VIRTUAL SERVICES & TOOLS Solid Found


During the pandemic, having the right IT systems in place has been the difference CEO of LMS Group. Here, he spells out the ess


There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a game changer for business. There have been many losers, but also some big winners. As a business owner who works across a wide range of sectors, it’s clear companies can thrive when they have the right technology, combined with a culture suited to it.


The floorcoverings industry is being disrupted by the current COVID-19 pandemic, just like all the others. Your teams need access to data as and when it is required, everything is mobile and flexible. Powerful visualisation and augmented reality software mean customers can see what their rooms will look like with a proposed carpet before they buy it. Big data and increasingly predictive and automated messaging is causing a revolution in sales and marketing. Meanwhile, the disruption coming from artificial intelligence is, well, likely to be beyond all our imaginations.


But before we can truly embrace these powerful technologies, we need a solid IT structure in place to house them. We’ll


26 | Tomorrow’s Retail Floors


focus on the sexy stuff last. First, let’s ensure we have a solid base, a floor if you like, to build on.


1. Create a Clear Cloud


Your cloud bill is one of your highest business expenses after staff salaries, so it’s important to make sure you are maximising your investment. The first step to cloud management is to get the full picture of what your company is using, as it’s impossible to optimise your cloud if you can’t see what is going on. Once you have better visibility, you can evaluate whether your current cloud utilisation supports your organisation’s goals.


Your cloud needs clarity; it needs to be clear. There is likely to be a handful of software which each of your teams use on a daily basis, and each department will have its favourites. It is essential you ensure they can access them and all appropriate data in the cloud. You need to work to free


www.tomorrowsretailfloors.com


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