Secure File Transfer in Retail

Overview

Disseminating information in retail chains and franchise stores is critical to developing a coordinated message to promote a company’s brand and image. The effectiveness of a system to distribute information requires the timely delivery of files and messages as well as the compliance of store managers to use the system. If store managers are not current with company brochures, templates, or marketing materials, the corporate marketing message will be inconsistent across the enterprise. In addition, if the system is complex or cumbersome managers will be reluctant to use it.

Unfortunately, traditional methods of messaging such as email and FTP are not well suited to guaranteeing the delivery of files over distributed company locations such as retail stores or franchises. Neither method provides a reliable receipt of delivery or confirmation that the file has been retrieved. The absence of this confirmation makes it difficult to gauge whether the system is being used and that the corporate message is unified and consistent. On the technical side, large files such as marketing materials or store display templates can overwhelm an email system. FTP can be difficult to use and does not provide a notification to recipients of a new delivery.

Biscom Delivery Server Solution

Biscom Delivery Server simplifies the problem of distributing files and corporate messaging throughout retail locations. Files are uploaded into a "package" through a simple, user friendly site. Packages can then be addressed to recipients and delivered. The Biscom Delivery Server server notifies recipients of new package deliveries and tracks when recipients login to retrieve the package. The creator of a package can quickly run reports on which recipients have downloaded files – and which ones have not. For an organization distributing information to hundreds of branch locations, this process automation can save many hours tracking down the efficacy of your program.

Features

• Browser based client – requires no desktop software to be installed.
• Files and messages retrieved over an SSL connection.
• Extensive event tracking for all data access and activity.
• Guaranteed delivery confirmation.
• Non-repudiation of receipt.
• Easy to use interface requires little to no user training.
• User friendly web based reporting tool.
• Robust API set allows files to be sent securely from any application.
• Platform independent.

Case Study

An East Coast retailer of women’s clothing needed a solution for providing information to their more than 400 stores. Materials such as store displays, information on new fashions, and marketing literature are sent out continuously as part of corporate headquarters communication with the stores. Many of the materials sent are very large and taxing on the corporate email system. Store managers responsible for receiving and acting on the materials are largely non-technical, so using FTP as a delivery mechanism would require company-wide training.

Often, the materials need to be sent to all stores simultaneously to coincide with national marketing programs and the continual introduction of new fashion lines. It is essential that all stores are displaying the latest marketing collateral and displays so that the overall message is consistent. Biscom Delivery Server ensures that the store materials are sent and received by the store managers.