- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available on mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SafetyCulture?
SafetyCulture gives retail managers a bird’s eye view of all their operations, allowing them to oversee processes and spot areas for improvement. This platform also features various native integrations so that you can use them with other apps or software you already use for retail operations. With SafetyCulture, digitizing and streamlining your operations becomes much easier, making it an ideal choice for retail organizations of all sizes anywhere with different needs and markets.
Features:
- Keep close tabs on your assets by using QR codes and NFC tags to digitally monitory inventory levels.
- Digitize your inspection and audit process with a digital checklist to ensure that workers cover all bases.
- Empower employees to report issues with inventory and other operations through the platform, and assign immediate corrective actions.
- Keep employees in the loop by sending reminders, memos, schedules, and more through HeadsUp.
- Ensure that employees are equipped to handle tasks and understand how to use new tools through the robust training features on the platform.
Why use Zoho?
Zoho offers secure retail operation solutions suitable for businesses of all sizes. It offers a wide range of products for all aspects of retail management, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking to streamline their supply chain, manage stock levels efficiently, and enhance overall inventory control.
Features:
- Order fulfillment automation
- Real-time stock level monitoring
- Batch and expiry tracking
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Custom pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Lightspeed?
Lightspeed has a dedicated retail management platform that allows you to take full control of your retail operations, from inventory, to ecommerce management, and customer service. It is great for businesses seeking a user-friendly Point-of-Sale (POS) solution with robust features to manage sales, inventory, and customer relationships seamlessly.
Features:
- Intuitive and customizable POS interface
- Multiple location management
- Customer loyalty and engagement tools
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Starts at $89/month, billed annually
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Retail Pro?
Retail Pro is a retail management system that caters to various businesses and industries focused on analytics. It is suitable for organizations looking for a scalable and customizable platform to optimize various aspects of retail operations and record data with localization support.
Features:
- Visual analytics tools
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools
- Multi-store and multi-currency support
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use NCR Voyix?
NCR Voyix is an end-to-end commerce management solution that’s a great fit for retail operations as it encompasses POS systems, self-service kiosks, and comprehensive software. It’s great for retail businesses looking for a unified platform to manage transactions, customer interactions, and overall operational efficiency.
Features:
- Financial management tools
- Self-checkout capabilities for POS systems
- Integration with various payment processors and hardware
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Fishbowl?
Fishbowl is an inventory management software that easily fits into retail operations. It’s designed to integrate with Quickbooks and is perfect for retail businesses seeking an efficient way to manage inventory, orders, and manufacturing processes in sync with their financial data.
Features:
- Pricing and costing tools
- Manufacturing and assembly support
- Barcode scanning for accurate stock control
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Revel?
Revel is great for organizations with multiple branches that want to continue expanding, as it’s a cloud-based platform that employees can access from any location. It is suitable for organizations looking for an all-in-one platform to manage sales, inventory, and customer interactions efficiently.
Features:
- Labor forecasting
- Payment agnostic
- Order and sales history
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
What is Retail Operations Software?
Retail operations software is a digital solution that helps managers oversee retail operations while empowering employees handling day-to-day business tasks. This type of platform serves as a hub for retail operations where managers can view data to find areas of improvement and enhance the decision-making process. It also allows for more oversight, allowing managers to assign tasks, schedule activities, and handle tasks specific to retail businesses such as POS.
Importance
Retail operations software is critical in enhancing the operations of modern retail businesses. These platforms offer various benefits that can significantly impact a retailer’s bottom line. Here are a few ways retail operations software enhances operations:
- Increases Efficiency: These platforms allow businesses to bring their tasks into the digital world while automating certain repetitive tasks. That way, companies reduce human error while operating more efficiently and focusing on strategic initiatives.
- Improves Inventory Management: By providing real-time insights into inventory levels and trends, the software helps retailers optimize stock levels and reduce instances of overstock or stockouts.
- Upgrades Customer Experience: With features like CRM integration and personalized marketing tools, retail operations software enables businesses to deliver exceptional customer service and build long-lasting relationships.
Key Features
The right features for your business will vary depending on the company’s size, needs, market, and other factors. It’s best to look for software with features that can handle your business’s specific needs. That said, there are still some key features that are essential in these platforms such as:
- Inventory Management: Track and record stock levels, manage suppliers, and automate reordering processes.
- POS Integration: Seamlessly integrate sales data with inventory and customer information for a holistic view of operations.
- CRM Functionality: Capture customer data, preferences, and purchase history to personalize interactions and drive loyalty.
- Reporting and Analytics: Generate customizable reports on sales performance, inventory turnover, and customer behavior.
- Employee Management: Schedule shifts, track employee performance, and manage payroll within the software.
Choosing the Right Software
In today’s fast-paced retail environment, having the right operations software is crucial for success. The best retail operations software not only streamlines daily tasks but also enhances overall efficiency, enabling businesses to focus on growth and customer satisfaction.
Whether you’re a small boutique or a large multi-location retailer, the right software can empower your business to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Refer to the table below which compares the best retail operations software you can choose from today based on key factors like free trials, pricing, and mobile accessibility, helping you make an informed decision.
| Retail Operations Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/seat/month* | Yes |
| Zoho | Yes | Custom pricing | Yes |
| Lightspeed | No | $89/month* | Yes |
| Retail Pro | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| NCR Voyix | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Fishbowl | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Revel | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
* billed annually
Leon Altomonte