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Are Amazon Go Stores Putting Consumer Data At Risk?

PETER ZABORSZKY, BESTVPN | December 3, 2018 | 61 views

Amazon has fundamentally changed both how consumers shop and the physical retail landscape across the U.S. While many retail stalwarts are closing stores or downsizing, Amazon instead is opening its own brick-and-mortar locations. Amazon has found its niche. It has successfully seduced the U.S. population. And, now that it has people hooked on mass convenience, it hopes it can encourage them to keep spending. Amazon Go stores are just the latest phase in the shopping titan’s evolution. With 3,000 stores expected to be built by 2021, it appears that the American shopper is headed for one of the most invasive, privacy-eroding shifts in consumer habits ever known. It is no secret that Amazon likes data. The firm has used its online position to intricately analyze its subscriber’s shopping habits. The result has been unprecedented capabilities to spot shopping trends, understand stock demand, and target products to both geographic locations and individuals in vastly more effective ways. The result? Profit, lots of profit.

Spotlight

BlueFocus

BlueFocus Communication Group is established in 1996 and has become the top communication group around Asia, which has been ranked TOP9 in the TOP 10 Global PR Agency Ranking 2017 by the Holmes Report. Currently there're more than 6,000 employees globally working in 100 offices in more than 10 countries, and BFG's headquarter locates in Beijing, China.

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POS SOLUTIONS

POS System Essential for Omnichannel Retail

Article | July 12, 2022

“Software-led payments is more than just ecommerce or online invoicing, as many software platforms are starting to offer solutions for card present transactions.” - Caleb Avery, CEO of Tilled The omnichannel retail marketplace has been witnessing a surge in recent years. A buyer has a natural tendency to check the details of the products or services on the internet. But a single purchase may involve different channels like apps, websites, store walk-ins, etc. For example, a customer may conduct online research and purchase an item before picking it up from a retail store; or, conversely, he may go to a nearby mall and inspect the product first before purchasing it online. Therefore, retailing has become increasingly about providing multi-channel or cross-channel experiences to customers. If the merchant misses out on his goods being offered on any channel, it will harm the customer experience (CX). In such a circumstance, deploying a POS system built for multi-site store networks that takes care of the maintenance of the website and all the locations in the chain simultaneously is a blessing for the retail sector. The point of sale is now an important part of an eCommerce plan for a business and a key part of its ongoing marketing strategy. Drive Loyalty and Sales Using Your Omnichannel POS A retailer's point of sale is the hub of every business action, wherein sales, marketing, inventory, customer management and customer service merge. But what many still don't realize is its powerful role in unlocking customer loyalty and higher revenue. With a modern and adaptable point-of-sale system, lengthy transaction times are minimized and may be boosted while simultaneously processing more consumers, enhancing the customer experience. Your omnichannel POS should permit the configuration of several payment methods. Customers can choose various payment methods, such as credit cards, digital wallets, PayPal, and cash. POS data should be utilized in all company decisions in today's society. Additionally, POS data is essential for merchandise planning. For example, if a product is not selling quickly enough, sell-through and sales-by-margin analytics can influence your pricing decisions and allow you to adjust accordingly. A common misconception about POS is that it is only a point of contact between your clients and your business. However, when its tremendous capabilities are utilized, it becomes a tool that helps you understand your clients, enhance their experience, and guarantee you are prepared to meet their demands. Importance of Using POS and Ecommerce Integration Combining CRM and POS software enables staff members to review and update client information instantly. You can develop new sales methods based on customers' interests and previous purchases. The omnichannel point of sale integrates with Tally, Quickbooks, etc. You may export order receipts from all channels directly. With omnichannel POS, your firm is accessible to customers 24 hours a day. Customers can purchase at one store and receive delivery from another, as well as other choices designed to improve the shopping experience. A retail eCommerce platform with seamless integration benefits both businesses and customers. Bottom Line Innovation in omnichannel retailing and investment in the POS system's digitization helps track and fulfill online, and offline customer needs. It goes without saying that the future of POS and retail are closely intertwined. In the coming years, POS will see a radical shift. Now is the optimal time for laggards to catch up or risk falling behind.

