www.raymark.com/eng/site/globeandmail_sept2005.asp -
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Published on: 9/28/2005
Last Visited: 3/30/2007
Nevertheless, these medium-sized organizations also have many common technology needs that are typical of medium-sized businesses and quite different from the requirements both of smaller stores and larger retail giants, according to Dave Willis, vice-president of small and mid-market solutions and partners for Microsoft Canada Co.
Competing with the efficiency of big-box stores, on the one hand, and the personal service of small businesses, on the other, means that mid-sized chains must use technology, he says, "to stay agile and remain close to customers -- to create a personalized service to customers in an efficient way."
Mid-market chains need more sophisticated technology than smaller businesses, to manage distribution, inventory and sales in various locations that may be scattered across the country.At the same time, they need user-friendly systems that fit together easily, because they don't usually have the large technology staff that make it possible for big retail organizations to mix and match different systems, customize them, then support and maintain them, Mr. Willis adds.