Digital Forms Technologies Streamline Retail Operations

GLOBAL RETAIL INSIGHTS OPINION
Leading retailers eliminate processes that result in unexpected costs, poor execution, or unsatisfied consumers. Retailers that utilize assets, people, processes, and technology most efficiently will be winners, even in tough economic times. Global Retail Insights’ survey of 75 retailers regarding their use of streamlined printing and data capture technologies makes it clear that for many, there are numerous opportunities to improve. Distributed forms printing and data capture technologies reduce costs, improve process efficiency and data accuracy, and enable "green" operations.

Retailers should evaluate how they can extend the value of current investments and invest in new technology that substantially enhances data acquisition and forms processing and removes barriers to operations improvement. Improving these labor-intensive and error-prone processes will position retailers to be more customer centric, thereby freeing operations to focus more energy on serving customers well.

IN THIS WHITE PAPER
In this white paper, Global Retail Insights, an IDC company, discusses how retailers are utilizing digital capture technologies to reduce costs, improve process efficiency and data accuracy, and be more "green." Results from a survey fielded in September 2008 provide the basis for an evaluation of the current situation, benefit opportunities, and future outlook for digital capture technologies in retail.

In this white paper we explore the state of forms processing (paper and electronic) across operational areas but target forms processing that supports store operations. Based on the survey results, Global Retail Insights believes many retailers are missing a significant opportunity to improve distributed enterprise forms processing and data acquisition. We identify processes that retailers should streamline from paper to electronic forms utilizing in-store multifunction printing, dot matrix printing, on-demand printing, color printing, and digital pens.