The AI-powered retailer: smarter tools for local business

Running a specialty retail business in Australia or New Zealand means being the buyer, the marketer, the bookkeeper and the salesperson, often in the same day. Tower Systems has built AI directly into its POS software to give some of that time back, to help local retailers make more money, and to help them compete with the big end of town.

Before we get into the details, it’s important to note that this is a rapidly changing area of software development and that’s especially true here at Tower Systems. Just about every software we are releasing has an AI enhancement delivered. So, check what’s current today and there is sure to be more good news.

Here is how it works in practice.

1. From 45 minutes to 30 seconds: the PDF invoice importer

Entering supplier invoices is one of the most tedious jobs in retail. Whether you are a newsagent with dozens of magazine lines or a toy shop taking in a hundred new products, manual entry is slow and mistakes creep in.

Now you drag and drop the supplier PDF invoice into the software. The AI reads it, identifies products, quantities and costs, and updates your inventory. Stock hits the shelf faster, without the typos.

Here is what retailers tell us about this tool:

I am saving 5 hours of paid labour every week. That is a saving of over $8,000 a year for us.

I am getting stock on the shelf faster, which is driving sales growth.

I can now have anyone in the business do a job that only I could do before.

I cannot believe the difference it is making to our business.

2. Instant marketing: the blog and social media engine

Regular blog posts and social media help new shoppers find you and keep regulars coming back. The problem is finding the time.

The AI built into the software generates blog posts and product descriptions for you. Tell it what you are selling and it writes content suited to your niche, whether you run a bike shop, a gift shop or a garden centre. You get a consistent online presence without staring at a blank screen after close.

3. Product descriptions for Shopify

A good online store needs good product descriptions. "Blue widget, large" does not sell. Connect your POS to your online store and the AI writes descriptions from the product data already in your system. Your store looks professional and your local identity stays intact.

4. Smart pricing and margin protection

Margins can quietly disappear when costs rise and prices do not keep up. The software analyses incoming costs and suggests retail prices that hold your target margin. You stay profitable on every sale, and you see it as it happens rather than discovering it at stocktake.

See it for yourself

AI is only useful if it makes your day easier. We are building AI for the specific needs of independent retailers, and it improves with every update because thousands of small business customers are using it and telling us what they need.

Book a demo and see how the PDF invoice importer can save you hours this week. Tower Systems: Australian made, Australian supported.