The main parameters that you should focus on when choosing the right equipment for automating a retail store are the planned traffic, the size of the store and the size of your budget. In this article, we will look at various options for a ready-made store automation solution, ranging from small shop from low traffic to a medium-sized store with over 200 customers per day. For each option, the appropriate equipment and approximate prices for the finished solution are proposed.
Automation of a small store in which goods are brought in in their spare time
AT this case we are talking about a store with a traffic of no more than 70 customers per day, in which workplace the cashier is combined with the workplace of the merchandiser (i.e. both functions are performed by one person) and new product starts at a time when there are no visitors. In this case, the most convenient combination in our experience is the following combination:
- Cash desk Atol 30F "turnkey" - 20300 rubles;
- 1C: Retail - 4,000 rubles;
- Connecting a cash register to 1C - 1,500 rubles;
Atol 30F has a throughput of up to 70 checks per day, a receipt tape width of 57 or 44 mm, small dimensions and can support Wi-Fi and 3G. The complete set of the cash desk "turnkey" includes fiscal accumulator for 15 months, registration of the cash desk with the Federal Tax Service, connection to the OFD and electronic signature.
In this option, the cash register is connected to a personal computer or laptop. On the same computer, 1C: Retail is installed, which will be used both as a cash register program and as an accounting program.
- 1C: Retail 8. Basic version
The software is designed to automate stores with a large number of employees. The software is also used as a cash program. You should buy 1C: Retail 8 basic version due to the support of two database distribution modes. There are RIBs for sales points, as well as jobs. The configuration is designed for autonomous and independent operation.
There is support for data exchange with "Management" and "Company Accounting". It is possible to create whole software complexes. At 1C: Retail 8, the basic version, the price is at a fairly attractive level.
Vendor code: 5066
3,600.00 ₽ buy 
Vendor code: 5499
2,300.00 ₽ buy
Fiscal registrar Atol 30FFiscal registrar without auto-cut and receipt width up to 57 mm. Up to 100 checks/day, mains powered. USB
Vendor code: 5085
from 11,300.00 ₽
Total:
= 35 150₽ all store automation.
Solution for a small store where the goods are brought in during sales
This option is more convenient, since you do not need to interrupt sales to launch a new product. In such a store, a separate workplace for a cashier and a place for a merchandiser is organized.
In this case, a set of equipment for store automation is as follows:
- For the cashier's workplace:
- POS computer Atol NFD10 – 23 800₽;
- POS monitor Atol sj 1088 – 8 636₽;
- Frontol xPOS program – 6 500 rubles;
- Connecting a cash register to Frontol xPOS – 1,500₽;
- box office Atol 55F "turnkey") - 32 300 rubles;
- 1D barcode scanner Winson WNL 5000g – 2 350₽;
Vendor code: 5540
6,750.00 ₽ buy
POS monitor ATOL LM10The device has optimal display resolution, color depth, brightness and contrast parameters, which will allow the cashier to spend a lot of time at work without harm to health and well-being.
Vendor code: 5364
10,428.00 ₽ buy
POS-computer ATOL NFD10 PRO is a solution for a cash register.
Vendor code: 5633
30,020.00 ₽ buy- Winson WNL-5000g barcode scanner
The Winson WNL-5000g-USB laser scanner is designed to read one-dimensional barcodes at a speed of 120 scans/s. It is one of the most budget models. Capable of reading high density barcodes (up to 5 mil). Support for Hands-Free mode allows you to use the equipment, freeing the operator's hands (requires the purchase of an optional stand).
Vendor code: 5499
2,300.00 ₽ buy 
Fiscal registrar ATOL 55FFiscal registrar with auto-cut and receipt width up to 57 mm. Up to 200 checks/day, mains powered. USB, Ethernet, RS232, DYA.
