IT AND TECHNOLOGY | AREAS OF WORK
IT IN RETAIL IT is crucial in helping retailers serve their customers better.
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early every function in the retail industry – from the sourcing of new products and management of distribution networks, to in-store point-of-sale systems and administration responsibilities such as HR and finance – requires the involvement of IT and technology to a degree. In most cases, IT is used to achieve a couple of objectives: to improve the accuracy and availability of information on every level, and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the business. The emergence of online retailers, however, have brought the use of IT in retail to a whole new level.
Career overview Most retailers, especially international ones, have their own in-house IT team or department to cater to their needs and projects. However, complex problems that require more advanced or specialised skills are usually outsourced to thirdparty IT services providers, with internal IT teams coordinating and assisting as and when needed, such as when identifying services, initiating interaction with service providers and merging new software with existing systems. Depending on skill and preference, graduates may seek employment in in-house teams or third-party service providers. There is also the option to move from one to the other in the future as well. Graduate hires can find themselves positioned anywhere along the chain of business to help improve the flow of information and integrate different functions within the business. However,
responsibility-wise, there is a lot of programming involved, regardless of station. Most large retailers offer graduate recruitment schemes once a year, and these programmes can last a year or more. Rotations through several roles and departments are typical, and recruits will be able to gain a broader view of the business as a whole, as well as take in a variety of programming and business analysis skills before deciding on a permanent role. Teams are multidisciplinary, and career progression may take some time as quite a bit of experience is needed to move on to roles such as senior programmer or analyst. If a more people-oriented role is favoured, however, graduates can consider management opportunities instead.
Trends and developments The e-commerce disruption has resulted in a new playing field for IT specialists in retail as companies shift from concentrating on brick-and-mortar stores alone, to maintaining a complementary online presence to drive brand awareness. Big data has also made a splash in the industry, leading to more personalised services. Omni-channel retailing is a major trend presently driving the sector in Singapore, with physical stores increasingly enhancing customer experience with tech-enabled product personalisation and augmented reality, as well as combining offline retail with online stores, social media and mobile applications.
Still, this does not mean than e-commerce is burgeoning in the citystate. In fact, it is the slowest growing in the region – with physical stores preferred for their accessibility and convenience – and expansions mostly taking place with non-experiential products like household goods and groceries.
Pros and cons Wide exposure Programmers working in this industry often tout the variety in their work as one of the pros because they can move between functional areas relatively easily. Slow career progression On the other hand, a common grouse is that career progression is slower compared to other sectors, although that may be eclipsed by a desire to make a difference. Skills required in IT in retail
• Analytical skills • Commercial awareness • Ability to work in a team • Interpersonal skills • Adaptability
STEM Career Guide 2021
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