Mobile Retail Technology – Too Fast, Too Furious?
By Ross Homans, Stratix
If you think of technological advancement for retailers as a highway, there seem to be two distinct lanes with very different speeds
The first lane is where “traditional” technology such as monitors, laptops and desktops live. While OEMs refresh this technology every year (usually timed to chipset refreshes from Intel and their competitors), functionality is static, and retailers refresh their traditional computing devices on average every four to five years. The speed of this lane allows retailers to easily dictate how fast — or slow — they want to invest money and resources.
The second lane is where mobile technology lives, and it couldn’t be more of a contrast. Smartphones, tablets and sensors connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) evolve rapidly, and the lines between them overlap and blur at a dizzying pace. Samsung, Motorola and Huawei are testing the waters of foldable phone/tablet hybrids in very different ways, creating a very real possibility that those devices will not exist as we currently know them in four to five years’ time. Beyond the hardware, 5G network connectivity is a promising and complex standard that could redefine broadband for consumers and retailers alike. And those are just the main developments of the past few months!
The rise of 5G will transform the retail experience for both consumers and employees. Faster Internet speeds will allow for more real-time transactions and allow for the rise of immersive applications. For employees, this could mean AR/VR retail operations with the use of wearable devices. Tasks like inventory management will be revolutionized. For consumers, it means a more personalized shopping experience.
Unfortunately, the mobile spend capacity and business requirements are not as dynamic as these trends, so creating a mobility program for those needs is no small feat. How does one stay current to deliver a modern and satisfactory user experience while also getting the most out of their investments in mobile technology?
The main concerns around 5G are the price to upgrade and having the right infrastructure to properly handle faster Internet speeds. The benefits and features of 5G for retailers are clear, but the issues are ensuring retailers have the right mobile strategy to harness these speeds, and that employees are prepared for all of the new applications possible because of this. Retail is increasingly becoming a digital function, and the arrival of 5G will expedite this process. Retailers need to get ahead of the trend and ensure they have the right plan and infrastructure in place to hit the ground running.
Fortunately, the notion that mobile technology moves too fast for you to have efficient and effective managed mobility is a myth. Engaging the right partner early on to craft a true mobile blueprint means that you’re well-positioned to thrive amidst the hectic pace of technological change. A blueprint centered around the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) model gives your business flexibility to adapt and maximizes ROI, because your mobile spend is now a single manageable monthly expenditure.
This myth doesn’t have to be a reality for retailers.
Ross Homans is VP of Operational Programs at Stratix. Since joining Stratix over 20 years ago, Homans has served in various field and operations management roles. He was the enterprise mobile innovator who designed the company’s initial Mobile Provisioning & Deployment Center in 1999. In 2004, he created the company’s Custom Accessory Division, which continues to provide exponential growth. Today, Homans supports and continues to enhance Stratix’ comprehensive suite of Mobile Managed Services (MMS). He holds a BA degree in International Business from the University of Georgia.