Technology has become a strategic imperative for all sectors and retail is not an exception. As retailers across the world scramble to lure customers and improve operational efficiencies, deploying the right digital technologies is essential for differentiation and survival.
According to some reports various digital solutions that drive greater personalization and a smoother shopping experience across online and mobile platforms, as well as in brick-and-mortar stores. These solutions include artificial intelligence (AI) for customer service, analytics and smart supply chain management, but also interactive tools based on augmented reality and the latest digital payment methods.
Personalization can drive customer loyalty and the ability to collect more data about their behavior and preferences. By finding what customers are likely to be interested in through the latest analytics and AI technologies, retailers can upsell more products and avoid going out of fashion.
Retailers are organizing a large number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in their stores and depositories to engage with clients and collect data through sensors, cameras and Bluetooth beacons.
Since most IoT devices are connected via open networks, they become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Against this backdrop, Companies foresees cybersecurity and data protection capabilities to emerge as key differentiators for technology solutions in 2018.
Retailers will invest significantly in smart supply chain and inventory management capabilities this year to achieve cost savings, eliminate unnecessary steps in distribution, keep lower inventory levels and thereby assert greater control over their suppliers. Supply chain management systems are expected to get upgraded, with the addition of greater automation and predictive analytics, which is also increasingly powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities.”
Retailers are also giving interest for online payment technologies including digital wallets, mobile readers, integrated apps such as WeChat, as well as blockchain to provide a seamless omnichannel experience to customers. Shopping habits are changed and digital technologies will keep on advancing, the automation of customer service based on AI and robotics combined with augmented reality experiences and new store formats will evolve further in the retail sector over the next few years.
Instead of jumping on every trend bandwagon, retailers need to be judicious while selecting digital technologies, which should match customers’ specific needs and the retailer’s brand identity to address existing problems and challenges. In addition, customers should be options to choose their preferred channels of shopping and interaction rather than forcing them to use certain digital tools.
