How Retail Device Management Solution Can Help in Growth

Customer acquisition and retention have been the core target of the retail industry for as long as we can remember. Albeit the target hasn’t changed much, the means used to hit the nail in the head has remodeled with time. Customer loyalty, which previously depended on the pricing and quality of products has shifted to customer experience. Though price and quality still matter, the success of any retail business is mainly driven by the kind of customer experience it can provide. The reason so many businesses are focusing on retail device management as it helps to improve customer experience. The Temkin Group found that companies that earn $1 billion annually can expect to earn, on average, an additional $700 million within 3 years of investing in customer experience. It also concludes that 86% of customers are willing to pay more for a great customer experience.

Think about it. Why would a customer wish to come to any store, spend their time trying to locate the products in their shopping list, have unfruitful conversations with ground employees about product queries, or stay in long queues to pay for their items just to top it off with limited modes of payment? Sure your customers come to you for your products but they stay for the ease, convenience, and flexibility that you provide in every aspect of their shopping experience. 

Retail growth has seen new heights of success with the integration of mobile technologies in their operations, such as:

• Smartphones and tablets for ground employees, staff use, customer feedback, and inventory management.
• Kiosks for displaying information, self-service, advertisements, and digital signage.
• mPOS (mobile Point Of Sale) for self-checkout processes and multiple channels of payment.
• Rugged devices and IoT (Internet of Things) for specialized tasks.

However, blindly deploying unmanaged mobile devices does more harm than good to a business. Your digital investments need to contribute to your sales growth and revenue not waste resources or increase costs. 

Benefits of MDM for Retail

To deliver quality service to the customers, it is crucial for retailers to adopt an effective mobile device management solution. MDM for Retail allows IT admins to manage, monitor, secure, and maintain every device in detail that runs across all platforms and outlets. Let’s dig deeper and talk about what challenges do mobile device management solutions tackle that directly translate into the growth of your retail business. 

Security Risks and Device Theft 

Data privacy and device security are the single most important assets that retail device management provides. Whether the devices are distributed in multiple chains and outlets or concentrated in one independent store, strengthening security protocols within the enterprise network needs to be a priority for any retail business. The customer data and information recorded and shared on the mobile devices if stolen or lost can cause irrecoverable financial loss and brand damage to the business. 

MDM for retail offers user authentication, encryption of data and messages shared, password protection of highly sensitive information, and even remote wipe-off of data in case devices are lost or stolen. Apart from that, geo-fencing sends security commands that alert the IT admins when and if the devices leave a pre-defined geographical area such as the store premises. This way retail device management implies the zero-trust security approach that fixes sophisticated security vulnerabilities by providing robust protection against malware, viruses, and hackers searching for a weak spot to exploit. 

Professional Interface

The digitalization of brick-and-mortar stores has empowered organizations to replace ground staff in uniform with mobile devices. The corporate logo on the device lock screen and home screen has become the uniform of the devices. With MDM, a corporate logo can be easily added and modified according to the branding style and needs of your business. MDM for retail not only streamlines the operations of these mobile devices but provides a professional interface with corporate branding. IT admins can configure wallpaper policy and disable end-users from any sort of modification. This not only ensures a cohesive pattern among all devices but also promotes the brand through a professional interface. 

Misuse and Distractions in the Workplace

There is always the looming chance of end-users, whether it be the customers or the employees, mishandling the devices that are to be used for a specific purpose. Device setting modifications, downloading and using unauthorized apps and websites, exploiting other device functionalities, surfing the web, streaming videos or playing games during work hours are some of the issues that make retailers wary. So retail device management is important when deploying mobile devices at stores. 

Android Kiosk Mode feature restricts access to unwanted and unproductive apps and websites to avoid loss of productive work hours and protect the devices from mismanagement. MDM for retail turns tablets and smartphones into kiosks that reboot to a specific set of apps and websites only. This helps maximize workflow with pre-configured apps and prevent unauthorized modifications of device settings.

