Retail & Distribution IT Operations Guide

Warehouse WiFi is challenging. High racking, metal structures, and constant movement create an unforgiving RF environment.

Common Problems:

• Scanners disconnecting in certain aisles
• Slow response times during peak periods
• Battery drain from poor signal
• Inconsistent performance between locations

Design Principles:

• Professional site survey with heatmapping
• Industrial-grade access points (wider temperature tolerance)
• High-density deployment (more APs, lower power)
• Wired backhaul between access points (avoid mesh)
• Band steering (keep devices on 5GHz)

Scanner-Specific Considerations:

• Seamless roaming (802.11r/k/v)
• Legacy 2.4GHz support for older devices
• QoS for WMS traffic
• Keep-alive packets to prevent disconnection

Testing:

Walk every aisle with a survey tool. Map signal strength and test actual scanner performance under load.

Electronic Point of Sale systems handle payment card data. Security isn't optional - it's mandated by PCI DSS.

PCI DSS Requirements:

• Secure network segmentation for cardholder data
• Strong access controls
• Regular security testing
• Encryption of card data in transit
• Documented security policies

EPOS Network Isolation:

• Separate VLAN for all EPOS terminals
• Firewall rules limiting EPOS traffic
• No internet browsing from EPOS devices
• Dedicated payment switch/acquirer connections

Physical Security:

• Tamper-evident seals on terminals
• Regular inspection for skimming devices
• CCTV coverage of all EPOS positions
• Controlled access to back-of-house EPOS servers

Compliance Evidence:

Keep records of:

• Network diagrams showing EPOS segmentation
• Firewall rule reviews (quarterly)
• Security awareness training
• Vulnerability scans

Your Warehouse Management System is the brain of your operation. When it's slow, everything slows down.

Performance Factors:

• Database server specifications (RAM, SSD storage)
• Network latency between scanners and server
• Query optimisation for frequently-used operations
• Report scheduling (don't run heavy reports during picks)

Common WMS Issues:

• Slow location lookups
• Delay updating stock after picks
• Report timeouts
• Integration lag with ERP

Optimisation Steps:

• Database maintenance (index rebuilds, statistics updates)
• Query analysis (identify slow queries)
• Memory tuning (give the database more RAM)
• SSD storage (eliminates disk bottlenecks)

Integration Points:

• ERP: Stock levels, orders, financials
• Ecommerce: Real-time availability
• Carriers: Shipping labels, tracking
• Suppliers: EDI for automated ordering

Customers expect smooth experiences across channels. Buy online, collect in store. Return in store for online purchase. Real-time stock visibility.

Integration Challenges:

• Stock synchronisation (prevent overselling)
• Order routing (which location fulfils?)
• Returns processing (any channel to any channel)
• Consistent pricing and promotions

Architecture Patterns:

• Central Order Management System (OMS)
• Real-time inventory visibility layer
• API-first approach for flexibility
• Event-driven updates (not batch syncs)

Stock Accuracy:

Omnichannel requires accurate stock data:

• Regular cycle counts
• Automated discrepancy alerts
• Location accuracy audits
• Buffer stock for high-velocity items

Click & Collect:

• Dedicated pick queue in WMS
• Store notification system
• Customer collection alerts
• Uncollected order management