I'm managing IT for a retail chain with around 40 stores, and we're facing significant issues with our cloud-based POS system. Every time there's an internet hiccup, our sales come to a halt, which is happening roughly once a week at different locations. Sometimes it's just a few minutes, but other times it can stretch for hours. We've looked into backup LTE connections, but the costs for installing them at all stores are high, and they don't address the root issue that our POS requires constant internet access. I'm considering switching vendors entirely, but I'd like to gather some insights on what's currently working for other retailers dealing with similar internet reliability problems. The financial impact is considerable as we're losing money and frustrating our customers, which is a big concern for our management team, especially after a recent outage on a busy Saturday.
4 Answers
Get better internet, possibly a redundant line! If the POS system can’t handle outages, then you’ll need an alternative plan. Viewing 4G or Starlink as secondary connectivity options might seem costly initially, but compared to potential sales losses, it could be worth it. Just make sure to set restrictions so only your POS devices use it to save on data costs.
I've seen two effective approaches to tackle this issue:
1. Some systems use database replication to ensure that stores can operate independently offline. This means if the internet drops, the POS can still function for days and sync back to the main database once it’s online again.
2. Other systems, though web-based, allow enough local data storage to continue working, although with some limitations, like not applying all pricing rules or accessing customer credit easily.
Having a reliable internet connection is crucial for any business nowadays, especially with cloud-based systems. Investing in backup internet, like a secondary LTE connection, can help mitigate those disruptions. Just like businesses that rely heavily on internet access, it’s wise to ensure you have a failover plan. No ISP guarantees 100% uptime, so plan for those hiccups!
Switching to an on-prem solution could also be a smart move. Systems like Aloha can operate locally and sync with the central database when back online, reducing dependency on internet stability. It'll be an upfront investment for the servers, but it might save you from continuing losses.
While definitely a solution, it does require ongoing maintenance for all those servers. It's a balance between that cost and the reliability gains.
Absolutely, and the best option would be to have both a solid business-grade ISP with a good SLA and a failover option like 5G or something similar up your sleeve!