Small e-commerce businesses have complex data flows involving customer, financial and operational records. Here are five helpful tips for a small business owner who is seeking to use a Clover Flex terminal or any other point-of-sale system for online credit card processing and to keep data organized and secure.
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Use the Right Database Software
Any business can benefit from using the right software to manage operations, financial records and customer information. If the total cost of ownership for servers and skilled information technology professionals to maintain on-site storage and software deployments exceeds the budget of a small business, an all-in-one payment processing system that makes it possible to accept credit cards with no monthly fee can be a good choice.
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Make Sure Systems Communicate for Small Business
The POS system a small business uses should provide access to real-time sales data along with records of total sales and transactions that have taken place over time. An integration period may be necessary to get the most out of any operational or customer relationship management software. A small business owner may need to rely on technical support during this process. For smoother integration, he or she should consider using platforms already supported by a POS system, such as the hundreds of applications that are available in the Clover App Store.
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Automate Data Entry and Transfers for Small Business
Once systems have been connected, important records can be imported and exported across platforms for maximum usefulness. For example, it might be helpful to transfer customer contact information from a POS system into customer relationship management software or export financial information for accounting purposes. Automating the transfer of data can reduce errors and ensure that records are available where and when the contained data will prove most useful.
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Audit E-Commerce Data Frequently
A small business data strategy is not something an owner can set and forget. It is essential to ensure that you have access to all of the information you need to make informed decisions about every aspect of operations. The data available in connected applications should be identical and current. Compare records across platforms or identify data that would be useful in places that it is not currently available. Until integration is complete, communication issues between platforms are likely to be obstacles that stand in the way of organized operation.
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Obtain and Implement Data Insights
There are many potential benefits for a small business pursuing a data strategy that is aimed at organization. While a POS system and any additional software in use may keep detailed records and have analytical features, a big-picture view that reaches across platforms can guide more effective marketing campaigns and approaches to daily operations that have the potential to benefit the bottom line of a small business.
Businesses that do not have robust POS hardware and software such as a Clover Flex terminal or Clover Station may find it more difficult to stay organized. Take these measures to get on track towards a data strategy that involves the secure processing of payment information and organization of contact information.