AIRS is adaptive. Adaptive can be defined as: helping to adjust and function well within a changing environment. AIRS has taken this concept, generally applied to humans, and incorporated it into the architecture of the system. The result is a highly flexible enterprise software solution which adapts to any SQL database, any modern hardware, and more importantly, to the unique environment of every retailer.
For example, GUI screens are not preconfigured and instead can be easily customized to match each retailer’s needs. Even more powerful is the adaptive nature of AIRS workflows, which almost self-modify to match the workflow of each retailer rather than making the retailer adapt to the vendor’s software.
Beyond flexibility is a completely new application of adaptive technology where it can be implemented to address inventory shrinkage. Through its Loss Prevention Agent, AIRS provides the functionality to dramatically enhance the system’s ability to identify, track, monitor and report on the people and processes associated with theft and fraud.
AIRS is integrated. Integrated can be defined as: formed, coordinated, or blended into a functioning, unified whole. Most enterprise retail solutions today are patched together, with different products, databases, hardware, operating systems and interfaces.
The AIRS Suite is fully architected from the ground up and is based on Alpha Bay’s more than 120 years of combined experience in system software design and implementation. AIRS represents the fifth generation of enterprise class system software architecture.
AIRS provides a unique object-oriented approach to all aspects of the solution, not just at the programming language layer with Java or C#. Instead, AIRS utilizes object-oriented structures at both the business logic layer and the GUI layer, which provide ease of use and ease of management in a distributed, scalable, high performance, secure, transactional environment.
The architecture is built from the perspective of millions of transactions, managed real-time over a virtual private network, using Internet infrastructure across multiple continents, with sub-second response time and guaranteed security. AIRS provides a lightweight portal interface for the user, including support of multiple devices including all types of point-of-sale (POS) devices, specialized handheld devices, PDAs, Tablet PCs and more. At the same time, AIRS offers a full-featured Web 2.0 interface foides a flexible lightweight alternative to traditional Windows clients.
AIRS is retail. Retail can be defined as: the sale of goods/merchandise for personal or household consumption either from a fixed location such as a department store or kiosk, or from an e-commerce website with its related subordinated services. AIRS is designed and developed from the ground up with a specific focus on retail.
Unlike enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions that attempt to be all things to all markets, AIRS is developed to specifically service the unique needs of retailers. AIRS tracks every item sold or returned at every location, physical or virtual, across the enterprise in real-time.
When it comes to truly knowing your customers, optimizing the way you do business, and maximizing profits, AIRS steps to the front of the line. Inventories are finitely controlled for each store, distribution center, and warehouse based on historical product flows, reducing costs at all levels of the enterprise. Staffing is planned and managed based on the same business intelligence that drives inventories and includes historical trends, daily weather conditions and more. AIRS integrates with an ERP and utilizes a SQL database but the architecture is uniquely retail.
AIRS is system. System is defined as: an assemblage of entities/objects, real or abstract, comprising a whole with each and every component/element interacting or related to at least one other component/element. The AIRS architecture is a multi-tiered system with layered services. This architecture has five major tiers: client, presentation, business logic, base services, and database.
- The client tier provides the GUI and client side of the remote interface to the backend systems.
- The presentation tier is a set of discrete components that live on the client and servers, implementing a distributed model-view-controller design pattern.
- The business logic tier provides the business rules and access to data needed for an intelligent user session.
- The base services tier provides security, workflow, data access, naming, logging, search, and transaction management services.
- Finally, the database tier provides data services, legacy system connectivity, and access to external web services.
While there are five logical tiers in the architecture, the deployment model for the system will typically incorporate no more than three physical tiers: web server, application server, and database server.
The architecture provides for maximum flexibility in your deployment model, allowing for all of the logical tiers to be typically implemented onto a single server for small systems, two physical layers for medium-sized systems, and three independent physical layers (web, application, database) for large systems.
In addition, each of the three possible physical layers can be implemented in a high availability configuration, providing complete redundancy for each layer through the use of clustering and load balancing technologies. This flexible architecture allows even a small retailer to affordably enjoy the benefits of a Fortune 100 multi-tiered architecture.
AIRS utilizes proven, leading edge Java-based technologies, Linux operating systems, and 64-bit dual and quad-core processors to speed up lines and give managers the real-time information they need to optimize the supply chain. This permits retailers to flowcast, not just forecast, and greatly improve the customer’s experience and loyalty.
AIRS simplifies the creation and integration of retail business applications using a service oriented architecture (SOA). This makes it easy to integrate with the extended functions of any business enterprise system (CRM, ERP, HR, etc.). The full SOA implementation exposes business logic as discreet web services, providing well-defined accessible application interfaces. Whether you’re implementing a point solution in a local store or an enterprise system worldwide, AIRS provides a tightly integrated software environment.
AIRS is a full-featured, easily customizable retail product line, which includes applications such as Merchandising, POS, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management, and more. AIRS permits the use of all leading edge technologies plus provides the opportunity for radio frequency identification (RFID), touchscreens, biometrics, and other beneficial technologies most current systems can’t fully support.
Find out how an Alpha Bay AIRS implementation can reduce costs and improve revenues for your retail enterprise. Call us at 801-838-7600.