Vendor code: 5002
from 24,600.00 ₽- For the workplace of a merchandiser: personal computer or laptop +
- 1C: Retail as a product accounting program - 4,000 rubles;
- Installation, configuration and training in working with 1C - 7,000 rubles;
- 1D barcode scanner for assigning barcodes to goods - 2 350₽;
The POS computer is more reliable than a conventional personal computer because designed specifically for trading. In addition, it does not have a fan, which means it will not make noise and become clogged with dust.
As software, we offer the Frontol xPOS program - a budget solution that supports most of the connected equipment, has flexible settings for any customer needs (bonuses, discounts) and has minimal system requirements.
Atol 55F has a throughput of up to 250 checks per day, a receipt tape width of 57 or 44 mm and an auto-cut.
In terms of price / quality ratio, 1C: Retail is the best option for an inventory system. If necessary, this program can be supplemented for specific needs: change printing forms documents, create reports and processing to download goods from Excel. Retail also allows you to set up the sale of alcoholic beverages both by the piece and in bulk. The program is easy to set up and, unlike other accounting systems, is not overloaded with unnecessary functionality and is easy to learn.
Outcome:
store automation cost = 88 436₽ .
Medium Store Automation
The average number of visitors to such a store is from 200 people. For a store with such a throughput, in order to be more reliable, it is recommended to have 2 jobs for a cashier and 1 for a merchandiser, since in case of any malfunctions with cash equipment, sales will not stop at one checkout.
In this case, the configuration will look like this:
- For 2 jobs of cashiers:
- 2 POS computers Atol NFD10 – 47 600₽;
- 2 POS monitors Atol sj 1088 – 17 272₽;
- 2 cash desks Atol 22F on a turnkey basis - 67,820 rubles;
- 2 Frontol xPOS programs – 13,000 rubles;
- Connecting cash registers to Frontol xPOS – 3,000₽;
- 2 Datalogic Magellan 800i barcode scanners – 22,576₽;
Datalogic Magellan 800i 2D barcode scanner (EGAIS)
Vendor code: 5484
11,281.20 ₽ buy- Frontol xPOS software
Frontol xPOS is a professional software designed to automate the cash register at retail enterprises. It is developed on an innovative platform, compatible with different operating systems.
Vendor code: 5540
6,750.00 ₽ buy - POS monitor ATOL LM10
Atol 22 has a throughput of up to 250 checks per day, a receipt tape width of 80 or 57 mm and an automatic cut.
This stationary omnidirectional scanner allows you to simply carry the goods in front of the scanner to add them to the check, increasing the speed of the cashier.
For any volume of goods sold, trade automation is possible - the option for a small store will cost minimal costs and will greatly increase the convenience of work. There are usually two in the store. functional responsibilities- a merchandiser who receives goods and monitors their spending and timely replenishment, and a cashier who releases goods to customers and accepts payment for them.
Allows you to maintain a database of goods available for sale on a computer, at any time receive a certificate of the availability of goods, analyze the best-selling nomenclature and plan next purchases. This is the job of a merchandiser. The seller, on the other hand, may not keep in mind the prices for all goods, much less look for them in a notebook: it is enough to swipe a scanner in front of the barcode of the goods so that the information, including the price, appears on the computer screen. If you add a simple bank card reader, it becomes possible to carry out non-cash payments, which are increasingly preferred by buyers.
Even automation of a clothing store with its several dozen products will give its results, and if trade is on stationery or foodstuffs, and the nomenclature has hundreds of positions, it is impossible to keep everything in memory, and confusion should not be allowed.
Minimum composition of equipment
Consider what the most simplified trade automation can be - an option for a small store. The smallest store is a kiosk or a miniature trading floor, the warehouse is located here, in the back room, and the duties of a merchandiser and cashier are performed by the same person - often the store owner himself. And no supply departments, remote warehouses, structural divisions, branches and other attributes of expanded trade at the supermarket level. Well, time dictates that even the automation of the U Doma store, a minimal trading format, should be carried out.
