Pronto Software and ARA reveal the state of technology in Australian retail
Announcement posted by Pronto Software 25 Oct 2017
25 October 2017: The retail industry’s peak representative body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), in partnership with Australian technology company, Pronto Software, today releases the 2017 Technology Retail Review, providing insight into the state of technology in the country’s retail sector.
Commissioned to examine and benchmark technology adoption among Australian retailers, the study surveyed 146 retailers and identifies that majority of Australian retailers are on the right track in terms of technology uptake, however there are still some real opportunities for retailers to grow their business.
One key message from the report identified that real-time data is crucial in today’s retail market, yet a staggering 49% of retailers admitted to not having an integrated POS system, limiting them from processing sales offline when disconnected from the network.
With two-thirds (66%) of respondents not having IT systems that track and provide insights on loss prevention, this report identified how retailers are investing in end-to-end frictionless operations to address the emerging challenges in the sector.
ARA’s Executive Director Russell Zimmerman believes the retail sector is set to get more competitive, particularly with the upcoming arrival of Amazon.
“With the cost of retail rent escalating, it will be interesting to see what retail technology will look like in five years’ time. For example, I think we’ll see smaller physical shopfronts and far more technology innovation,” Mr Zimmerman said.
“As rapid delivery times have become expected, I believe the future of retail will allow customers to walk into a store and arrange a parcel to be delivered that night if an item is out of stock.”
Chad Gates, Pronto Software, Managing Director, said although retail has been a competitive landscape for many years, he believes it is one of the best industries to have been able to cope with change.
“Given retail technology uptake is predominantly consumer-facing it’s critical retailers get their digital experience for customers right, and fast,” Mr Gates said.
“Retailers need to bring together an experience across multiple channels, so that it all starts to make sense. If your operations are disjointed and not integrated, you will get left behind pretty quickly.”
To download the 2017 Technology Retail Review please visit: https://www.pronto.net/retailtechnology17
About the Australian Retailers Association:
Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.
About Pronto Software:
Pronto Software is an Australian developer of award-winning business management software. With an easy- to-use interface and in-built flexibility and intelligence, its flagship Pronto Xi platform drives efficiency and performance improvements to businesses. Pronto Software prides itself on actively listening to customers and adapting its services to meet their needs to reveal the best solution. Find your moment: www.pronto.net
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Bullen or Jennifer Gillis at DEC PR
+61 2 8014 5033 / pronto@decpr.com.au
Commissioned to examine and benchmark technology adoption among Australian retailers, the study surveyed 146 retailers and identifies that majority of Australian retailers are on the right track in terms of technology uptake, however there are still some real opportunities for retailers to grow their business.
One key message from the report identified that real-time data is crucial in today’s retail market, yet a staggering 49% of retailers admitted to not having an integrated POS system, limiting them from processing sales offline when disconnected from the network.
With two-thirds (66%) of respondents not having IT systems that track and provide insights on loss prevention, this report identified how retailers are investing in end-to-end frictionless operations to address the emerging challenges in the sector.
ARA’s Executive Director Russell Zimmerman believes the retail sector is set to get more competitive, particularly with the upcoming arrival of Amazon.
“With the cost of retail rent escalating, it will be interesting to see what retail technology will look like in five years’ time. For example, I think we’ll see smaller physical shopfronts and far more technology innovation,” Mr Zimmerman said.
“As rapid delivery times have become expected, I believe the future of retail will allow customers to walk into a store and arrange a parcel to be delivered that night if an item is out of stock.”
Chad Gates, Pronto Software, Managing Director, said although retail has been a competitive landscape for many years, he believes it is one of the best industries to have been able to cope with change.
“Given retail technology uptake is predominantly consumer-facing it’s critical retailers get their digital experience for customers right, and fast,” Mr Gates said.
“Retailers need to bring together an experience across multiple channels, so that it all starts to make sense. If your operations are disjointed and not integrated, you will get left behind pretty quickly.”
To download the 2017 Technology Retail Review please visit: https://www.pronto.net/retailtechnology17
ENDS
About the Australian Retailers Association:
Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.
About Pronto Software:
Pronto Software is an Australian developer of award-winning business management software. With an easy- to-use interface and in-built flexibility and intelligence, its flagship Pronto Xi platform drives efficiency and performance improvements to businesses. Pronto Software prides itself on actively listening to customers and adapting its services to meet their needs to reveal the best solution. Find your moment: www.pronto.net
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Bullen or Jennifer Gillis at DEC PR
+61 2 8014 5033 / pronto@decpr.com.au