimizing management business processes become obvious immediately, as soon as you start using the accounting system in your operational work.

Trade automation options for a small store:

Packing bulk goods (cheese, sausage, confectionery) before arriving at the counter, while still in stock. To do this, you need to install an electronic scale in the warehouse with the function of printing labels with bar codes. After the goods arrive on the counter, lay it out.
Weigh the goods at the checkout (vegetables, fruits). Then the cashier, using electronic scales without printing labels, weighs the goods, enters the product code. In this case, the cost is calculated automatically.

Retail sale of goods appeared a long time ago, replacing natural exchange. V modern world it reaches its peak development, acting as the main way of acquiring benefits for the citizen. But without a high-quality store automation system retail, the point of release of products simply cannot exist in a competitive environment. Otherwise, the pace of work will inevitably decrease tenfold, the paperwork will increase, and customers simply will not be able to fully cooperate with the seller.

Retail sale features

Sell benefit to a specific target customer is a process that always needs three main factors. The area where the products are sold, employees, use dull duties of the seller, manager, security guard. And most importantly, the product itself, located in the visual or physical accessibility of the buyer.

This method of market relations is subject to a surcharge depending on the specifics of the product, conditions for this moment, commercial strategy enterprises and other aspects. The margin can fluctuate in gigantic ranges: from some 20% to huge 200-300%.

Also, the very fact of purchasing a good is accompanied by a minimized form of a purchase and sale agreement. Confirmation of a public offer transaction is cashier's check... It contains basic information: date and time, cost, company name, tax deductions in this case, the actual location of the branch. These factors are inherent in all trade automation options for both a small store and a large facility.

About the process itself

The transition to the electronic form of documentation, cooperation with the client, the release of benefits is always a global modernization. It mainly affects objects, the maximum area of which does not exceed 350 square meters. First of all, modernization implies a transition to a self-service system.

It's over efficient model cooperation with the client. A person himself chooses the product he likes, sorts the purchase and makes contact with the cashier only at the moment when he already decides to buy specific items.

The system implies a transition to a new form, so you should be ready for the purchase of modern equipment, as well as for a qualitative change in the entire perspective of work. These are new forms of accounting, registration of received products. It is no longer sent directly from the supplier to shopping room, and to begin with, they are registered in a virtual system, so that later they can be released at the point.

Retail Automation: Where to Start

We present three main pillars on which the process rests:

Transition to new equipment required to actually bring the idea to life.

Software. Of course, the technique itself will not work. To organize the entire methodology, you will need high-quality software, which must be purchased separately. V this issue you also need a reliable supplier who is ready to offer a solution - "Cleverence". The company sells high-quality equipment and various software for it for the effective functioning and conduct of business.

Staff training in innovations.

Stages of transition to technology

Conventionally, the task can be broken down into several key steps.

Identifying the reasons for modernization. It makes no sense to make this transition based on trends. There are specific reasons and they need to be understood. it competitive fight, increasing turnover, reducing costs, expanding the customer base and increasing the level of customer comfort.

The choice of methodology for the implementation of the problem. There are many types of hardware and software manufacturers and vendors.

Purchase of technical means.

Placement of equipment and re-equipment of premises, if necessary.

Installation of security equipment, surveillance cameras, fire safety.

Employee training.

Types of transition to a new system

There are only two basic techniques. This is a complete or partial variation. In the first case, all areas of the enterprise's work undergo qualitative changes, move to new regulations and technical equipment... And in the second, only one specific area is affected. For example, a warehouse. Or transition to a separate category goods.

The choice often depends on the capabilities of the owner, the quantitative factor of the points of sale of products, storage facilities and logistics. Retail automation is often a complete transition. But a small shop can partially switch to a new methodology gradually, in several stages, moving towards a complete change of regulations.

System capabilities

Everything functional features this step is difficult to describe in a single survey. But speaking superficially, we will list the following aspects:

Operational search for products.

Verification of articles.

Use of electronic forms of payment.

Simplified inventory.

The use of bonus and special cards in the calculation.

Product quality control without human intervention.

Using smartphones for work.

The last aspect is very important. Retail store automation with short shelf life is always about responsiveness. Quickly reconciling, managing, getting information and changing products on the shelves is a daunting task. Therefore, integration with mobile gadgets simplifies and speeds up the process.

Expenses

The specifics entirely depend on the volume of purchases, the number of products, the customer base, the areas where the goods are sold. Of course, the more significant the object, the more funds will need to be invested. But you should start from three main cost branches:

Purchase of new equipment.

