DataSpan is one of the largest resellers of Motorola two-way radios into the retail environment in North America. Although we primarily do data storage, many of our clients are not aware that we also have a huge fulfillment and maintenance division for two-way radio communications into the retail stores, including several major retail brands. As our success in this area grows, we continue to see a wide array of questions that show how underutilized this powerful technology is. We have found many companies under the misconception that this is simply a new technology fad for the "now,” hip, and trendy retailer. Quite the contrary. Real-time two-way radio communications in the retail chain environment is actually a fairly old concept simply improved with age and advancing technology to provide useful, fast, and efficient use of your personnel. In addition it provides some other key benefits.
1.) Enhanced Security
No longer are the days of employees working in deserted corners of the store alone. With better real-time communication links, they are interconnected with other employees for personal safety issues, customer safety issues, theft, vandalism, and more. Gone are the days of finding the nearest intercom phone and dialing and extension for another department only to wait as it rings and rings. Real-time connectivity brings individuals back into a more instant integrated team environment.
2.) Reduce Costs
Time is money! Every time an employee runs to the back to check stock or ask another employee a question, time is lost. This also means that there is less time that employee can be interfacing with customers and accessible for other needs. More timely communications also means less shrinkage from both employee and customer theft. Studies show that most shoplifters are substantially less likely to steal from retail establishments that have two-way radio communications programs.
3.) Improve Customer Service
Quicker look-ups and communications mean faster and better customer service levels. This also means more customer face-time. Radio communications with headsets allow employees to quickly and discreetly check stock levels, ask questions of other staff members, and be on the floor more with less time away for the selling floor. Customers recognize this extra attention and show it with higher satisfaction ratings and better customer loyalty. Gone are the days of annoying intercom paging. The new low profile headsets and radios allow for a more seamless and discreet way to convey information among team members without bothering shoppers.
4.) Increased Productivity
Two way real-time voice access among team members allows for faster time responses, less running around, and more focused work areas. By equipping sales associates, department heads, security, back-room staff, cashiers, and changing room staff, two-way radio communications boosts productivity by allowing everyone to reach each other easily within a retail store, casino, plant nursery, warehouse, or almost any other work environment.
If you have not seen what the newer radio communications have done to revolutionize the shopping experience in modern retail chains, it is time to start investigating. You will quickly see the huge advancements in technology and even bigger benefits they provide over previous methods. This is a prime example of where a small investment pays huge dividends rather rapidly.
Don Wilcox
dwilcox@dataspan.com
Added on 08/20/2012
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