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POS SOLUTIONS

A pivot to customer and supporting the shopping journeys

Article | June 30, 2022

ABC Fine Wine & SpiritsOracle Retail Cross Talk is our favorite event of the year. Across the 2.5 days, we create authentic connections across our retail community so you can learn from each other. We recruit 25-30 global retailers to share their experiences in case studies, panel discussions, or fireside chats. We are thrilled to host a panel discussion with ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Estee Lauder. Delivering a great omnichannel retail experience takes the right people, process, and technology to earn shopper loyalty by offering engaging and seamless experiences across more than 70 unique customer journeys. Widespread curbside pick-up, flexible store environments, buy online, pick-up in-store (BOPIS) protocols–these new norms have dramatically accelerated in-store adaptation and innovation. As brands dive deeper for new ways to maximize the customer experience—and adapt to the rapidly changing world—they must lean into agile technology. Join this discussion to hear how ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Estee Lauder are tackling today’s challenges and planning for the future. Estee Lauder Platform Discussion: Stores and Omnichannel As customers continue to evolve the omnichannel retail journey, you can provide them with engaging, seamless experiences while refining operations across point-of-service, ecommerce, and order management systems. Join us at Cross Talk to learn how Oracle Retail’s omnichannel modern retail solutions bridge the productivity gaps between the online and traditional point-of-sale functionality, improve store associate effectiveness, increase sales, and ultimately personalize the customer experience.

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POS RETAIL

Digital Payments – Preferred Way To Exchange Money

Article | July 26, 2022

In the past several years, the evolution of the payments industry has been remarkable. The digital payment business is expanding fast and is an open area for competitors. Globally, the emergence and implementation of digital payment solutions results from diverse requirements. The digital payments ecosystem is being propelled by three significant factors: technology, customer demand, and regulations. Insights Into Digital Payments Evolution The Internet of Things, APIs, point of sale (POS), mobile wallets, and tokenization create a seamless payments ecosystem by digitally connecting every industry with the payments environment. Consumer demand drivers can be broken down into subcategories, such as real-time payments, a better user experience, and personalization. In 2021, the market for digital payments was estimated at USD 7.36 trillion. It is expected to reach USD 15.27 trillion by 2027, with a CAGR of 12.38% between 2022 and 2027. The technical improvements of smartphones, digital payment cards, and point-of-sale terminals in retail stores are driving the expansion of the industry. According to American Express, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted cardholder spending. Companies are offering contactless payment options to attract customers. This has made the contactless function a global competitive advantage for companies. In light of the preceding progress and development, let's explore what 2022 has in store for you. Look closely at any changes to digital payment methods that could be important in 2022. The Most Prevalent Digital Payment Trends – 2022 Biometric Authentication In 2022, biometric authentication will increase as a trend in the digital payment industry. Biometric authentication utilizes a person's biological and anatomical traits. In addition to fingerprint scanners, face recognition, iris recognition, heartbeat analysis, and vein mapping, the verification process also incorporates fingerprint scanners. It is a very secure payment system based on the unique qualities of each individual. Additionally, it helps establish consumer loyalty and trust. Contactless Payments Customers may make contactless payments by just waving their smartphone in front of the reader. Thus, the payment method becomes faster and more convenient than card insertion. Contactless payments are more secure due to the rapid transfer of encrypted data to the point-of-sale gadget. Mobile Point of Sale Mobile-point-of-sale (mPOS) is a breakthrough technology since it liberates retailers from storefronts and in-store payments. Instead, it is a portable register that operates on a tablet, smartphone, or mobile device. Mobile POS has significantly altered a store's payment procedure by making it more efficient and adaptable. According to Global Market Insights, mPOS will grow at a 19% CAGR between 2020 and 2026. Mobile Wallet Transaction According to Juniper Research, digital and mobile wallet usage will surpass 4.4 billion by 2025. Mobile wallets do not require a real bank account and keep all payment information securely and compactly. This is enabled through Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows devices in close proximity to communicate and share data quickly. With the rise in demand for contactless payments, NFC has become a prominent term in digital payments. Final Word There are many proven ways to send money around the world. It is essential to consider how money moves across borders. The answer depends on the payment's context. Today's businesses want diverse and straightforward methods for international money transfers. The choices available to enterprises range from SWIFT and ACH transfers to digital wallets and cheques to credit cards and even crypto money. Digital payments enable organizations to conduct money transfers efficiently, transparently, and cost-effectively. This will encourage the global economy to continue expanding and strengthening further.