Costs for commissioning, connection, reconstruction of premises.

Purchase of programs.

System advantages

An increase in the number of customers, an increase in the level of customer convenience.

Optimization of work, performing a larger volume of actions over a period of time.

Getting rid of red tape.

Using analytics tools at work.

Prompt price formation.

Acceleration of staff work, taking into account a small staff.

Using cashless payments.

Operation of bonus cards.

Accounting that does not require human intervention.

Efficiency and demand analytics.

Automation of supermarkets, large shopping centers Is a great solution to simplify your business. In such enterprises it is impossible to work with clients without technical innovations. And do not forget that based on the 54th Federal Law everyone, without exception, must have an online checkout.

Reasons for failure

The only reason why something can go wrong in this event is if the supplier of the equipment, software provided poor quality product... If the equipment cannot perform its functions, and the software is not properly integrated, then the entire system will not be able to function normally. Therefore it is worth Special attention given to the choice of a supplier.

Automated retail - a new approach to sales

It should be understood that this decision Is the inevitable future. Sooner or later, but all methods of selling products will move to a similar or even more progressive form. It is easy to understand the huge number of advantages of this technique. Therefore, it is better to jump earlier than to lag behind and catch up.

Basic hardware and software

V basic set usually involved:

Online checkout.

Cash register blocker.

Special scales for weight products.

Terminal for cashless payments.

Naturally, for all these tools to work, you need the appropriate software.

Trade accounting

The time has passed when this was a huge problem. Especially in the context of a serious amount of goods. How much has arrived at the warehouse, how much has fallen into disrepair, how much is in stock, how much has been sold, and so on. Ready-made solutions for the automation of a retail store allow you to solve the problem with warehouse accounting in the blink of an eye. All commodity items are included in the database at the stage of delivery, and then each change is carefully recorded.

Accounting software

There are many ready-made box-type solutions. The Cleverens company implements both them and an individual approach. Sometimes it is more profitable and cheaper to choose the first option, and sometimes only taking into account the specifics can ensure the operability of the software.

The main thing to understand is the direct influence of software-type software on the efficiency of the final operation of all equipment.

Automated registration of price tags

Another aspect that can significantly speed up the work of the point of delivery of products. Considering the fact that in a modern store there can be a huge number of goods, names, each of which contains thousands of positions, registration of price tags by hand is a large expenditure of physical resources. They can be channeled into a more logical and commercially viable channel.

Commodity stocks

In the field of storage and availability, accounting plays at least important role than quality conditions for content. As well as the operational fixation of products that go beyond the expiration date or operational period. So that the seller always has up-to-date information according to the availability of positions in a warehouse or in the trading floor, it is worth introducing modern forms of accounting and exchange of information.

Automated receipt printing

To accomplish this you need a printer. This is one of the basic devices you need on any modern enterprise... Thus, the release of products itself, as well as sorting, placement and management, is significantly accelerated. stocks of goods... In addition, in some cases, the check contains a mass additional information, stock regulations, marketing and advertising information, actually acting as a way of cross-selling.

How to improve the cashier's seat

To automate a store means, first of all, to re-equip the working area of the checkout personnel. It is at this point that the main work takes place, the reading of product signs, changing its state in the server archives. And besides, the weighing of products, if there is such a need. Therefore, printers, fiscal registers, cash registers, barcode scanners, scales and other means are located exactly here, depending on the needs of the point.

POS system

This is a comprehensive solution that contains a whole set of primary functions. Such technical means will be able to replace a wide variety of devices, significantly reducing not only the time, but also the final cost of each specific device.

The system is being developed on the basis of a fiscal registrar, but significantly expands its capabilities. Thus, when compared to the price of each piece of equipment separately, some of the retail automation functionality is provided to the retailer free of charge. After all, the price policy of the complex is still less than the cost of a separate set of elements.

Selecting a cash register

It is worth focusing on functionality. Indeed, in various cases, the cash register combines several directions. If there is alcohol and special goods on sale, the system works according to the principles of self-service, if integration with scales is implied, accounting for promotions and discounts, payment by points - all these functions must be spelled out in the device's operating regulations.

How to choose a barcode scanner

It is impossible to make a balanced choice without the whole system in the complex. The scanner may not work with certain models. Outdated hardware is not integrated into the overall new system... Therefore, a complex purchase from a specific manufacturer is recommended.

Different prices for goods

By using modern system accounting for one product, you can link different price items. Depending on the availability of delivery, region, costs, expiration date and date, the cost may vary. When registering products, this function is available on modern technical means.

