The Challenges of a Multi-Location Business

Good news! Your business is doing great. And your business is profitable. Congratulations! You can now grow and build new and multiple locations. You are expanding. 

This is what every small business owner is aiming for and looking forward to – to be in a position to be able to open multi-location businesses and franchises. To grow and expand. Part of that is managing multiple locations successfully and seamlessly.

Sounds like a really good plan for growth, right? The problem is that managing multi-location businesses is easier said than done. You need to manage all locations at the same time. To be sure, managing a multi-location business is a daunting task. 

Here are some challenges you will be faced with that will stare you in the face. And some things that you also need to do to counter them and get going.

1. Proximity

It is very easy to focus on the problems of the branch where you are situated and yet there is that propensity to nearly forget other locations away from you.  Let us say, for instance, you run a retail store that has many branches across different locations. You want to be on top and want to make certain that every shop is taken care of and that each location is given the time and attention that it needs. You can only do so much. There is a need to visit the branches and make sure they are all performing as expected. So, how do you address this? A Multi-branch POS is the answer. 

You need all the data you can possibly get to come up with a health check for every branch. Having all the data you need at a click of a button can save you and your staff a significant amount of time and effort. You do not need anymore to pause for a while and call your other branch or perhaps go to the branch nearest you. 

Just check into the multi-branch POS system and voila, the data is all there! This will save you a lot of time and effort.

BIR-accredited easyPOS is your all-in-one solution to manage your sales, inventory, and customer data in real time!

Click to Learn More.

BIR-accredited easyPOS is your all-in-one solution to manage your sales, inventory, and customer data in real time!

Click to Learn More.

2. Poor Communication

Having multiple branches would mean more communication is needed. You are going to have to figure out a way to strengthen your communication tools and protocol to effectively disseminate accurate information across multiple location businesses. Any challenges with communication? A multi-branch POS can get the job done. One of the biggest benefits of multi-branch POS retail software is the ability to provide management with some pertinent data and information regarding customers’ buying patterns, identify problems, and spot trends across all stores. It constantly communicates through data generation. This data can be converted into specific reports that contain important retail information like sales figures, profit margins, inventory valuations, and even reviews, and projections. These are figures that pave the way for better communication in strategizing and making sound business decisions. 

3. Connectivity

Connectivity becomes a major challenge if not taken seriously, in multi-branch stores. Whether it is a desktop-based system or an online system, connecting to the main server with clients (store computers) is a tough task. A Multi-branch POS connects everything. It allows each location to work independently yet you can access it from wherever you are because of the cloud-based software. The data gets synced and you can view information or ask for it from the branch where there is an internet connection. 

4. Data Synchronization

This is almost synonymous with connectivity. Data synchronization is a critical challenge after  Connectivity. In retail, stores operate from different geographies and time zones as well as locations. Their operating hours may also vary. It is, therefore, crucial to sync up-to-date data. With a POS for multi-location businesses, there is no lapse in data synchronization. 

5. Customers’ Expectations

Customers not only want the same products to be available from one branch to another but they also want their experience to be smooth and seamless. From online to actual stores, they expect the same service. With a POS for multi-location businesses, customer data becomes centralized pursuing loyalty programs, rewards, points systems, and the like,  hence it helps build a seamless and fluid experience among customers. 

6. Security of Data

Retail data can be prone to theft and pilferage. With a multi-branch POS, your retail data is stored securely in one place and is being secured by being regularly backed up. 

With the multi-branch POS system managing all your branches, your business will be able to operate as a unified and coherent organization – which basically means greater productivity and efficiency as well as success as it evolves and grows in the industry it belongs in. 

There are challenges to having a multi-location business, yes. But a POS for multi-location businesses can help you every step of the way. Are you looking for one? One that is accredited by the Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue or BIR?  Consider EasyPOS. It can help you overcome these challenges and make things easier for you and your business. For more details, here is the link: https://human-incubator.com/easy-pos/

BIR-accredited easyPOS is your all-in-one solution to manage your sales, inventory, and customer data in real time!

Click to Learn More.

BIR-accredited easyPOS is your all-in-one solution to manage your sales, inventory, and customer data in real time!

Click to Learn More.