Fujitsu today launched an innovative software solution that creates a two-way, secure and collaborative digital communication platform between Fujitsu U-Scan Self-Checkout (SCO) or Fujitsu Fresco Point-of-Sale (POS) touch-screen systems and Samsung wearable devices using Android 4.4 and later with at least 1.5GB RAM.
The patent-pending software is being demonstrated on Samsung Gear Smartwatches, alongside the portfolio of Fujitsu retail solutions. Booth #3905 at the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Center from January 15-17.
“So many communication systems in retail rely on outdated technology, and they’re ready for digital disruption,” said Marc Janssens, head of the Retail business at Fujitsu America, Inc.
“We’re confident that our wearable alerts platform and collaboration with Samsung are going to transform corporate communications from the front-end to the warehouse. We’re already seeing significant interest from retailers who want to be the first to offer exceptional customer experiences through automation and hyper-connected staff.”
Eric McCarty, vice president, product marketing, Mobile B2B, Samsung Electronics America added,
“We have long seen retail as one of the top industries that can benefit from wearables integration into its workflow. For many retail operations, wearables create the perfect link from back-office efficiency—operations oversight, workforce management and business intelligence—to front-office productivity and customer satisfaction, including easy access to actionable data and hands-free technology,”
Boosts Staff Responsiveness
The innovative software allows retail staff – from cashiers to managers to stock clerks or other employees – to handle their core duties, while also having hands-free access to important alerts and messages that ensure the entire store is operating smoothly. The software pushes alerts, either automatically or manually, from SCO and POS units to Samsung Gear Smartwatches for a variety of scenarios such as when a price check or override is needed; when sensitive items – propane to power tools – are purchased and need to be retrieved from a locked case; or to verify age for purchasing alcohol or tobacco products.
The alerts sent to the Samsung Gear generate a haptic, hard-to-ignore notification with action-oriented details, which are prioritized to ensure the staff member addresses the most pressing issues first. Actions that require physical input today, such as manager overrides or age verification needs, can now be remedied directly on the wearable. In addition, if personal customer assistance is needed, the staff member can send a notification to the customer or cashier letting them know that help is on the way. To further streamline communication, these notifications can be sent based on role, whether that is just to a manager, a stock clerk or back office personnel.
Digitizing Communication
The new software also eliminates the need for antiquated intercom systems, which are notoriously unsecure. Leveraging Fujitsu’s wearable alerts systems, staff members can be discreetly notified to handle sensitive tasks, like replenishing a register with cash or restocking items that are kept in locked environments. In addition, the software utilizes QR barcodes, which allows employees to access secured management functions within an application like the Fujitsu Fresco or U-Scan application.
