Fears of complexity of switching from one POS system to another can be a reason why some retailers do not change their POS system.
There is the fear of loss of data, the cost of change (time to setup the new software, time to train all your staff, and more), the pause while those tracking business performance take time to learn new reports and processes and there is fears of complexity of getting to know new tech people.
Fear of change is natural. Here are some tips from years of experience on How to Switch POS Systems Without Losing Your Sanity (or Your Data).
Know the why. Know why you want to switch from your current POS system. If there why has a value associated with it, this is your North Star, the goal you want to reach from the switch. It could be the cost of the current software, its failure to genuinely serve the needs of the business or that the software does not have the assists you need to take your business to the next pevel. be sure of the why and remind yourself of this in the road to change is frustrating, which it will be.
Figure out what matters. It’s like moving house. What to you ditch before the move? What has value to the future you? In this case, what data matter to the viability of your business into the future. Sometimes, a POS system has been used to collect poor data of questionable value. If this is your situation, bringing bad data to your new home is likely a waste of time and money. Oh, and be aware that plenty of times starting afresh is the best and least costly move for the business.
Be sure what you can bring. Some POS systems don’e make it easy for you to extract your data for a new POS system. While that should have been a red flag when considering that software, the situation is the situation. It has to be dealt with, Find out what you can get access to, how and any cost associated with this. Doing this early in considering a new POS software will make moving house easier.
Make a plan. Working with the folks from your new POS systems company, develop a migration plan with clarity as to what is making the move and what is not. Create a list of tasks,. be sure of who is responsible for what. Be realistic. Don’t impose deadlines that cannot be reasonably met. read the responsibility. Make sure the plan has contingencies for setbacks. There will be setbacks.
Test the plan. If you are migrating data to the new POS system. Have all involved in that tech work do a trial to ensure data comes across as expected. Only you can decide if data comes across as you expect. be responsible for it.
Once the ducks are in a row, go!. When you are ready and everything and everyone is in place, press go. be engaged personally if it is your business. You have the most to gain or lose.
The success of switching POS systems without losing your sanity comes down to planning along with consistent application of the plans.
While the right POS system for making a switch smooth and easy depends on the specific needs of your retail business, Tower Systems was built to solve these exact challenges for Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today.
Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au.
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