Windward Insider Blog

Returns are a reality in retail, but for lighting businesses, they can be especially costly. From fragile fixtures damaged in transit to customers purchasing the wrong bulb size or color temperature, returns eat into margins and disrupt operations. Beyond the financial impact, frequent returns can erode customer trust and loyalty.

In the lighting industry, variety is everything. Customers want choice—different bulb types, wattages, finishes, and fixture styles—but for retailers and distributors, this variety translates into thousands of SKUs to manage. What feels like a strength on the showroom floor can quickly become a logistical nightmare behind the scenes. Without the right systems, inventory...

Lighting retailers face unique challenges—managing large inventories, handling special orders, and keeping customer service seamless across in-store and online channels. In today’s competitive market, relying on outdated systems can slow you down. That’s why more businesses are turning to cloud-based ERP solutions to stay agile and efficient.

As we approach 2026, businesses face a convergence of challenges and opportunities. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, and talent shortages are reshaping operations, while technology adoption accelerates at an unprecedented pace.

Think about the last time you needed quick access to a file while away from the office. Or when your team had to collaborate across different locations without missing a beat. These everyday challenges are why more businesses are choosing to work on cloud—not as a buzzword, but as a practical solution for flexibility and efficiency.

Managing a growing business comes with increasing complexity—more data, more systems, and more decisions. As operations expand, many companies find that their legacy tools can’t keep up. That’s where cloud ERP comes in.

Cloud-based ERP systems offer a modern solution to age-old challenges: disconnected workflows, limited visibility, and costly infrastructure. By...

You've invested in firewalls, antivirus software, and all the latest tech to protect your business. You feel secure. But the truth is, your business isn't a vault; it's a team. And in the world of retail, wholesale, and rentals, you're only as secure as the dumbest or most at-risk person on that team.

Cybercriminals rarely try to smash through your digital front door...

It starts with a frost warning.

You’re at home, checking weather updates before dawn. By mid-morning, your team will be rearranging displays, updating signage, and fielding questions about cold-hardy perennials. Inventory will shift. Staff schedules will flex. Customers will expect answers.

And you’ll need your system to keep up.

The days of running a garden center on...

When selecting an ERP or POS solution for your business, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to opt for an on-premise or cloud-based installation. Windward System Five offers both options, allowing you to choose the deployment that best fits your operational needs. But how do you determine which one is right for your business? In this blog post, we’ll...

Small and medium businesses often trail behind large organizations to protect themselves and their systems against Cyber-Criminal activities.  Most small business owners may not realize their value to attackers.  Cloud computing offers a robust security solution for an SMB budget.