Retailers are making progress in digital transformation: omnichannel models are being rolled out, customer data is being used more strategicly, and new sales channels are finding their way to consumers. Behind this movement lies one silent driver: IT. Retail organizations are increasingly realizing that technology is not a cost center, but the foundation of their scalability, customer experience, and agility. Those who use technology strategically open the door to sustainable growth.
IT at the heart of modern retail
In recent years, retailers have invested heavily in separate digital solutions: new web shops, loyalty apps, inventory tools, and cash register systems. But these solutions have often been added alongside existing systems, creating a jumble of software and data sources. For IT teams, this means complex interfaces, time-consuming maintenance, and cumbersome reporting. The consequences are felt on the shop floor: customers receive incorrect information, inventories are inaccurate, and orders get stuck.
In an age where customers expect speed, consistency, and transparency, real-time insight is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Research shows that retailers with outdated systems lose an average of 20–30% of their efficiency. The good news is that by investing in a scalable IT architecture, that potential can be regained, and more.
From monolithic to modular: composable commerce
The way forward lies in a different approach to IT. Instead of a single comprehensive system that has to be able to do everything, more and more progressive retailers are opting for a composable commerce approach. This means working with modular, specialized systems (POS, e-commerce, CRM, inventory management) that are connected to each other via APIs. This creates an environment that is scalable, agile, and easily adaptable.
The advantage? Retailers can respond more quickly to changes in the market, add new sales channels, or integrate technologies without having to rebuild their entire IT structure. This flexibility makes it easier to add innovations such as AI recommendations, dynamic pricing, or customer segmentation when needed.
One truth, available in real time
A well-integrated IT landscape creates one central truth about products, customers, and inventory. This enables departments, from sales to marketing, to make better-informed decisions based on up-to-date data. It prevents duplicate entries, reduces errors, and speeds up processes. And just as importantly, it allows the IT team to focus on innovation rather than maintenance.
The business case is compelling: according to recent studies more than 30% of retailers report revenue growth after improving their IT environment. Those who take the step toward a modern, scalable IT infrastructure now will quickly benefit from better performance, lower operating costs, and higher customer satisfaction.
From foundation to competitive advantage
Cleaning up, integrating, and modernizing the IT landscape is no easy task, but it is necessary for retailers who take their growth ambitions seriously. Digital transformation cannot be delayed any longer. Those who invest in scalable solutions now are laying a solid foundation for a future-proof organization. By combining technology with customer focus and efficiency, a flexible ecosystem is created that not only enhances customer satisfaction and operational results, but also provides a lasting competitive advantage.
Tilroy supports retailers in this as an omnichannel interface that connects backend and customer-facing channels. Thanks to real-time data processing, flexible integrations, and a scalable cloud architecture, Tilroy helps retailers deliver on their promise of a consistent, frictionless customer experience.
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