Digital solutions provider Zebra Technologies Corp. is on a mission to redefine the shopping experience by rolling out three transformative retail technologies aimed at improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. As consumer expectations evolve, these innovations offer practical solutions for retailers, particularly in navigating the challenges of a competitive market.
At the core of Zebra’s new offerings is an advanced kiosk system designed for both self-checkout and assisted checkout. Retailers face the continuous challenge of streamlining the purchasing process, and these modular kiosks come equipped with either 15-inch or 22-inch screens, allowing businesses to select options that best fit their space and customer needs. The kiosks feature highly sought-after tap-to-pay capabilities, ensuring that transactions are quick and secure. This solution also supports all major payment terminals and includes a natural language voice assistant, elevating ease of use for shoppers.
Matthew Guiste, Retail Industry Principal at Zebra, highlighted the customer-centered design of these kiosks. “It’s a very elegant solution that is customer driven. Retailers expressed their needs through constructive feedback, leading us to develop a product that caters to a variety of use cases. I hardly run into a retailer who has no use for a kiosk,” said Guiste during a recent interview.
The versatility of the kiosks is further emphasized by their numerous applications in-store. Retailers can leverage them for tasks such as touchscreen ordering for fresh produce, deli items, and coffee, as well as for product search and navigation guidance. This adaptability marks a significant shift in how consumers interact with retail environments, offering them greater choice and control over their purchasing journey.
In conjunction with kiosks, Zebra is unveiling the Workcloud Actionable Intelligence 7.0, a workforce management solution driven by artificial intelligence. This platform, powered by Google Cloud, automates various labor-intensive tasks such as task assignment and data analysis, streamlining workflows and improving productivity. The serverless query engine boasts machine learning capabilities, allowing data to be organized and utilized effectively, with a lifecycle that extends up to eight years.
This innovation is particularly relevant for grocers operating in challenging markets characterized by low margins. As the business landscape shifts, retailers need effective tools that cater to dynamic consumer demands while maximizing operational efficiencies. According to Guiste, “In a low-margin business, grocers must employ connectivity tools to support diverse circumstances and use cases.”
Zebra Technologies is also releasing two new rugged tablets intended for back-end and warehouse operations. These Windows-based devices are built to withstand the rigors of daily use in logistics and field service applications. Enhanced with an AI-enabled touchscreen, they aim to bolster accuracy and performance across various operational sectors. This development is particularly significant in industries where precision is essential, such as transportation, logistics, and manufacturing.
The introduction of these retail solutions underscores a broader trend towards integrating technology into the grocery shopping experience. As consumers increasingly demand convenience and efficiency, retailers must adapt quickly to stay competitive. Notable examples from the industry show that stores implementing similar technologies have recorded increased customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
For instance, a large grocery chain that adopted self-service kiosks saw a 30% reduction in checkout wait times, a critical factor in improving customer experience. Additionally, platforms that automate workforce management tasks can reduce operational costs by as much as 20%, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives that drive growth.
Zebra Technologies’ innovative solutions provide a roadmap for retailers to modernize their operations and enhance customer experiences. By focusing on flexibility and adaptability, retailers can better meet the demands of today’s consumers while positioning themselves as leaders in the digital shopping era.
The continual evolution of grocery retail underscores the importance of investing in technological advancements. As businesses look to future-proof their operations, the innovations from Zebra Technologies could be vital in navigating an increasingly complex retail environment.
