Why Your Retail Business Needs to Adopt the Cloud

To fully capitalize on the business-enhancing advantages of cloud technology, you need to take the leap. More retailers have already begun flocking to the cloud because it gives them the power to do the following:

• Get the right data to the right employees. Retailers with multiple locations face the challenge of getting the right HR paperwork, training materials, financial documents and more to the right people at the right time. Using a cloud-based file-sharing solution allows you to segment and organize your data across every department so you can grant or deny access to specific people. These control features are especially important for companies that frequently work with contractors or have high turnover rates.
• Provide new opportunities for collaboration. To keep your team working efficiently, you need to provide tools that embrace collaboration among various departments or offices. If a supply chain manager in New York City needs to edit inventory plans with a manager in London, the cloud can provide an easy and secure platform to make it happen.
• Manage personnel and their files. When it comes to employee training and annual reviews, you need a central location where you can manage relevant data; provide quick access to handbooks, team schedules and guidelines; and reliably store employees’ paperwork throughout the duration of their employment.

Navigating Your Cloud Options
Companies around the globe are looking for cloud technologies that provide the agility, control and efficiency they need to stay ahead of the market. According to Accenture estimates, the retail cloud market is predicted to more than triple from 2011 to 2015, so finding the best cloud solution now should be a top priority. Here are five questions you need to ask when vetting potential cloud services: