The digitalization of an SME – Part 2: From online shop to a functioning system
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How a digital foundation became a networked and efficient overall system.
6. When everything comes together
Once the foundation was in place, the next step was to connect all the systems.
Shop, cash register, inventory, scanner and label printer should no longer work individually, but as a unit.
Initially, I tried several different scanners because I was looking for a cheaper solution.
I did manage to get them working, but in practice, small but crucial differences emerged.
Some scanners recognized barcodes too slowly or required several attempts, making the checkout process cumbersome.
Only with the current model did the system run reliably and smoothly.
Today, the entire sales process is digital and synchronous – from scanning to stock updates in the online shop.
7. Realistically assess investment and costs
Many underestimate the cost structure of digitalization.
It's not expensive if you plan it properly, but it does take time and patience.
I deliberately chose not to buy an expensive complete system.
Shopify allows you to start small and expand functionality as needed.
The combination of clear devices and modular subscriptions has proven successful.
8. Our hardware in practice
For in-store operations, we now use a compact, stable setup that meets all requirements and is directly connected to Shopify POS.
| Device | Make / Model | Price (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt printer | Epson TM-M30III | 241 |
| Cash register | Star Micronics CB-2002 FN | 106 |
| Customer advertisement | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | 104 |
| scanner | Socket Mobile S720 2D Bluetooth with Dock (#UK/CH) | 365 |
| cash register monitor | iPad or tablet (starting price) | 329 |
| stand | Tablet stand | 124 |
| Total Hardware | 1,269 CHF |
The setup is fully compatible with Shopify POS.
The scanner works reliably wirelessly, the receipt printer is fast, and the Galaxy Tab serves as a customer display for prices and amounts.
The cash register itself currently runs on an iPhone, although an iPad would be more practical in the long term.
9. Ongoing subscriptions and software costs
For the launch, we chose three subscriptions that completely cover operations.
| Subscription | Period | Price (EUR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify Basic | 1 year | 297 € |
| POS Pro | 1 year | €708 |
| SEO Booster | 1 year | €533.62 |
| Total subscriptions | €1,538.62 (≈ CHF 1,480) |
Only the Shopify Basic subscription is required for the online shop.
If you only want to operate a single cash register, the POS Basic version, which is available free of charge, is sufficient.
However, since we have three cash registers in use and need an expanded inventory system, the POS Pro version was necessary for us.
The Booster SEO subscription is optional.
We subscribed to it at launch, but cannot yet make a well-founded statement about the results, as SEO measures only become measurable after some time.
This means that the annual fixed costs for the entire digital infrastructure amount to around CHF 1,500 plus one-off hardware costs of approximately CHF 1,270 .
For a functioning, professional system, that's a very good value.
10. Visibility and Automation
Once the system is running, the focus shifts to visibility.
The online shop is the foundation, but reach is only achieved through regular content and an active online presence.
We currently rely on blog posts and LinkedIn to share insights and knowledge.
In the future, we also want to be present on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to reach different target groups and further expand our digital presence.
Digitization does not end with technology, but begins where people interact with the system.
11. Conclusion
Today, our entire sales process is digital, from inventory management to receipt printing.
Each component has its place, and the systems communicate reliably with each other.
The initial effort was considerable, but it was worth it.
We didn't buy an overpriced complete solution, but rather built a system that suits us and can be expanded.
Digitization doesn't have to be expensive.
She just needs structure, patience, and the courage to tackle it herself.