Why It’s Time for Retail to Invest in Their IT Infrastructure
It’s always been important for retailers to find new ways to improve their customer experience. With the last year’s events, taking advantage of the latest technologies has been a big part of how retailers have provided essential and safe services for their customers.
Retailers must invest in their IT infrastructure to ensure these technologies are working effectively and capable of supporting new demands. To provide an in-store shopping experience powered by advanced technology, retailers need to invest in these essential IT infrastructure assets.
Robust Networks
With the rise in mobility usage with customers over the last few years, the importance of networking solutions will only continue to grow. Investing in wireless technologies and a well-managed network will help to keep store applications and operations running smoothly and efficiently. Most retailers use a POS system or machine-to-machine communication along with many other mission-critical technologies applications that require more bandwidth to ensure optimal performance.
Retailers must also consider allowing customers onsite Wi-Fi access while preventing usage from affecting their store systems.
Data Center
Managing customer data, inventory, transaction information, and even employee information requires a storage solution that can effectively handle large volumes of data. Retailers’ data centers must be resilient and secure, with the ability to scale as needed.
Take advantage of hybrid cloud solutions or micro data centers to support data storage that can be easily scaled. If your business has multiple locations, optimizing cloud storage and onsite micro data centers will help each store manage onsite mission-critical applications and sensitive data in-house while allowing flexibility in managing large amounts of data.
Security Tools
As you collect more customer data online, protecting their information from data breaches becomes more imperative than ever. Invest in robust security systems that include tools such as identity access management, next-generation firewalls, and incident response systems.
Onsite assessments and testing can help identify gaps in cybersecurity strategies and look beyond prevention. While no amount of planning can guarantee a data breach won’t occur, retailers should also have a detailed response plan to help them when a natural disaster or breach happens.
Professional Support Solutions
Knowing the best way to implement resilient and flexible IT systems for retailers can be tricky to navigate. To get the most from your IT infrastructure, you must leverage IT infrastructure professionals’ skill sets and knowledge. Contact us today to get the most from your IT infrastructure.