Retail Success Now Starts with Smart Integration

In today’s evolving retail landscape, customers expect seamless, personalised experiences both online and in-store. At the same time, rising costs, staffing challenges, and sustainability targets are placing pressure on margins.

This is why more UK retailers are shifting focus to the integration of front and back office systems – breaking down the divide between sales floors, stockrooms, head offices, and customer service.

At NCS Office Systems, we build connected retail ecosystems that improve customer experience, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce waste – powered by leading technologies from our partners including Canon, Lexmark, Toshiba, and Gamma.

Why Front & Back Office Integration Is a Retail Game-Changer

Disconnected systems are more than inefficient –  they’re costly. Whether it’s a missed sale due to inaccurate inventory data or a delayed refund caused by manual paperwork, these breakdowns damage customer loyalty and erode profit.

Unified technology solves this by:

• Providing real-time visibility into inventory, order status, and customer data
• Enabling centralised control over print, communications, and data flows
• Automating manual tasks – freeing up staff for higher-value work
• Delivering consistent customer service across in-store and digital channels
   According to a 2024 Deloitte report, 78% of retail decision-makers believe process automation and data integration will be mission-critical to profitability by 2026.

Smart Technologies That Make Retail Run Smoother

Canon, Lexmark & Toshiba: Redefining Document and Workflow Management

From delivery notes and supplier invoices to in-store signage and customer forms, document management remains a key part of retail.

Our partners offer:

• Canon’s uniFLOW platform: Cloud-based secure print, scan-to-email, and intelligent document routing
• Lexmark’s Cloud Print Infrastructure: Automates print control, reduces waste, and gives HQ full fleet oversight
• Toshiba’s e-BRIDGE Next Platform: Enables reusable paper workflows and automates back-office document processing

Efficiency Example: A retail client reduced invoice processing times by 40% by integrating Toshiba MFPs directly with their ERP.

Gamma’s iPECS: Unified Communications Designed for Retail

Retail success depends on constant, clear communication between stores, suppliers, head office, and online support teams. That’s where Gamma’s iPECS unified communications platform comes in.

What iPECS offers:

• VoIP telephony with centralised call management
• Video, voice, messaging, and web chat in one user-friendly interface
• Scalable call handling for multi-site retailers and remote staff
• CRM integration for faster, personalised customer support
• Mobile apps so staff can communicate from shop floor to stockroom with ease
• Contact centre tools for queue handling, call recording, and performance metrics

Whether you’re managing five stores or fifty, Gamma’s hosted iPECS solution scales with you – securely, affordably, and with built-in resilience.

Emerging Technologies Reshaping the Retail Space

Modern retailers are now investing in the next wave of transformation tools:

• AI-Driven Forecasting: Predict customer demand, personalise promotions, and optimise staffing
• IoT (Internet of Things): Smart shelves, temperature sensors, and real-time inventory alerts
• AR/VR: In-store “try before you buy” tech to boost conversion and reduce returns
• Automated Document Workflows: Reduce manual data entry, speed up stock replenishment, and meet compliance requirements
• 5G and SD-WAN (via Gamma): Secure, high-speed connectivity for distributed store networks and customer Wi-Fi

Data Security and Compliance: A Retail Priority

Retailers handle sensitive customer data daily – from payment details to marketing preferences. That’s why NCS ensures that all technology deployed includes robust security measures:

• Canon, Lexmark, and Toshiba MFPs feature end-to-end encryption, GDPR-compliant audit trails, and secure erase functionality
• Gamma’s iPECS platform offers role-based access, encrypted voice channels, and call logging to support PCI compliance
• Multi-layer authentication and device lockdown protocols to protect endpoints and networks

Sustainability at the Core

Consumer and investor focus on sustainability is growing  and retail must respond.

Our solutions help retailers reduce environmental impact by:

• Using energy-efficient MFPs from Canon, Lexmark and Toshiba
• Implementing double-sided printing and print quotas to cut paper usage
• Using Toshiba’s erasable toner to reduce waste by reusing paper
• Enabling remote collaboration and digital signage to replace paper-based comms
• Gamma’s hosted voice systems reduce carbon-intensive onsite infrastructure

 Did You Know – Lexmark’s circular economy programme recycles over 2,000 tonnes of plastic annually. Toshiba offsets over 600,000 tonnes of CO₂ through its Carbon Zero Scheme.

Real-World Results: Retail Success Story

A national retailer with 25 branches approached NCS to modernise communications, reduce printing costs, and digitise supplier workflows.

We delivered:

• A unified print fleet with Canon MFPs and uniFLOW scanning workflows
• Gamma iPECS cloud telephony integrated across head office and all stores
• Staff training and managed print service for full cost visibility
• Carbon offset printing with Toshiba’s sustainability programme

Results after 9 months:

• 32% reduction in printing costs
• Improved customer experience through faster response and fewer in-store delays
• Stronger data compliance across all communication and print systems

Practical Next Steps: How Retailers Can Get Started

1. Audit your technology stack – Understand current pain points in print, voice, and workflow
2. Define operational goals – Align tech changes with growth, customer experience, and compliance priorities
3. Create a phased roadmap – Focus on high-impact, short-term wins (e.g. VoIP migration, workflow digitisation)
4. Choose scalable, integrated platforms – Like Canon uniFLOW, Lexmark Cloud Print, Toshiba e-BRIDGE, and Gamma iPECS
5. Train teams and review regularly – Adoption is key; NCS supports this with training, support and roadmap reviews

Why Partner with NCS Office Systems?

NCS is more than a supplier – we’re your retail technology partner, offering:

• Smart MFPs and secure print management (Canon, Lexmark, Toshiba)
• Advanced cloud telephony and UC (including Gamma iPECS)
• Carbon-neutral sustainability initiatives
• Retail-specific insights and roadmap consultancy
• Fully managed services to reduce internal IT overhead

Whether you’re scaling up, going digital, or simplifying store communications – NCS Office Systems delivers the technology to make it happen.

Let’s Future-Proof Your Retail Operation

Ready to transform your retail operations? Contact NCS Office Systems today to discover how we can help you build a smarter, more connected retail environment.

Book your free retail technology consultation NOW

Call us on 03452 003 300
or email salesadmin@ncs-ltd.com to speak to our solutions team.