Leigh Martin, founder and CEO of KBB software management solution TruBlue, explains why it’s so important for retailers to have up-to-date catalogue data, why ‘the cloud’ is the most accessible and often most secure platform, plus the need for software to be supported by a trusted hosting platform

The market for kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms is a highly dynamic space, and has become even more so in recent years, with prices often changing, often due to factors affecting the supply chain.

It is vital for retailers to have current and up to date information, in order to stay on top of their precious margin and turn a decent profit.

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Without this it can be almost impossible to quote a job properly.

Pricing and specification impact

Prices can increase by up to 40% in some cases, or can be put up by an average of 5% across a whole catalogue.

Amending this manually would obviously be a lot of hassle, and you’d have to know about the increases in the first place, which might involve double checking with the supplier, if you’re not sure you can trust the data.

So, all this makes for an incredibly stressful, time-consuming and potentially highly confusing process.

In addition, having the most up to date catalogue information available can save you headaches in supply and installation, as you can be sure all the dimensions, colours and finishes supplied are also correct.

It’s worth looking for a software solution that hosts supplier data for free.

This way you can be sure you will have the widest selection of product catalogues available and not just the information from those with deep enough pockets to keep their data current.

Importance of cloud storage

When cloud storage was in its infancy it was assumed by some that it wasn’t as safe and secure as its on-premises alternatives.

However, as an increasing number of businesses have migrated their data into the cloud, it has become clear that not only is it secure, but there are many other benefits too, including low cost of ownership.

On the issue of security, customers’ data should be locked down, and isolated in separate databases with all communication to the public server encrypted.

User credentials should be checked every time data is requested, with passwords obscured so nobody can see them.

Locally installed software by its very nature can be vulnerable, particularly if its access is not restricted or encrypted.

Encrypted cloud data is stored across multiple servers and can be accessed anywhere.

It also often includes backups and full disaster recovery planning, removing the need for expensive local servers, additional hosting costs and IT companies to support it all.

Cloud software can be accessed on a laptop, tablet or smart phone. All that is needed is an internet connection and a compatible device.

If that device breaks, no data is lost, simply login from another device and carry on.

Check hosting platform

Finally, all software should be hosted by a trusted and safe hosting platform. Without this, precious customer data, collected over years, could be lost.

So, when choosing a software management system, ensure supplier data is regularly updated with the latest information, opt for a cloud-based solution, and make sure software is supported by a trusted hosting platform.

Following these tips should stand your business in good stead for the future.

Read an interview with Leigh Martin about setting up the TruBlue business.