In today’s tech-driven retail world, it’s not just about having the right systems in place – it’s about making sure your team knows how to use them. When staff are confident with the tools at their fingertips, everything runs smoother: transactions are faster, stock is more accurate, customers are happier, and there’s less stress all around. But here’s the catch – many retail businesses skip the training retail staff part, assuming people will just “pick it up.” The result? Wasted tech, frustrated employees, and costly mistakes.
So, what should you actually be teaching your retail staff when it comes to IT and systems? And how can a partner like Datascan help?
What’s Worth Teaching Your Retail Staff?
1. POS System Basics (and Beyond)
Your POS (Point of Sale) system is the heart of the operation – so staff should know more than just how to process a sale. Teach your staff…
- How to handle returns, exchanges, and discounts properly.
- What to do when the POS freezes or throws an error.
- End-of-day procedures like cashing up or generating reports.
2. Stock Management Tools
Whether you’re using barcoding, handheld scanners, or cloud-based inventory tools, your staff need to be confident using them accurately. You can teach your retail staff…
- How to receive stock and update inventory.
- How to complete stocktakes or transfers.
- Common mistakes to avoid (like double-scanning or mislabeling).
3. Cybersecurity & Data Protection
Retail teams handle sensitive info every day – from customer data to payment details. Even a basic awareness of cyber risks can go a long way. You should teach your staff…
- How to spot phishing emails or suspicious links.
- Why not to write passwords on sticky notes!
- The importance of locking screens when leaving tills.
4. Wi-Fi, Devices & Basic Troubleshooting
Staff often assume tech issues are “just broken” – but many are simple fixes. You can teach your retail staff…
- What to check if card machines or tablets lose connection.
- How to reboot key devices safely.
- When to escalate issues to your IT provider (like us!).
5. Customer-Facing Tech
If you use loyalty apps, digital receipts, self-service checkouts, or in-store tablets, staff should be able to guide customers confidently. You can teach your retail staff…
- How each system works and why it benefits the customer.
- How to troubleshoot common customer issues.
- When and how to contact support for live help.
How Datascan Can Help Train Your Team
At Datascan, we believe technology is only as strong as the people using it. That’s why we offer hands-on, retail-focused staff training as part of our support packages. Whether it’s a new system rollout or just a refresher, we tailor the training to suit your team, your setup, and your pace.
Here’s how we help:
- On-site and remote training – we can visit your store or run sessions online.
- Training tailored to your systems – whether it’s POS, stock control, devices, or software we’ve supplied, we’ll make sure your staff are confident using it.
- Step-by-step guides – we provide clear, retail-specific documentation your staff can actually understand and use.
- Ongoing support – new starters? No problem. We can retrain or provide updated materials any time.
- Real-world scenarios – we train your staff using situations they face every day. No fluff, just practical advice.
Technology is an investment – but without training, it can become an expensive source of frustration. By empowering your team with the right knowledge, you’ll get the most out of your systems, reduce errors, and create a better experience for everyone in-store.
Looking to upskill your retail team? Get in touch with Datascan today – we’ll help you get the best out of your tech, from the front desk to the back office.