Reservation

This option is related to software capabilities. Automation of retail chain stores often requires product reservations by phone call or personal order. To do this, it is necessary to virtually "postpone" the product in the accounting system, to be assigned to certain conditions. But the availability of the function depends on the selected software. Therefore, we recommend an individual approach when choosing programs for work.

Retail profitability

This is another area that can help improve a firm's business performance. A thorough accounting of the sold products will form a detailed report on the most popular items. This way, you can identify products that are in demand by customers and focus on them in the future.

Settlements with counterparties

By law, mistakes in this area are not allowed. Any person who has a financial relationship with the company is recognized as a counterparty. An error in calculations can be regarded as a violation of the law, even without intent to deceive. And given the fact that the calculations are carried out in most cases without human intervention, a huge amount of enterprise costs depends on the software chosen. Mistake - threatens with serious fines.

Efficiency for wholesale

Don't assume that retail automation alone matters. The same schemes are applicable to wholesale trade... There is also a customer base, competition. Also, responsiveness has a direct impact on efficiency. And a lot of tasks cannot be solved by human resources, you need a system that independently keeps records, registers transactions. Accordingly, the introduction of new equipment and software will significantly increase the productivity of the wholesaler.

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Trading networks are actively developing, being presented in various formats. The process is related to information technology... It is impossible to manually work with a wide range of thousands of items. And a computer can do it. Small businesses acquire electronic equipment depending on a number of factors. But there is general principles, which are expressed in specific indicators.

Retail trade features

The concept of retail trade means the sale of services, goods in a small batch, piece by piece. By the way, our previous article, automation of the hotel business, which also uses information capabilities, has a very related topic. Such activities are the function of the respective enterprises, usually requiring:

in squares;
in the staff;
in a sufficient number of goods in the trading floor, in the warehouse.

When making a profit, they apply a trade margin on products. Its value is regulated by the state of the market (30, 200%). Prices for some goods and services are set by the state, then the percentage is lower. The purchase is usually confirmed by a check from the cash register.

The check contains the following information.

Company name.
Price.
Amount and rate of value added tax.
Date.
Location, address.

Important! Retail trade has existed since antiquity. First there was an exchange, and then the sale of products and services in the market area became the form. In the history of Russia, this process has been well developed. Merchants were famous for their significant turnover, providing the country with the latest goods.

About automation

Retail automation covers stores ranging from 70 to 350 square meters. The assortment usually does not exceed 6 thousand items. The counter-sales format is usually much less effective than self-service. The reasons are better access to the goods, higher speed in the second case.

When planning automation, you should prepare for restructuring and streamlining accounting as a first step. The process will not be limited to the acquisition of computer equipment. The whole system will change. So, just received goods are not immediately placed on the trading floor, but entered into the database. information system... After all, the cost should be reflected in the memory of the cash register, without which the product cannot be sold.

Stages of transition to information technology

The transition process to new technology includes a number of basic steps.

Costs, equipment

In a small shop up to 180 sq. meters will require automation at a cost of up to $ 17 thousand. The suggested list is as follows.

POS-terminals (Point-of-Sale, point of sale) are electronic devices for accepting payments through payment cards. Appliances will make commerce modern. You can take cash registers domestic production, calculating how many are needed: per 100 sq. meters - about 2 terminals with a scanner, a thermal printer that prints a receipt tape.
Up to 2 computers (not counting the needs of the accounting department), a data storage server is desirable.
Automation of a grocery store is usually not complete without scales. For example, from the principle of self-service, the installation of devices in the packaging and in the department follows.
A label printer will come in handy for labeling fast-buying items.
Nothing will work if there are no programs.

Store automation equipment isn't the only need. The costs include:

laying of a local network;
delivery of computers;
installation and configuration of software;
training of commodity experts, cashiers, operators and management, supervising the work of the store.

Automation point of sale should be carried out with the assistance and accompaniment of reliable companies, people who do not depend on financial results her work. Otherwise, there is a risk of artificially increasing them.

Note! The final figure of expenses is subject to adjustment with the use of discounts, phased payments.

Reasons for possible failures

Many entrepreneurs make common and common mistakes that make up the list. It is entirely possible to avoid them and automate your store in an almost perfect way.