Accounting automation in a store can be based on a regular computer, not the most powerful PC or laptop. If the store owner has recently replaced his home machine with a more powerful one, the old one will still serve - the store automation system does not require large resources. To the computer without problems (if it works under operating system Windows) connects the simplest set of peripherals:
- , a small portable device connected to a computer with a USB cable;
- fiscal registrar or receipt printer - it depends on what taxation system is adopted in the store;
- , necessary if the store must be ready for payment by customers not in cash, but with cards.
If you need to print barcode labels, you can use the same printer as for receipts (low-cost universal designs are available).
Software
For Windows OS, any complexity store automation program can be chosen, including such minimal trade automation is possible - an option for a small store. The software is simple, you can debug it without special skills, the peripherals controlled by it are minimal. Since everything is concentrated on a single computer, there is no need to organize a network, and the stability of the programs is high.
The only drawback that such automation has retail– programs of receiving goods and sales cannot work at the same time. You can work either in the program for the cashier, or in the working environment of the merchandiser. However, if one person works in the store, he is also the owner, merchandiser and cashier, then he will still go about his business in turn. At first, he will calmly accept the goods, stick labels on it, enter information into the database, that is, he will work as a merchandiser, and then he will start working as a cashier, serving customers.
Profitable automation
Not every city requires trade automation to be organized even in small stores: Moscow makes such a requirement. Therefore, most small business owners trading business Those who need a retail automation system try to choose the cheapest office equipment, software, so that they can fulfill the requirements of the authorities without any special costs, and make their work easier. If in the future it is necessary to expand trade, it is easy to separate the functions of a merchandiser and a seller by installing another simple computer and linking it to the network with the existing one.
Trading networks are actively developing, being represented by various formats. The process is associated with information technology. It is impossible to manually work with a wide range of thousands of items. And the computer can do it. Small businesses acquire electronic equipment depending on a number of factors. But there is general principles, which are expressed by specific indicators.
Retail Features
The concept of retail means the sale of services, goods in a small batch, piece by piece. By the way, our previous article has a very related topic hotel business automation, which also uses information capabilities. Such activities are the function of the respective enterprises, usually needing:
- in squares;
- in the staff;
- enough goods in trading floor, in stock.
Making a profit, they apply a trade margin on products. Its value is regulated by the state of the market (30, 200%). Prices for some goods, services are set by the state, then the percentage is less. The fact of purchase is usually confirmed by a cash register receipt.
The check contains the following information.
- Business name.
- Price.
- Amount and rate of value added tax.
- The date.
- Location, address.
Important! Retailing has been around since antiquity. First there was an exchange, and then the sale of products and services on the marketplace became a form. In the history of Russia, this process has been well developed. Merchants were famous for their significant turnover, providing the country with the latest goods.
About automation
Retail automation covers stores ranging from 70 to 350 square meters. The assortment usually does not exceed 6 thousand items. The over-the-counter format is usually much less effective than self-service. Reasons - better access to the goods, greater speed in the second case.
As you plan to automate, prepare to restructure and streamline your accounting as a first step. The process is not limited to the acquisition of computer equipment. The whole system will change. So, a newly received product is not immediately placed on the trading floor, but is entered into the database information system. After all, the cost should be reflected in the memory of the cash register, without which the goods cannot be sold.
Stages of transition to information technology
The transition process to new technology includes a number of basic steps.
Costs, equipment
In a small store up to 180 sq. meters will require automation at a cost of up to $17,000. The suggested list is as follows.
- POS-terminals (Point-of-Sale, point of sale) - electronic devices accepting payments through payment cards. Devices will make trade modern. Can be taken cash registers domestic production, calculating how many they need: per 100 sq. meters - about 2 terminals with a scanner, a thermal printer that prints a receipt tape.
- Up to 2 computers (not counting the needs of accounting), a data storage server is desirable.
