The Impact of the Last Two Eras—The Computer Era and the Internet/Mobile Era—on Online and Retail Businesses By rkahashan Friday, April 25, 2025
https://rkahashan.com/the-impact-of-the-last-two-eras.../ In the evolution of modern commerce, two transformative eras have played pivotal roles in reshaping the landscape of online and retail businesses: the Computer Era and the Internet/Mobile Era. These technological milestones have not only redefined how businesses operate, but also fundamentally altered consumer behavior, supply chain mechanisms, and global market access. Understanding their impact provides critical insight into the trajectory of modern commerce and the ongoing digital transformation. The Computer Era: Automating the Foundation of Modern Business Spanning from the late 20th century, the Computer Era introduced a wave of automation, precision, and efficiency across industries. For retail businesses, the adoption of personal computers and enterprise software laid the groundwork for operational transformation. Key developments during this time included: Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Businesses replaced traditional cash registers with computerized POS systems, improving transaction accuracy, inventory tracking, and sales reporting. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Retailers and wholesalers began implementing ERP systems to integrate and manage core business processes, including procurement, logistics, accounting, and human resources.