Imagine a retailer with 20 stores, each generating an average sale of $100. Now imagine capturing just $100 per store per day in lost sales. With an integrated Point of Sale (POS) system and Order Management System (OMS), that seemingly small win can result in a massive return on investment (ROI). Let’s explore how this strategy helps retailers improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and boost their bottom line.
The Scenario
Number of Stores: 20
Average Sale: $100
Recovered Sales per Store per Day: $100
Now, let’s calculate ROI from these improvements:
Total Recovered Sales per Year = 20 Stores × $100 × 365 Days = $730,000
This figure represents the reclaimed revenue from lost sales that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Even a conservative improvement in order accuracy, inventory visibility, and stock availability creates massive financial impact. And the best part? These savings start to outweigh the cost of the system license—fast.
ROI That Grows Over Time
At first glance, the numbers show that an integrated POS and OMS pays for itself. But that’s just the beginning. As adoption improves and order management becomes more streamlined, the ROI compounds.
A good ROI calculator can help businesses evaluate the internal rate of return (IRR) by factoring in indirect gains, such as:
- Faster payment processing
- Reduced errors and manual effort
- Better inventory management
- Higher customer service satisfaction
- Increased use of loyalty programs
These elements contribute not just to a higher rate of return (IRR) but to long-term success and resilience across all locations.
Key Benefits of Integrated POS and OMS
Let’s break down some of the core advantages that help retailers maximise gains:
1. Real-Time Inventory Visibility
Integration between POS and OMS ensures real-time inventory updates across all stores and warehouses. This prevents overselling, reduces out-of-stocks, and builds confidence in customer experiences.
2. Omnichannel Fulfillment Options
Offering services like Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS), and Ship from Store (SFS) enhances convenience. Even if the product isn’t on the shelf, the order can be fulfilled elsewhere—capturing the sale and fulfilling customer expectations.
3. Streamlined Order Processing
Orders move faster and more accurately with centralized workflows. An integrated solution removes the friction in routing, approvals, and fulfillment—accelerating the order fulfillment process.
4. Better Backorder and Returns Management
When inventory runs out, backorders are handled with transparency and communication. Refunds and exchanges also become faster, improving customer service and satisfaction.
5. Optimised Cash Flow
By maintaining the right inventory and reducing storage waste, businesses keep operations lean. Lower maintenance costs, quicker payment capture, and streamlined accounting lead to better cash flow.
Avoiding Negative ROI
Retailers who continue operating with outdated or disconnected systems risk a negative ROI over time. Inaccurate stock data, longer checkout lines, and delayed deliveries all result in customer frustration—and lost revenue.
It’s also important to consider broader cost factors. For example, poor integration can increase reliance on multiple platforms, driving up software and support fees. Unlike a well-planned integrated solution, this fragmentation weakens the ROI figures you’re hoping to improve.
ROI in Real-World Terms
Let’s say your POS and OMS license costs $200,000 annually. If integrated systems help you reclaim just $300 per day across 20 stores, that’s over $2.1M annually—a return on investment of more than 900%.
And that’s before you consider additional benefits, such as:
- Boosted conversion rates from omnichannel convenience
- Greater customer retention through better loyalty programs
- Cross-sell opportunities from centralized customer data
Retailers also benefit in areas like real estate savings from smarter space usage, and reduced property taxes and operational expenses when they eliminate the need for extra warehouse storage.
Cost-Effective Growth
Investing in integrated POS systems isn’t just about functionality—it’s about smart scaling. With features that support mobile checkout, sales tracking, and multi-location visibility, retailers can grow their footprint while keeping overhead in check.
Instead of deploying different platforms at each location, a centralized solution offers a cost-effective approach with unified training, support, and analytics.
Final Thoughts
An integrated POS and OMS unlocks a wide range of benefits for retailers aiming to modernize operations and capture lost opportunities. From streamlined payment processing to faster order fulfillment, the gains extend far beyond the initial investment.
The secret to a strong ROI isn’t always in making more—it’s often in losing less. Capturing lost sales, improving operational efficiency, and delivering better customer experiences all contribute to a healthier, smarter retail business.
If you’re ready to reclaim revenue, increase efficiency, and future-proof your operations—start with integrated POS and OMS.
And if you’re not sure where to begin, start by calculating your ROI.Let the numbers guide the way.
