Ensure your software provider is protecting your data
In the past few years, privacy breaches around the world have made technology users conscious about the way their data is being used. By Andrew Bourne, regional manager: Africa at Zoho You only need to look at the growth of privacy-centric products like search engine...
Queue management system enables people to maintain a safe distance
RS Components (RS) has introduced the RS Pro Smart-Q queue management system, a high-quality and robust configurable beacon tower that manages the flow of customers and staff, by helping them to move around safely and efficiently in a wide range of retail, commercial...
Could agile data infrastructures save the retail sector?
Retailers have been hit hard by the current crisis. IT teams supporting struggling businesses now need to switch to maintaining critical infrastructures that support home-workers and enable online models to run efficiently. By Eran Brown, chief technology officer:...
Use technology to make shopping a delight
In our always-on world, it is no surprise that customers expect an on-demand economy, counting on companies to fulfil their product demand and service requirements immediately. By Fatima Khota, category head: POS at Rectron The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated this...
Consumers’ expectations are changing
Covid-19 has given a whole new meaning to the customer experience. As soon as news hit of the initial 21-day lockdown period that began 27 March, customers went into overdrive with crowds gathering at retailers to stockpile supplies. Since then, buying patterns have...
Preparing for the new world of online retail
South Africa's small but aspirational e-commerce sector has been ushered into sharp focus as a result of the entirely unexpected shock of Covid-19 and the resulting national lockdown. By Gareth Hawkey, group CEO of redPanda Software As consumers have turned to online...
Why retail credit is so important for the SA market
On 1 June 2020, South Africa moved to level three lockdown allowing more businesses to operate, essentially opening up the economy. By Jaco van Jaarsveldt, client decision analytics officer at Experian South Africa However, the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown in South...
Dis-Chem pharmacies use tech to enhance delivery
Dis-Chem has partnered with Picup to enhance its last mile delivery across more channels within the Group. The pharmaceutical giant is now using Picup's innovative technology and crowdsource driver network to optimise its deliveries. At the beginning of the lockdown,...
Dimension Data, OLR form strategic partnership
Dimension Data has announced a strategic and exclusive partnership with OLR that brings a collective range of services to the retail sector in South Africa. Dimension Data has established a specialised Retail Practice within Britehouse, to bring strategic focus to the...
Key trends impacting the FMCG sector
It’s clear that the Coronavirus has changed the landscape for FMCGs – in some ways permanently. However, despite its similarities, the impact has not been the same across its subsectors and through the supply chain. Itumeleng Merafe, head of interest rate structuring...
On the front line of retail
Retailers have become under enormous pressure to operate as close to normal as possible, enabling people to buy food and essentials. By Jarek Matschey, director: retail at VMware EMEA IT can really help diffuse this pressure, to safeguard operations and business...
As businesses re-open, no-touch payment needed
As businesses reopen during level 4 lockdown in South Africa, there's increased demand for contactless (no-touch or remote) payment options. Many businesses are being forced to transform the ways they operate to online; therefore, new payment methods are needed for...