Retailers can improve operations with automated workflows

While retailers may not think they need an automated workflow, there are several critical areas where these options can really help their efficiency. As a consequence, taking the time to carefully evaluate the ways in which modern technology can help to inform better decision-making at all levels of the company may go a long way toward improving efficiency and, as a result, bottom lines.

For example, many retail companies are now investing in platforms that help them improve workflows for hiring, so that there are fewer disruptions when employees leave and new workers can be on-boarded as efficiently as possible, according to Customer Think. Along similar lines, figuring out the best ways to monitor inventory needs on an ongoing basis, and automatically alerting executives and other decision-makers when products need to be reordered, can also provide a huge benefit.

Of course, experts say that in the world of retail, it's important to automate only what might lead to significant efficiency. Put another way, having the ability to use the human touch remains vital to some aspects of the sector, and making a careful examination of where inefficiencies crop up most often will likely lead to greater success down the road.

What about marketing?
One area in which that added efficiency may prove crucial is in automating marketing efforts, according to eCommerce Insiders. The more that can be done to reduce data entry and other time-consuming aspects of managing customer information on an ongoing basis, the better off companies will be when it comes to streamlining their processes.

That kind of effort can also lead to more sales. The more targeted marketing efforts are to a person's specific wants and needs – based on past shopping data – the better off companies are likely to be when it comes to ensuring future sales. This is also effective when it comes to handling customer surveys or complaints that may occasionally come in, and ensuring that all the pertinent information is directed to exactly who needs to see it in as few steps as possible.

The greater the effort retailers take to examine where automating workflows will help them increase efficiency, the more likely they will be to ensure successful operations over time.