The Ultimate Way to Transform Business with Edge Computing

In the age where algorithms are built to cater to consumers and what they need, catering to their demands, and making the average consumer’s experience at a retail store or an online store the best it can be are a businesses’ top priorities. This is because running a business is not just about customer satisfaction any longer, it’s about the customer experience. 

So, what is edge computing? 

Well, edge computing or just “edge” is a form of technology that uses real-time data from both physical and online locations so that businesses can use and implement said data to get goal-driven results from their businesses. Edge is what merges the digital world with the physical world by using data analysis technology in brick-and-mortar stores to improve the overall customer experience. 

With the power of edge, businesses can say goodbye to coming up with ways to improve the customer satisfaction rate based on mere assumptions. Edge computing provides businesses with the necessary data needed to streamline and enhance business operations to achieve long-term business goals. 

In fact, research shows that retailers only have one chance to make the customer experience as good as possible. A study conducted as a part of S&P global market research shows that 80% of consumers state that they are likely to stop doing business with a retailer if they have a bad customer experience. The study also gives insight into customer expectations and how they want retailers to deliver in terms of payment options, delivery services, mobile shopping applications, etc. 

The best way to achieve and live up to these customer expectations is through the use of technology by sorting the data already available to you, you can enhance the overall customer experience to increase sales, profits, and much more. However, retailers often struggle with outdated and varied technology systems, making it difficult to provide a seamless shopping experience for their customers. These systems can also create complex IT problems and make it hard to access important data. To overcome this, retailers can adopt simplified and open-edge technologies that promote growth and transformation. Listed below are just some of the ways they can achieve this.

1. Harnessing the Power of Intelligence for Brick-and-Mortar Evolution

To provide a seamless shopping experience to all your consumers both online and in physical stores, you need to integrate digital and physical channels to make sure that your customer experience levels remain consistent. 

This is where edge computing comes in. Edge computing works by using sensors to analyze real-time data both in physical and online stores to unify the shopping experience for all customers. The data collected can be used by retailers to send out personalized promotional campaigns, optimize their inventory, and improve customer satisfaction. Edge computing can also be used to power immersive experiences for your consumers like augmented reality and autonomous checkout. Analyzing customer behavior is important because it can be used to increase basket size and reduce costs which is essential to any business’s long-term operations.  

2. Prioritizing Health and Safety Standards to Protect Customers

For retailers, it’s not just about making sales, but also ensuring the safety of their customers and employees. However, tasks such as monitoring PPE compliance, oven temperatures, and detecting spills can be prone to human error and time-consuming. To address this, edge computing can be used as a valuable tool to manage health and safety. It can help remind employees to wear proper protective gear in sensitive areas, prevent waste, and even manage checkout queues. With the ability to track food safety data and cold chain, edge computing can ensure that products are stored at the correct temperature and remain safe for consumption. By using edge computing, retailers can effectively manage health and safety concerns and create a safer shopping experience for everyone.

3. Boosting Supply Chain Efficiency through Logistics Optimization

In recent times, global events have led to an increase in on-demand delivery services. On-demand delivery services have quickly become one of the key factors that impact customer satisfaction. As a brick-and-mortar retailer, you can use edge infrastructure to keep an accurate check on inventory levels straight from distribution centers to fulfillment centers. Bottom line is, retailers can use edge computing, computer vision, and RFID solutions to improve supply chain visibility and optimize logistics processes. This leads to better accuracy, automation, and inventory sharing across sites. As a result, retailers can offer new services such as buying online, picking up in-store, buying in-store, or shipping to home, which ultimately leads to better delivery times and options for customers. 

4. Maximizing Profitability through Cost Optimization

Edge computing can help retailers automate processes and improve store operations, saving time and money. For instance, conversational AI can personalize drive-through menus and improve order accuracy, while computer vision can guide associates to customers needing assistance. To optimize the customer experience, retailers must shift processes and embrace open infrastructure that secures and consolidates the edge for real-time insights.

If you are a retailer, it’s time to give edge computing a try! With Oppuous, you will not only have a guaranteed boost in your bottom line but you will also see more organization, automation, and streamlining so that you can achieve the business goals you’ve always dreamed of. Unleash your business’s full potential, only with Oppuous. Book a call with us today to learn more about how edge computing can help YOUR business reach new horizons: https://letsmeet.io/oppuousllc/15-minute-initial-consultation