Retail Information Systems Research Articles

A Business Framework of Architecture for a Retail Information System

Purpose: Retail is one of the most important sectors in modern life. Retail information systems support organizational processes in retail chains. Since such systems are very complex, they need to be structured in a framework based on actual business requirements for understanding the nature and sources of retail information systems. This article focuses on developing a business framework of architecture for a retail information system. This framework allows us to explore the main modules of retail information system. Design/methodology/approach: Research is based mainly on theoretical studies of retail information systems. Findings: As a result, we developed a framework that enables integration of processes in the following areas: assortment management, floor planning, shelf space allocation, pricing strategies, promotion, and store operations. Such solutions allow, among others, for optimization of available shelf space, reducing out-of-stocks, increasing employee productivity, enhance company profitability and improve customer satisfaction. Research limitations/implications: Because of the fact that in retail organizations, RIS modules are generally managed by different departments, some issues in implementation and data transfer could appear. Moreover, in the current framework, there is no artificial intelligence or the Internet of Things included. Originality/value: The results of the research can be used both by retail information systems developers and by retail managers in traditional and online retailing.

Retailer’s Dual Role in Digital Marketplaces

Digital marketplaces have entered the retail sector and have proven to be a successful business model compared to traditional retailing. Established retailers are increasingly launching digital marketplaces as well as participating in marketplaces of pure online companies. Retailers transforming to digital marketplaces orchestrate formerly independent markets and enable retail transactions between participants while simultaneously selling articles from their own assortment to customers in the digital marketplace (dual role). A retailer’s dual role must be supported by retail information systems. However, this support is not explicitly represented in existing reference architectures for retail information systems. Thus, we propose to develop a reference architecture for retail information systems that facilitates the orchestration of supply- and demand-side participants, selling their own articles, and providing innovation platform services. We apply a design science research approach and present nine architectural requirements that a reference architecture for a multi-sided market business model in retail needs to fulfill (dual role, additional participants, affiliation, matchmaking, variety of services, innovation services, smart services, aggregated assortment, and boundary resources) from the rigor cycle. From the first design iteration, we propose four exemplary, conceptual architectural patterns as a solution for the requirements (matchmaking for participants, innovation platform services, boundary resources, and aggregated assortment). These patterns can form a conceptual reference architecture that guides the design and implementation of information systems.

Inventory control using ABC and min-max analysis on retail management information system

Determination of reorder point aims to meet the safety stock. This is a central parameter of inventory control. This study aims to find reorder point based on goods classification and safe stock. This approach is implemented in retail information systems that have been running. The information system has about 15.000 active items with the number of sales transactions around 1.100 per day. The problem in determining the reorder point is the unavailability of the safe stock reference. Lack of safe stock information triggered the ordering goods error. This error causes over stock. It can increase the potential of expired goods. In this study the researcher classifies the goods and determines the amount of safe stock to control the inventory. We used ABC analysis method for goods classification. It divides the group of goods into A, B, C, and D. The amount of safe stock is determined based on the goods sale’s history using Min Max Analysis method. Classification result is used to determine the limits on the inventory of allowed items to be ordered. Limitation safety stock amount refers to the limits from the min max method result. While, testing is done by comparing cost before and after implementation of this method.

PEMODELAN INTEGRASI NEARLY REAL TIME DATA WAREHOUSE DENGAN SERVICE ORIENTED ARCHITECTURE UNTUK MENUNJANG SISTEM INFORMASI RETAIL

Updates the data in the data warehouse is not traditionally done every transaction. Retail information systems require the latest data and can be accessed from anywhere for business analysis needs. Therefore, in this study will be made data warehouse model that is able to produce the information near real time, and can be accessed from anywhere by end users application. Modeling design integration of nearly real time data warehouse (NRTDWH) with a service oriented architecture (SOA) to support the retail information system is done in two stages. In the first stage will be designed modeling NRTDWH using Change Data Capture (CDC) based Transaction Log. In the second stage will be designed modeling NRTDWH integration with SOA-based web service. Tests conducted by a simulation test applications. Test applications used retail information systems, web-based web service client, desktop, and mobile. Results of this study were (1) ETL-based CDC captures changes to the source table and then store it in the database NRTDWH with the help of a scheduler; (2) Middleware web service makes 6 service based on data contained in the database NRTDWH, and each of these services accessible and implemented by the web service client.

Retailer-Supplier Relationship in Hong Kong: Asymmetry, Power Play, and the Need for Supply Chain Management

This study investigates the characteristics of retailer-supplier relationship in Hong Kong, identify problems in it, and suggest ways to remedy them. We will demonstrate that Hong Kong’s retail industry was and is dominated by small and medium sized retailers. However, small retailers in Hong Kong have not adopted new retail technologies to manage their supply chains. This situation is undermining the efficiency of Hong Kong’s retail industry as a whole. We suggest information system providers, the management of small retailers, and suppliers to take steps to improve supply chain efficiency for small retailers. Information system providers could help through designing affordable implementation and common modules. We recommend suppliers in Hong Kong to actively build network, cultivate trust, and equip them with advance information system. Small and medium sized retailers in Hong Kong need to invest in the required resources to implement retail information systems. The government of Hong Kong can play a supportive role as well through non-profit organizations and programs that target retail technology for small businesses.

A chain store marketing information system: realizing Internet‐based enterprise integration and electronic commerce

EXPRESS (a language used to define standard data models) is used to develop data models for products, categories, and chain stores allowing for ISO‐integrated product data management. By applying EXPRESS to the task of managing product and market information, retail data are integrated in a central database and are accessible in real time by members of the distribution channel Point of Sales (POS) systems at the store level provide the streams of data from retail stores. These data are collected and kept in a central database used for dynamic sales analysis and merchandise planning. The decision models for automated shelf layout, continuous sales analysis, and real‐time logistic management are incorporated into the marketing information system (MIS), which can be utilized by store managers through an easy‐accessed Web‐based interface. The WWW is the communicators’ medium used to link the retail headquarters with the distributed retail chain. The central object‐oriented database is based on the proposed EXPRESS data model and provides a means to manage large amounts of rapidly‐changing information. Stores that implement retail information systems of this nature can easily expand to suitable and profitable economies of scale without loss of information and control.

The weather sensitivity of the UK food retail and distribution industry

AbstractThis paper focuses attention on the weather sensitivity of the food and drinks sector within the UK retail and distribution industry. The potential benefits to accrue from the application of meteorological knowledge are evaluated in light of current advances in retail information systems and management. Subsequently, the viability of using weather forecasts in operational decision‐making is discussed from both the meteorological and industrial standpoints.

New information systems: The use of retail information systems in the Netherlands

New information systems: The use of retail information systems in the Netherlands