It’s Time to Automate and Save!
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010Automate utilizing 
In retail there are a lot of repetitive tasks to keep the business going. Some of these tasks are physical and some are electronic. Anytime you can
develop standard operating procedure (SOP) for the the physical and an automation for the electronic you will free up time as well as minimize mistakes and inconsistencies.
Quality point of sale (POS) systems have built in reporting systems that can automated the output of specific information on a regular bases. Often the output is an unfiltered, hard to use, mass of data. This information would be much better represented in Excel, filtered, sorted, with what is important, highlighted and the raw data hidden. Maybe even with graphical representation like graphs, pie charts or even time lines. You also may want certain thresholds presented in an eye catching color.
Another great use of automation is driving work flow. Send your buyers weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports that elicit actions. Auto print inventory check sheets for your floor staff.
Additional Automation Ideas:
- Importing of product information
- Online Product research
- Password loading
- POS backups
- Computer Tune Ups
Macro Express is a program that will help you to make macros, which are a series of written instructions or recorded keystrokes and mouse actions. With a single keystroke or a triggering event the macro can play back these activities at a much faster speed than can be performed manually. These macros can even be triggered to run at a certain time of day or on a certain date when the user is not even present.
Once you own the product check Macro Express Explained.
If you are on a Mac you can try Automator.