Distributed Retail Information Systems (DRS)

Abstract

The specifics of the business performed by retailing companies normally require territorially distributed structures. Thus, a retailing group usually consists of central areas, regional subsidiaries, central warehouses or goods distribution centers, and stores. In addition to the local distribution, the various retailing companies have very different organizational structures. Similarly, the distribution of the functions is often greatly influenced by the industry and the company philosophy. Consequently, it is hardly possible to provide a general distribution model for retailing limited to just a few scenarios. For these reasons, a modern retail information system should provide a large degree of flexibility to allow it to be adapted to any distribution structures.