Retail inventory management in Microsoft Dynamics RMS

Today's chain-store retail organizations are of necessity highly automated and tightly controlled. Retailers need solutions that enable them to manage critical business information across regional chains in expanding geographies, from the point of sale (POS) to supply chain, customer, and financial management systems. Just as important, they need the flexibility to meet highly specialized needs and grow their business with minimal disruption to operations. Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) delivers a configurable, flexible, and scalable solution that has enabled thousands of multistore retailers to adapt to midsize business requirements and drive a lower cost of ownership.

Deploy chain-wide and gain centralized control

Retailers can deploy and manage Microsoft Dynamics RMS chain-wide, giving them the visibility and control they need to compete in today's highly competitive retail environment. Typically sold as a solution suite, Microsoft Dynamics RMS offers two major components-Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System Store Operations and Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System Headquarters-that enable chain-store retailers to manage information and processes at both the store level and the centralized head office.

Microsoft Dynamics RMS Store Operations delivers a complete retail solution that can be run as a stand-alone application in individual stores, as well as connected to the head office using Microsoft Dynamics RMS Headquarters.

• Streamline business operations, including inventory, supplier management, and POS processes.
• Save time and money by integrating credit and debit card transactions at the POS.
• Make informed decisions with accurate data and powerful reporting tools.
• Expand easily to multistore operations.
• Reduce POS system and operating costs.

Microsoft Dynamics RMS Headquarters equips multistore businesses or chains to roll up and manage data for all stores from the head office.

• Control prices, purchasing, and inventory chain-wide by region or store.
• View, analyze, and share data across your entire business.
• Pull detailed sales and inventory information from multiple Microsoft Dynamics RMS Store Operations installations and disseminate management changes to defined stores.
• Exchange data and management directives with any mix of stores.
• Set and monitor policies and procedures for each and every store.

Exchange information across business channels

Built on flexible Microsoft SQL Server technologies, Microsoft Dynamics RMS enables the connection of information across the entire business. Data generated at stores throughout the retail chain can be integrated with merchandising systems, warehouse systems, and other back-office enterprise systems or portals, including Microsoft Office SharePoint Server.

• An open database architecture enables connectivity for tools or applications designed to attach to a either a SQL database or an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) connection.
• Data can be imported from other systems, including legacy accounting or mainframe applications.
• Data can be exported in multiple formats for use in other applications.
• Retailers can manage the entire purchasing process and export purchasing documents to files that can be used by vendors.
• Microsoft Dynamics RMS can be connected to Web stores and kiosk devices using third-party add-ons.

Scale to keep pace with growth

Microsoft Dynamics RMS helps retailers protect their investment and keep the same software and systems as their business needs change and grow. As you add customers, stores, and products to the system, SQL Server technologies enable storage and management for virtually unlimited amounts of information.

Integrate with ERP solutions

Microsoft Dynamics RMS offers integrations to well-known financial packages, including Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics AX, and other enterprise resource planning (ERP) packages, providing an end-to-end solution with world-class support and reliability. Learn how to connect your retail accounting systems with Microsoft Dynamics RMS.

Customize and extend to meet specialized needs

An extensive catalog of solutions offerings from Microsoft partners and independent software vendors (ISVs) enhances the investment protection of a solution that can be tailored to suit demanding retail needs. You can augment existing functionality, as well as add new features, functionality, and applications, including:

• Industry-specific solutions
• Accounting and ERP integration
• Business intelligence solutions
• eCommerce solutions
• Personal digital assistant (PDA) and mobile/wireless stations
• Additional integration to Electronic Data Capture (EDC) and credit card services