Companies are using PCs, laptops, tablets and Smartphones. They are using digital signs, they have their own servers, and they are using Cloud computing. All of this allows staff members to work together no matter where they are in the building, as well as allowing them to collaborate while they work remotely. A connected space is quite common in an office space, such as people using KitCast.TV on their phones to screen-cast content onto digital signs (like Tony Stark did in the courtroom scene in Iron Man 2). However, things are a little different on the sales floor, so here are five ways that a connected space improves the sales floor dynamic, efficiency and environment
1 - See The Details On Your Next Purchase
We are already seeing demonstrations of products in stores with the use of digital signs. These days, users can connect with review websites and review features so that they can see reviews for items before they buy. They may also see demonstrations of items that are too big or loud to be demonstrated in store. People can check stock amounts and even look up different multi-buy and up selling promotions.
2 - Examine Customer Behavior
Maybe people are using your digital signs, your digital maps, your tablets, your social media outlets, and maybe people are connecting to their phones to use your on-site services or digital features. If that is the case, all of this interaction will create measurable metrics that can be followed, collected and analyzed. Merchants are able to examine customer behavior and then optimize their working process to ensure people get the best deal and are exposed to the most suitable path on their journey down the sales funnel.
3 - Interact Digitally and Physically
The retail floor has to compete with the Internet, and the retail floor has two upsides over the Internet. The first is that people can feel, touch and try the products before they buy, and the second is that there is a human person on hand to help. However, the Internet is pretty powerful and has lots of benefits that offline stores cannot compete with. Yet, if the offline and online elements were mixed, they could create the perfect scenario offline. It may help sell the offline experience so that people keep returning to the store/service rather than taking their business online. Even simple processes, such as being able to check stock levels online while interacting within the store, is going to help elevate these offline stores above most traditional stores.
4 - Promote in a Wider Variety of Ways
You can have people download and install your app, and then have it offer promotions, giveaways and push motivations. People may receive special messages when they enter a store from your app or may be able to use your app to scan your products and get the best possible deals. Digital signs can show off the best offers or demonstrate items, and digital tablets and kiosks may offer ways to purchase items without having to visit the checkout. The ways you may promote your store and products using a connected workspace is only limited by your imagination.
5 - Navigate A Little Easier
Malls have had maps in their buildings for years. Instead of having a stationary map, the retail space offers an interactive digital map. This allows users to find where they want to go and then see a direct route to help them get there. They can even load a stationary image onto their phones to help them find it, or they may download the mall approximately that shows them the way. The user may be able to connect to the digital map so that he or she may control it with his or her phone.
