Distributed Data Management
One of the key strengths of the Retail Directions solution is its distributed data management system. This system eliminates the critical dependency on the head office server and communication network by being always on and running smoothly. It removes the risk from the business and dramatically reduces disaster recovery costs.
Data management in the retail environment is always a challenge as the information is kept on remote, multiple sites and needs to stay current and synchronised. What's more, the data must be moved around fast, without data loss or duplication. Some retail systems rely on direct online access to the central database from all stores, which makes them vulnerable to network and central server delays and issues. Other systems rely on file transfers which introduce significant delays, occasional data loss or data duplication. Retail Directions software is different - the DCM system (which runs on every register and in the head office) moves individual transactions as they occur. If the network and the database at the other end are available, the data travels in real time. If the communication link or the target database is not available, the data is stored in a queue and is forwarded to the target when the connections are re-established. This message queuing mechanism allows for fully automatic, accurate and efficient data communications.
DCM uses TCP/IP protocol, allowing for connections over DSL lines (via the Internet), ISDN, LAN or dial up. In the latter case, DCM performs automatic dialling. It is a highly efficient and reliable process, allowing for parallel connections with the stores.
DCM also performs cascaded updates, making it unnecessary to transfer (over the network) information such as stock balances. The system transmits transactions only and DCM updates the balances at both ends. This automatically corrects any potential transaction sequence or timing issues. DCM can also act as a remote transaction server in the stores. For example, a Radio Frequency (RF) device used for store stock-take can exchange data in real time with one of the DCMs in the store.