If you are a local in the Fraser Valley, you've almost certainly heard of or suffered from the recent major Roger’s network outage across Canada.
CTV reports that almost every type of communication services were cut off, ranging from cell phone service to internet. Although it’s probably good for a people to fast things like reality tv and twitter, it is not so good for businesses and emergency services, such as 911, or government services, such as the ArriveCan app. Another more fatal consequence of the outage was lost access to many banks, so many Canadians could not use their debit or credit cards, or withdraw cash. All of this occurred because Rogers attempted to update a critical system (which went badly, to say the least).
Today, though, we want to address the effect of the outage on Fraser Valley businesses, and how they can protect themselves the next time it occurs.
All businesses need to make money, which is difficult when the primary source of cash flow is gone. Many Fraser Valley businesses today make the mistake of relying on debit and credit. We know this is a super easy system to count on; having one tablet and a minimalist system has its perks. The issue is, in any power outage or network outage, you’re in a pickle. We highly recommend never relying on just one system. At least have two set up at all times, so that when one fails, you are off the hook! For ourselves, we have a backup phone system because clients and suppliers need to be able to reach us if the wifi or network provider (such as Rogers) disappears!
In any retail industry, we stress the importance of teaching staff to run on cash, and having a good plan for internet and power failure.
Have emergency cash prepared for your staff and for gas. Make sure your email address and phone number are commonly known, on google, social media profiles and your store door. When you do end up having to run on cash, don’t forget to let your customers know BEFORE they come inside and fill up their buggies. Have someone standing by the door, or have aa good sign. One store in particular during the Rogers outage was prepared to run on cash, but didn’t tell their customers that purchases could be cash only until they got to the register. There was no sign on the door, or announcements on the intercom or online. Dozens of customers had to leave their buggies at the till, full of melting frozen food. It was a disaster!
Everything fails at least once per year, so make sure that you have at least two systems to run your company on, and an emergency plan in place, so that you are always in business!