From e-learning to remote patient monitoring, every industry and sector is becoming technology-oriented. Apart from the healthcare, medicine, and tech industries, the retail sector is swiftly moving towards automation and increased reliance on technological gadgets. It’s not just the retail giants like Walmart or Costco that have introduced gadgets and technological devices into their workflow, but even smaller stores and online shops have done so to attain efficiency.
The most exciting part is that the tech industry keeps changing. There is a new device or gadget on the block every week. From faster payment processing to easily tracking employee performance, tech gadgets have so much to offer for your retail business.
Here are seven gadgets to look out for.
Barcode scanners or readers have been around in the retail industry for quite some time. Previously cashiers had to record and track every transaction that went through manually. Not only was it time-consuming, but it slowed down productivity. Now, with the use of commercial barcode scanners, it’s much easier to scan an item swiftly. The barcode scanner is connected to a computer, and your organization’s billing and inventory system is logged into it.
A retail barcode scanner can significantly affect how satisfied a customer leaves your store. Barcode scanners for retail businesses allow quicker checkouts, more precision, and greater longevity. Barcode scanners are also helpful in inventory management. A digital system helps avoid human error, which is common with manual checkout systems.
A Bluetooth charging station is another valuable gadget for retail and healthcare workers. Specifically for barcode readers and scanners, a Bluetooth charging station streamlines workflows. The charging station easily connects with a host PC via a USB wire. It leverages Bluetooth communication between the host PC and the barcode reader. Bluetooth charging stations are hassle-free as the design eliminates exposed cables and metal parts. They are also easy to disinfect, and some allow locating misplaced barcode readers and scanners quickly.
Like Bluetooth charging stations, portable printers help speed up workflows by eliminating wasted time. Most portable printers are lightweight, easy to use, and durable. Specifically, machinery like printers is likely to undergo wear and tear in retail environments due to excessive use. Depreciation of the machinery can shorten its lifetime and not give you value for money. In such cases, most retail organizations opt for portable devices that are compact and easy to carry around. You don’t have to leave the printer open if it’s not being used. Since they are easy to carry around, store them securely when not in use. Most portable printers also allow for Bluetooth printing, further enhancing your workflow.
Like kiosks, many retail brands have started offering touch screens and smart devices for in-store purchases. These devices enhance the shopping experience for those customers who prefer inspecting a product in person before finalizing their purchase. Touch screen devices are also helpful if your store is out of an item the customer wants. They can purchase the item digitally by reserving it. In addition, customers can avoid standing in long queues if your retail store has a touch device for an in-store purchase, thereby enhancing customer experience.
Experiential features in retail have been around for some time now. With technological innovations like augmented reality, retail businesses can offer customers a virtual tour of the product before they make a purchase. For instance, if your business sells eyeglasses or other clothing or accessories, enhance your customer’s buying experience by allowing them to try the product virtually. Furniture stores have also leveraged this technology by enabling customers to go on “guided tours” of the designed unit before they finalize a purchase. Not only does this give your customer a better view of what you’re offering, but it casts a good impression on them. A business investing in providing the best customer experience will likely profit from it.
You might have noticed a screen above the cash counter or near the waiting area when you visit a fast-food joint or retail store. These counters indicate how many people are talking about that business online. The FlapIt Counter acts as a “buzz tracker” for the business. It signals prospects of the business’s social media success – how many people are talking about it. The device comes with a split-flap display that shows real-time statistics from the retail business’s social media accounts, like followers or ratings. It’s a good way of showing your prospects the buzz around your business and what it’s offering. You can also use the FlapIt Counter for displaying promotional messages or discounts to customers visiting your store.
The technology boom has given us a range of devices and software to enhance our workflows. Whether a retail organization or healthcare facility, devices like portable printers, Bluetooth charging stations, and FlapIt counters can help improve your business productivity and workflow. You should be abreast of technological advances that affect the retail sector if you want to keep your customers happy.
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