If you want the latest technology in your business – without the cost of having an IT department to make sure it works – you will be spellbound by Merlin Software.
Managing director Louise Garland says there is no getting round retail management systems being irreplaceable in today’s hi-tech era of business.
Which is why her company – which has been a leader in business software solutions for more than 40 years – has delivered the ultimate right-sized solution to the market.
Louise says in the past 12 months Merlin Software doubled the number of new clients implementing its Cobalt Retail Management System (Cobalt RMS).
She says Cobalt RMS is designed to provide maximum value to medium and large sized businesses with more than a basic point-of-sale system but less than a full-blown enterprise or resource-planning system, eliminating the need for clients to have their own IT teams to manage the system.
At the same time, procedures can be embedded within Cobalt RMS which will enhance consistency across the business.
Louise says the importance of reliable systems in today’s businesses is growing.
“We all know how much smartphones have changed the world, including consumer behaviour – your customers aren’t one-stop shoppers anymore, they really are prepared to shop around,” she explains.
“Which means your competitors are stronger too, they can sell to your customers online, from anywhere.
“So when scoping any software program for business, it is important to consider not only the overall size of operations but the personalities of staff.
“Sending the most tech-savvy employee out to scope is all well and good, but they need to choose a product which can actually be used by all staff, or a service provider delivering sufficient ongoing support for staff who are not big tech users.”
One of the features with Merlin Software is its offer of unlimited support with Cobalt RMS – at no additional cost.
“Cobalt RMS is very much designed as a mid-market option. We pair the ease of a point-of-sale system with the advanced functionality of an enterprise level system,” Louise says.
“But without charging a six-figure annual bill – and we support the program fully. We take on client feedback and adapt the system to changing regulations. We also host user group meetings regularly across regional Australia, meeting with Cobalt users in person to understand their businesses better,” she says.
Louise says retail management systems offer several benefits, including:
1. Improved efficiency by streamlining processes, reducing wait times.
2. Reduced costs through better inventory management.
3. Increased customer satisfaction through promotions and loyalty points.
4. Maximised sales through up-sell and cross-selling features.
5. Margin retention when cost changes occur.
6. Insights and reporting for business transformation.
7. Unified operational infrastructure by integrating all systems and processes.
Cobalt RMS is a modular system with separate applications for point-of-sale, accounting, payroll, workshops, and commission sales.
All modules are compliant with the latest Australian business practices, including ATO STP2.
The system includes Cobalt Touch (i.e. web-version designed for smartphones) and an eCommerce link with Shopify, all fully supported in the single monthly fee.
Importantly, Cobalt RMS can be set up as a private cloud or an on-premises solution.
Cloud involves Merlin Software securely hosting your system, for you to access from anywhere; while on-premises involves a Cobalt Enterprise Server (fully warranted and provided as part of the software agreement) for superior speeds, the ability to trade during internet outages, plus remote access from anywhere.
Merlin Software also offers a small business starter package from $399 per month plus GST.
And the company does not charge any upfront fee for any of its systems.
Electronic cash registers for point-of-sale count as retail management systems, but depending on the size of the operation, they may not get the business far.
For growing businesses, integrated systems are far better.
Cobalt RMS is fully integrated, meaning data is shared across applications to manage all aspects of the business.
It eliminates IT maintenance and integration costs, increases productivity by eliminating duplication and data management while improving communication between departments.
Cobalt RMS is not a steppingstone for the business to cross, instead the system can be scaled to accommodate growth.
Navigating the business world can be tricky but it becomes a lot easier when the business has a strong system in place.
“We know the challenges facing the customers of our clients as much as our clients themselves. Market insight, one of the features with Merlin Software, is offers free unlimited support with Cobalt RMS.
“It’s never been more important for us to be involved in the industry and stay abreast of its developments,” he says.
“We form partnerships with our clients, as a service provider they can reach out to and have constructive discussions with. So far as industry-specific software solutions are concerned for rural retailers across Australia, we have strong hopes of Cobalt RMS becoming the platform for the industry.”
