Retail

Enhancing IT security and inventory management for a regional retail chain

Client overview

A mid-sized retail chain with IS stores specializing in apparel and consumer electronics. The company struggled with cybersecurity risks at the point-of-sale (POS) level. Inefficient inventory tracking, and IT system outages affecting store operations and online sales.

Challenges

1. Cybersecurity threats at the POS and payment systems:
   • Frequent card fraud attempts and phishing attacks targeted store employees.
   • POS systems lacked end-to-end encryption, making transactions vulnerable to breaches.
   • Compliance with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) was at risk due to outdated security protocols.
2. Inventory and supply chain inefficiencies:
   • Manual stock tracking led to discrepancies between store inventory and online sales.
   • Over-ordering and stock shortages caused revenue loss.
   • No real-time visibility into supply chain logistics.
3. IT system downtime and in-store connectivity issues:
   • Network outages disrupted POS operations, resulting in lost sales.
   • Store employees struggled with outdated IT equipment and slow customer service systems.

Axiom’s solution

Axiom modernized the retail chain’s IT infrastructure, enhanced cybersecurity, and improved operational efficiency:

1. Cybersecurity and compliance enhancements:
   • Implemented advanced threat protection (ATP) and 24/7 SOC monitoring, reducing cyber threats by 97%.
   • Enforced end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for POS systems, ensuring 100% PCI-DSS compliance.
   • Deployed dark web monitoring, protecting customer payment information from breaches.
2. Modernized inventory and supply chain management:
   • Upgraded to a cloud-based inventory management system, reducing stock discrepancies by 80%.
   • Implemented real-time supply chain tracking, reducing over-ordering and stock shortages.
   • Integrated AI-powered analytics for demand forecasting, optimizing inventory levels.
3. Optimized IT systems and in-store connectivity:
   • Deployed IoT sensors for predictive maintenance, reducing IT system downtime by 35%.
   • Upgraded network infrastructure, ensuring reliable in-store connectivity.
   • Implemented modern IT equipment and customer service systems, enhancing employee efficiency.

Results achieved

1. Stronger security and compliance:
   • Eliminated POS data breaches and card fraud cases, securing 100% PCI-DSS compliance.
   • Blocked over 500 phishing attempts targeting employees in the first three months.
2. Better inventory control:
   • Reduced stock discrepancies by 80% through automated inventory tracking.
   • Improved supply chain visibility, reducing over-ordering and stock shortages.
3. Operational efficiency gains:
   • Improved store uptime to 99.98%, reducing lost sales due to IT failures.
   • Decreased checkout time by 40%, speeding up customer transactions.