RBTE 2017 Industry Leaders Host Panel Cloud Debate

Industry experts will host a panel discussion about the importance of Cloud at RBTE 2017.

On the opening day of the industry’s main Expo, Monday, May 8, our CEO,Ian Tomlinson, will be joined with IT heads from Neal’s Yard Remedies and F Hinds the jewellers to discuss the role of Cloud within retail.

Led by journalist and retail PR expert Laura Garner, the event will piece out how new software is enabling both true omni-channel retailing and supporting the new customer journey.

Ian commenting: “Separated, legacy systems are really a thing of the past and we know from the amount of retailers contacting us on a daily basis, that they know that the industry is changing at a rapid rate. The panel involves businesses whom have both used these archaic systems and also created their own place in the market with the benefit of Cloud technology.

“It’s key that we demonstrate how and why there is a need to re-design or introduce operations and systems around consumers, working to provide them with new flows of real time information, products, transactions and experience. Our insight shows that it’s the only way to survive.”

Jason Cook head of IT for organic skincare brand, Neal’s Yard Remedies will join Paul Hinds, from F Hinds to discuss with Ian how Cloud is used as an intelligent core by their respective businesses to help create universal cross-channel intelligence for true stock optimisation.

Ian added: “Offering customers multi-channel options but also having a real-time perspective on stock it just one way in which Cloud can be a driver for increased sales and aid cash flow. Stock and warehousing can be accurately forecast across the entire organisation through predictive sales and suggestive purchase ordering through to optimisation of all warehousing and merchandising – it’s the holistic view that is so important.”

Critical Role of Cloud for Intelligent Multi-Channel Retail Management Systems

The panel will also share insight onto the role of a central Cloud platform to establish the critical and stable foundation to cater for today’s innovative, challenging and rapidly changing retail environment. Discussion around the importance of the in-store experience and the customer journey is one of the main topics within the Reinventing Retail: Market Insights 2017 Report.

Ian said: “The power of the in-store experience with its social, sensory and personal elements is unyielding, whatever online price wars are being fought. The blurring of channel boundaries has been further fuelled by click and collect; providing customers with the greater choice offered online together with the convenience of trying, feeling and buying in-store.”

The introduction of the click and collect service has been hugely successful for many of the UK’s big retail brands, with 43% of consumers (and 52% of 21-35 year olds) agreeing that it means they now shop online.

Ian added: “With reverse services, such as in-store click and deliver bourgeoning as retailers seek to extend the highest level of convenience by allowing customers to experience and buy in-store and yet free them of the hassle of carrying it home, retail as a destination is a trend we are going to see strengthen.

“Retailers who have redesigned and rolled out customer centric systems and processes for speed, convenience and omni-channel customer experience, will be the winners of 2017 and beyond and we look forward to sharing our insights on May 8.”

RBTE 2017 Expert Debate: Rethinking Retail Systems for Extended Choice, Convenience and Experience – The Critical Role of Cloud

Key discussions will cover:

• How Cloud technology can be used as an intelligent core to drive the omnichannel and brand experience strategy
• Establishing universal cross-channel intelligence for true profit and stock optimization and deliver a unified and stable omnichannel experience
• Overcoming the challenge of fast deployment of EPoS in new and/or challenging locations.
• The role of a central Cloud platform to establish the critical and stable foundation to cater for today’s innovative, challenging and rapidly changing retail environment

To register for free for the RBTE Panel Debate on Monday, May 8, between 14.40-15.25 in the Retail Business Technology Conference Theatre 1, RBTE, Ground Floor, Olympia, London, CLICK HERE

To download the FREE Market Insights Report 2017 CLICK HERE