Like many other industries, the retail sector is embracing the transformation to the Internet of Things. The acceleration is partly caused by the COVID pandemic. Orders are often placed online from home. The potential of the retail sector in our digital age is overwhelming, but the industry is aware of its own problems and drawbacks. High pressure on delivery services and lack of technical knowledge online. However, the pandemic has prompted many retailers to rethink their digital strategy strategy and speed of implementation. In addition to optimizing the transport process, IoT helps to reduce costs, stimulate growth and improve the customer experience.
With the help of the Internet of Things, retailers can solve potential problems that cost time and money in the distribution process. When problems arise, people are better prepared to make decisions. Comgate gives a number of examples;
Fleet Management: It is critical to always know where vehicles are in the distribution process. For example, IoT can be used to determine more precisely when stock will be available. Fleet management also offers retailers the opportunity to better inform customers about the delivery of their order.
Predictive maintenance: Vehicles with technical problems cannot be used. IoT provides insight into preventive maintenance, which can reduce the frequency and severity of repairs. Sensors in vans monitor a variety of data to determine when a truck might need preventative maintenance based on mileage, brake wear, etc.
asset tracking: IoT sensors can provide a good insight into the status of individual assets in transport by measuring environmental conditions that can have an impact on goods. This is especially important for perishable and fragile stock. By identifying and recording when and where damage occurred, retailers can drastically improve quality control.
While online shopping is growing in popularity, physically visiting a store is still an important part of the shopping experience for many consumers. We noticed that during the lock-down! However, consumers experience a number of stressful aspects when visiting the shopping center. IoT has helped relieve these tensions and make the process as smooth as possible through a number of improvements:
Digital signage: strategically placed signs, powered by IoT in a store or mall, can provide customers with a variety of useful messages about bargains, general shopping information or maps and directions. In addition, intelligent interactive signage further enhances the customer experience by providing an easy way to access pricing or inventory information.
In-store navigation: Indoor navigation helps visitors find their way - this can be very useful, especially for large retail chains.
POS devices: One of the most frustrating aspects of shopping; queues. IoT-powered point-of-sale devices help pay for and reduce queue waiting time. By using tablets or other mobile devices equipped with card readers, store associates can let customers know where they stand in terms of waiting time.
Location sensors: IoT technology has advanced to the point where deals are generated while a customer is in the store. Sensors in racks can determine what customers are looking at and send offers to their mobile devices. We also see location sensors used at checkout. If the rows get too long, notifications are sent to employees to open a new row.
Self service; Self-service points can further reduce the time customers have to wait in the store. If a customer needs help, an employee can easily be called up at the touch of a button.
By leveraging IoT technologies, retail can overcome many of the challenges consumers face when shopping. This results in happier repeat customers and higher revenues. It also helps to optimize transport processes. Not only for large retail chains, but also smaller parties that depend on external partners for their transport needs, helping to strengthen their position. The collected data on on-time deliveries, product damage and other details can be identified to reduce costs.
Inspired by these IoT examples for Retail? We are happy to help you find the right connectivity and IoT hardware. For more information, please contact our IoT specialists via; sales@comgate.io
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