When selling clothes, it is not necessary to use POS systems, which is more expensive and leaves the company without advantages. Or it is allowed to use a specialized version. For example, “1C: Retail. Clothing and footwear store ". It is preferable to use a PC or POS computer, "1C" and POS peripherals.
Ignoring anti-theft systems. The automation system of any store must provide security. Otherwise, up to 12% of revenue or more is lost. The following methods are used.
- Anti-theft systems.
- CCTV.
- Security personnel.
The best solution includes all methods at once. If the complex implementation of the project is impossible, it is necessary to analyze the statistics on thefts. For example, alcohol and clothing are most susceptible to illegal export. To protect them, trade automation includes an option - anti-theft systems. Food products are monitored by video surveillance.
Attention! Losses with the use of security are reduced, the recoupment of costs comes in up to 3 months.
Retail store automation does not include bill validation. The price of the detector does not exceed 10,000 rubles, so you should not save.
Do not update systems with innovations. Stores that do not provide an opportunity to pay for purchases by card lose profits. Another case - the food department is not equipped with devices for cutting cheese and sausages.
The automation of the store, which has ready-made solution(turnkey) built incorrectly due to incompatible, poorly connected software. It is difficult to correct such errors in the information system.
Having carried out automation, they do not delve into the process. It is necessary, together with a team of employees, to monitor the correctness of tasks and decision-making.

Conclusion

What will the store look like if it is not automated at all? Unable to record on paper media, to exercise due control over the process in the absence of such modernization. Although events are by no means free of charge, it is necessary to acquire equipment, software for it and make settings. Retail store automation accepts solutions with an integrated, multi-faceted approach. Literacy, planning, choosing a partner with whom you should delve into the processes, and timely updating are important.

For any volume of goods sold, trade automation is possible - the option for a small store will cost minimal cost and will greatly increase the convenience of work. There are usually two items in the store. functional responsibilities- a commodity specialist who receives goods and monitors their consumption and timely replenishment, and a cashier who releases goods to customers and accepts payment for them.

Allows you to maintain a database of goods available for sale on a computer, at any time to receive a certificate of the availability of goods, analyze the best-selling nomenclature and plan the next purchases. This is the job of a merchandiser. The seller, on the other hand, may not keep in mind the prices of all goods and, moreover, not look for them in a notebook: it is enough to swipe a scanner in front of the barcode of the goods so that the information, including the price, appears on the computer screen. If we add the simplest bank card reader, it becomes possible to carry out non-cash payments, which are increasingly preferred by customers.

Even the automation of a clothing store with its several dozen products will give its results, and if the trade is in stationery or food products, and the nomenclature has hundreds of positions, it is impossible to keep everything in memory, and confusion should not be allowed.

Minimum equipment composition

Let's consider what the most simplified trade automation can be - an option for a small store. The smallest store is a kiosk or a miniature trading floor, the warehouse is located here, in the back room, and the duties of a commodity manager and a cashier are performed by the same person - often the owner of the store. And no supply departments remote warehouses, structural units, branches, and other attributes of the expanded trade at the supermarket level. Well, time dictates that even the “U Dom” store - the minimum trade format - should be automated.

Automation of accounting in a store can be based on an ordinary computer, far from the most powerful PC or laptop. If a store owner recently replaced his home machine with a more powerful one, the old one will still serve - the store automation system does not require large resources. To the computer without problems (if it works under operating system Windows) connects the simplest set of peripheral devices:

, a small-sized portable device connected to a computer by a USB cable;
fiscal registrar or a receipt printer - it depends on what taxation system is accepted in the store;
, necessary if the store must be ready to pay by customers not in cash, but by cards.

If you need to print barcode labels, you can use the same printer as for receipts (inexpensive universal designs available).

Software

For Windows OS, any program of store automation can be selected, including such minimal automation of trade - an option for a small store. The software is not complicated, it can be debugged without special skills, the peripherals controlled by it are minimal. Since everything is concentrated on a single computer, there is no need to organize a network, and the stability of the programs is high.

The only drawback that such retail trade automation has is that the programs for receiving goods and selling cannot work at the same time. You can work either in a cashier program or in a merchandising work environment. However, if one person works in the store, he is the owner, merchandiser and cashier, then he will still go about his business in turn. At first, he will calmly accept the goods, stick labels on it, enter information into the database, that is, work as a commodity manager, and then start working as a cashier, serving customers.

Profitable automation

Not every city requires that trade automation be organized even in small stores: Moscow makes such a requirement. Therefore, most owners of small trading business, who need a retail automation system, try to choose the cheapest office equipment, software, so that they can fulfill the demands of the authorities without special costs and make their work easier. If in the future it is necessary to expand trade, you can simply separate the functions of the merchant and the seller by installing another simple computer and connecting it to the network with the existing one.

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