Device Malfunctions and System Errors

Self-service kiosks, checkout processes, mPOS devices, etc can be a one-time setup but the store needs to stay on top of device maintenance, diagnosis, debugging, and troubleshooting. System errors and failures are bound to happen with technological devices. However, retailers need to focus on minimizing system downtime and ensuring that their IT staff is not constantly drowned in support requests and tickets. 

With retail device management solution at work, device monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting can be done remotely. OS updates policy configurations, and app downloads and is scheduled when the device is not needed, therefore reducing interruptions during working hours, ensuring the customer experience is not hampered due to mismanagement of the devices.

Significance of Retail Device Management

The modern retail landscape comes with various endpoints and devices, right from POS systems to handheld scanners, and all these devices have become an integral component of ensuring efficient operations. Retailers face the challenge of maintaining a seamless customer experience while juggling numerous devices across multiple locations. Consequently, the implementation of a comprehensive retail device management solution like CubiLock has emerged as a pivotal strategy for streamlining operations, enhancing security, and improving overall efficiency.

Centralized Management

Effective retail device management involves the orchestration of hardware, software, and network components, ensuring that each device functions optimally and integrates seamlessly within the broader retail infrastructure. One of the key benefits of such a system is the centralized control it provides. By centralizing the management of all retail devices, organizations can significantly reduce the complexity associated with monitoring and maintaining each device individually. This centralization not only streamlines the operational processes but also facilitates swift troubleshooting and timely updates, thus minimizing downtime and improving overall productivity.

Leverage Security

Security stands as another critical aspect in retail device management. With the increasing frequency of cyber threats, safeguarding sensitive customer information and transaction data has become paramount. A robust device management solution aids in the enforcement of security protocols, ensuring that all devices are equipped with the necessary security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and regular security updates. Through continuous monitoring and immediate response capabilities, potential security breaches can be detected and mitigated, safeguarding the trust and confidence of customers.

Moreover, the insights garnered from a comprehensive retail device management system can be instrumental in optimizing the overall retail experience. By collecting and analyzing data from various devices, retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and trends. These insights can inform strategic decision-making, leading to improved product offerings, tailored marketing strategies, and a more personalized shopping experience for customers. The integration of data analytics within the device management framework empowers retailers to make data-driven decisions that foster customer loyalty and drive business growth.

Flexibility and Scalability

Furthermore, the scalability and flexibility offered by retail device management solutions cater to the evolving needs of retail businesses. As retailers expand their operations or introduce new services, the device management system can adapt to accommodate these changes seamlessly. With the ability to easily integrate new devices and software, retailers can swiftly respond to market demands and technological advancements without significant disruptions to their existing operations. This scalability ensures that retailers can stay agile and competitive in an ever-evolving retail landscape, fostering continuous innovation and growth.

To implement a successful retail device management solution, retailers must prioritize collaboration between IT teams, store managers, and other stakeholders. Open communication and cross-functional coordination are essential for understanding the specific requirements of each retail location and tailoring the device management strategy accordingly. Additionally, investing in employee training programs to familiarize staff with the intricacies of the new system is crucial to ensure its effective utilization and maximize its benefits.

Retail device management has transformed from a mere operational necessity to a strategic advantage in the fiercely competitive retail sector. By centralizing control, enhancing security, leveraging data insights, and fostering scalability, retailers can streamline operations, deliver a secure shopping environment, and provide a personalized customer experience. As technology continues to advance, the implementation of an efficient retail device management solution remains a cornerstone for retailers aiming to thrive in the dynamic and demanding world of modern retail.

If you are ready to transform your business with a simple yet powerful device management solution, CubiLock EMM is your answer. It not only gives your business the above-specified solutions but much more capabilities with its dynamic set of features. Advancing towards growth and accomplishing targets has never been this feasible. So, stop compromising on your device capabilities and start focusing on with CubiLock EMM solution.