INTELLIGENT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
M
obile devices have changed how
we work and navigate daily
life, which means there is a
tremendous opportunity to capitalise on
the growing use of mobile applications.
Location-based services mean that
retailers can leverage mobile devices and
Bluetooth technology to provide offers to
customers and prospects, help customers
and employees navigate within locations,
and locate friends, assets and services.
Deploying location services, however,
can present some challenges. IT may
have to learn new technologies and
processes, as most retailers have little
to no experience implementing these
types of solutions. And some solutions
may require IT to purchase and manage
dedicated infrastructure.
The good news is that in many
cases, organisations already possess the
technology needed to deploy location
services. Bluetooth Low Energy is
prevalent on popular iOS and Android
devices, and meets the required accuracy
and latency demands for multiple use
cases. In addition, Wi-Fi is now pervasive
in all malls and retail outlets.
The Middle East retail industry is a
fast adopter of technology. While they
have adapted to e-commerce, they have
equally improved their brick-and-mortar
experiences. But until recently, technology
has not kept pace with these crucial arms
of the retail business.
That is changing with advances
in location-based services. Regional
retailers are beginning to implement
location-based solutions, but need to
keep in mind the following key features
that address customer experience and
operational needs:
Boosting retail sales with
location analytics
Location based data generated through mobile connected
devices, inside a retail outlet can give tremendous sales
benefits, explains Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed at Aruba, HPE.
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Issue 16
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS