Managing IT operations across a large retail network is a complex endeavour at the best of times, and a nightmare at the worst of them. But this is not something that has to pose huge challenges, provided you use the right secure remote access solution.

In the first article of this series, we talked about how RealVNC Connect has made the lives of some of our retail customers much less stressful. We saw how Qtrac or Roadchef used remote access to enhance efficiency and security.

This second article continues that theme. It shows how the fact that your operation is spanning across hundreds of locations doesn’t have to mean lots of sleepless nights. Not to mention dozens of hours of travel.

Seamless, reliable remote access should not be a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have for maintaining operations ticking constantly and, in turn, providing your customers with the best possible experience.

This time around, we look into more retail customer stories, from maintaining POS systems to complex networks. 

Interflora: Keeping the Network in Bloom 

Before looking into some other very complex networks, let’s see how Interflora uses RealVNC Connect to improve fresh flower delivery. 

Managing IT across a large, distributed retail network is by no means an easy task. When we’re talking hundreds of locations, making sure that POS systems, servers, as well as mobile devices are running, is crucial. And that’s why Interflora has chosen RealVNC.

With over 1200 florists spread across Australia, the company uses our software to provide support for each florist from its office in Melbourne. Remote IT issues can now be resolved without long phone conversations. 

They needed a solution that would allow their IT staff to maintain and manage computers remotely. And this, with any downtime at a minimum. The solution proved easy to deploy, as well as cost-effective.  Should they need to contact the user, the RealVNC chat function creates a quick channel between the user and the helpdesk team. 

At the Heart of Retail: The POS System

Point-of-sale systems, (POS in short), are the heart of any retail store. Especially as cash becomes less present in everyday life. When they go down, business simply grinds to a halt, affecting both revenue and reputation. For large retail chains, managing these devices can be a daily headache. 

A RealVNC customer – a major US-based grocery and general merchandise retailer – is in the midst of a massive task. Namely, maintaining and upgrading POS systems that have been in operation for 30 years. Their IT department troubleshoots Windows-based POS devices across multiple locations. 

The ability to connect securely and resolve technical issues remotely is crucial. And this, especially when they plan on replacing them with newer, Linux-based, devices. This will happen over a 2–3-year project. 

RealVNC Connect is there to ensure uptime and stability during this transition.

Other retailers echo that feeling. Another customer, a popular natural & organic grocery store, said that RealVNC Connect was being used for remote server administration and POS support “pretty much all day long” in their locations.  

Meanwhile, a leading Australian home improvement retailer uses the software to access backend POS computer systems for remote support. The IT team can remotely connect, diagnose, and resolve backend issues. This often happens before staff on-site are even aware there’s a problem. This reduces disruption during busy retail hours and eliminates the need to send technicians over across Australia’s vast geography. The end result is faster resolutions, better uptime, and happier store teams. 

For these businesses, RealVNC Connect provides a stable, secure, and indispensable tool. It’s a tool that’s keeping transactions flowing and stores operating without interruption. 

Mobile and Field Support for Retail Teams

A prominent building supply retailer relies on RealVNC Connect for seamless support in the field. And this, both on-site and out of their sites. They have a network of staff that frequently travel to various job locations. This could be for deliveries, construction management, or even customer support and consultations. Which is why they need to support device issues very quickly.

Using RealVNC Connect, their IT staff accesses on-field devices – laptops, mobile devices – resolving problems. And this is done without the need for those devices to return into the office. Which is sometimes far away. 

For example, one of their delivery drivers might have problems with their route planning software. Or one of the sales staff could be facing issues accessing inventory systems. These issues are now simply sorted remotely.

In the office itself, they use the software for internal tech support. They also use it for training new employees. This allows for training in a controlled, guided environment. 

RealVNC Connect’s features and ease of use allow them to support devices and help their workforce, wherever employees may happen to be.

To Be Continued… 

This article has shown you how secure remote access software can help troubleshoot retail systems. And how it can even help get fresh flowers delivered quickly. The next instalment in this series is also on the way with more great remote access in retail stories.