NEWS
South African retailers face challenges as they transform into store of the future
South African retailers face many challenges as they navigate the transition to the store of the future . This is according to Altron Digital Business who addresses these challenges through its comprehensive suite of solutions and services .
Altron Digital Business is at the forefront of revolutionising the retail landscape in South Africa through its comprehensive offerings , including Retail Store as a Service , Smart Retail Support Services , and the Retail Software Factory . These integrated solutions empower retailers to seamlessly adopt the latest technological advancements .
Bonga Gumede , Executive , Retail for Altron Digital Business says the challenges facing retailers include the following :
• Old hardware : Many retailers struggle with outdated hardware that hampers operational efficiency . ADB ’ s partnerships
demands of modern retailing .
Bonga Gumede
with OEMs ensures its customers have access to the latest hardware solutions capable of meeting the
• Limited customisation : Off-the-shelf software solutions often fail to meet retailers specific . ADB ’ s Retail Software Factory delivers customised software development that facilitates retailers to implementation of solutions that are perfectly aligned with their strategic business goals and operational needs .
• Inadequate support and maintenance : Every minute a retail store is unable to service customers and trade results in significant , unrecoverable losses .
• Retailers require reliable support to keep their systems running smoothly . ADB ’ s 24 , 7 , 365 support services , with its vast network of technicians and service points , ensures retailers receive prompt assistance whenever needed .
• Complex procurement and logistics : Managing technology procurement and logistics can be a daunting task for retailers . ADB ’ s expertise in these areas means retailers receive the right technology components on time , enabling smooth and efficient operations .
• High costs of technology sourcing : Sourcing technology directly from OEMs can be cost-prohibitive for many retailers . ADB ’ s direct partnerships with premium OEMs provides retailers with access to high-quality , affordable hardware solutions .
“ Transforming to modernised retail technologies holds immense benefits for retailers ,” says Bonga .
Synthesis and Microsoft Azure invest in data and AI orchestration agents
Being a Microsoft Azure partner benefits customers looking to move into the cloud , with funding assistance and programs such as POC ’ s , workshops , migration initiatives , AI initiatives , or Greenfield projects . Depending on the type of customer and project , Synthesis translates its partnership into a competitive advantage for businesses , offering insights into Azure ’ s innovations for an unparalleled cloud experience .
“ Bespoke strategies are designed to fit unique needs , driving digital transformation and operational growth ,” says Rui Felix , Azure Practice Lead at Synthesis .
Synthesis began its Microsoft Azure journey with cloud opportunities arising from customers . Some key success stories include Synthesis ’ s involvement in payment modernisation and the development of PayShap , the rapid payments platform for real-time payments .
Rui Felix
The architecture required high performance and latency . The solution leverages Microsoft Azure ’ s cloud infrastructure to ensure robust scalability and maintains subsecond transaction processing through its distributed architecture .
Globally , Synthesis has digitalised and transformed the logistical system of one the largest logistics shipping companies in Singapore . The transition evolved from a manual process incorporating different partners , departments , and countries to an automated digital platform hosted on Microsoft Azure , explains Rui .
Security is a priority in discussion with Microsoft investing in tools to enable data safety . Guard rails can ensure that data is user-specific and not exposed to everyone . The sensitivity of the data needs to be considered to ensure that the right guardrails are put in place for AI agents , adding an additional layer of security advises Rui .
Everyone has an opinion of AI and what it means for future business . There are both positive and negative connotations around it . Rui believes that any malicious intent around AI will be addressed by regulations . The concept of the Industrial Revolution that came into effect resulted in the automation of machines that have replaced human involvement and streamlined processes . p
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA 15