- Grocery store automation is usually not complete without scales. For example, from the principle of self-service, the installation of devices at the packaging and in the department follows.
- A label printer that labels a fast-growing item will come in handy.
- Nothing will work in the absence of programs.
Store automation equipment is not the only need. The expenses include:
- laying a local network;
- delivery of computers;
- installation and configuration of software;
- training of merchandisers, cashiers, operators and management that controls the operation of the store.
Automation outlet should be carried out with the assistance and accompaniment of reliable companies, people who are not dependent on financial results her work. Otherwise, there is a risk of artificially increasing them.
Note! The final figure of expenses is subject to adjustment with the use of discounts, phased payments.
Reasons for possible failures
Many entrepreneurs make typical and common mistakes that add up to a list. It is entirely possible to avoid them and automate your store in an almost perfect way.
- When selling clothes, it is not necessary to use POS systems, which is more expensive and leaves the enterprise without benefits. Or you can use a custom version. For example, "1C: Retail. Clothing and footwear store. It is preferable to use a PC or POS computer, "1C" and POS peripherals.
- Ignoring anti-theft systems. The automation system of any store must provide security. Otherwise, up to 12% of revenue or more is lost. The following methods are applied.
- Anti-theft systems.
- CCTV.
- Security personnel.
The best solution includes all methods at once. In case of impossibility of complex implementation of the project, it is necessary to analyze the statistics on thefts. For example, alcohol and clothing are the most susceptible to illegal removal. To protect them, retail automation includes an option - anti-theft systems. Food is controlled by video surveillance.
Attention! Losses with the use of protection are reduced, cost recovery comes in up to 3 months.
- Retail store automation does not include checking bills for authenticity. The price of the detector does not exceed 10,000 rubles, so you should not save.
- Do not update systems with innovations. Stores that do not provide the opportunity to pay for the purchase with a card lose profit. Another case is that the food department is not equipped with devices for cutting cheese and sausages.
- Failed to automate a store that has a turnkey solution built incorrectly due to incompatible, poorly coupled software. It is difficult to correct such errors in the information system.
- After automation, they do not delve into the process. It is necessary, together with a team of employees, to monitor the correct execution of tasks and decision-making.
Conclusion
What will the store look like if it is not automated at all? It is impossible to keep records on paper, to exercise proper control over the process in the absence of such modernization. Although the events are by no means free of charge, it is necessary to acquire equipment, software for it and make settings. Retail store automation accepts solutions with a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. Literacy, planning, choosing a partner with whom to delve into the processes, and timely updating are important.
The store is too small, the assortment is small, there are few buyers, sales staff a little, and the budget for automation is quite modest. But even small retail stores it is important to control and manage business processes. To manage sales, it is important to analyze competitors, pricing, marketing. For inventory management, sales are analyzed, balances are tracked, and an operational order of goods is carried out. Working with clients involves expanding the client base, loyalty programs, feedback. Also, from the point of view of financial management, it is necessary to control mutual settlements with suppliers, to calculate salaries.
Owner small shop have to implement operational management independently, including analytics, planning and execution control. Even a small mistake can result in big losses.
The most popular argument against automating a small store is that it is expensive. However, if we compare the option of trade automation for a small store and the financial losses of a non-automated enterprise due to dishonesty of employees, delays in ordering products, dissatisfied customers, the argument about the high cost is refuted.
On average, automation of a small store pays for itself within 6 months, and the benefits of optimizing business management processes become apparent as soon as you start using accounting system in operational work.
Trade automation options for a small store:
- Packing bulk goods (cheese, sausage, confectionery) before entering the counter, still in stock. To do this, the warehouse needs to install electronic scales with the function of printing labels with barcodes. After the goods arrive on the counter, lay it out.
- Weigh the goods at the checkout (vegetables, fruits). Then the cashier with the help electronic scales weighs the goods without printing labels, enters the product code. In this case, the cost is calculated automatically.