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POS RETAIL

Top Reasons Businesses Choose Cloud-based POS Systems

Article | May 20, 2022

Digital innovations make a significant impact on the payment business. Point-of-sale is one such innovation that eases the payment mode. Traditional POS systems face several obstacles, such as data storage on local servers, higher upfront payments, limited access to the data, and higher costs. On the contrary, a cloud-based POS system is easier and offers more agility and access, making the payment process seamless and less time taking. Customer expectations are constantly changing regarding seamless online and offline payment processes. Cloud-based POS systems ensure the best possible customer experience while staying relevant to the rapidly evolving technology. Making the lives of the customers easier is the primary goal of the payment service provider. Deciding Between Getting a Traditional or A Cloud-Based POS System? POS software has improved over the past decade, and many firms have hopped on the POS system bandwagon. There are different types of POS systems available, and you may get confused, especially if you are new to POS. Purchasing a POS system is a long-term investment and should not be made without extensive research and knowledge. It would be best to compare the pros and cons of traditional and cloud-based POS options. Identify your business's needs and select the right POS system. On-site or existing POS is an old method. The data is stored on local servers and in closed networks. It is commonly known that standard POS systems can be complex and time-consuming. Also, installing large hardware adds to the cost of getting started. If you use older methods, you might be able to access data on-site, but you could lose it. A cloud-based POS is easy to use and easy to get to. The cloud-based POS system is adaptable and can easily add new modules or apps from other corporates. The software is rented by the month or year. Methods that use the cloud allow mobile access which means you can leverage the functionality of mobile POS without fully implementing a mobile POS system. POS software that runs in the cloud is also automatically backed up. Cloud-based POS software offers incredible benefits for your business. Reasons for Opting for a Cloud-based POS System Cloud POS Systems Are More Secure A cloud-based POS system lowers all types of risks due to stringent security standards. Cloud technology allows the POS software to automatically backup the data and sync via remote servers. The regular updating of the system increases the security level of the software. Remote System Access Switching to a cloud-based POS system allows you to access your back-office functionality from anywhere. This capability gives you the ability to receive important updates regarding inventory or vendor issues on your mobile or home computer. You will also benefit from the security of cloud backup for your data. Cost-effective Cloud-based POS may appear to be more expensive than conventional POS systems. Nevertheless, cloud-based technologies are preferable for SMBs. In contrast to traditional POS systems, cloud-based SaaS has no upfront costs and has low monthly rates. Automatic software updates are delivered, and the system can update itself. Better Customer Service Cloud POS is compatible with various payment options and can send invoices through email or SMS. This enhances the purchase experience for your brand's customers. Customers interested in simple technology like simple processes are thus satisfied with the commercial services a POS system delivers. By choosing a cloud-based POS system, you'll always be able to meet customer needs quickly. Also, remember that you can get updates, which are meant to change some features to fit how people use them. Conclusion We’ve seen a few reasons that why you should consider transitioning to a cloud-based point-of-sale system, but the list is unlimited. If you have not considered implementing a point-of-sale system, now is the time to do so. The most prominent upside is that a sound POS system facilitates sales and increases the capacity to attract more clients.

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POS SOLUTIONS

8 POS Software Trends for 2022: New Forecasts and What's Next 2

Article | July 12, 2022

“Software-led payments is more than just ecommerce or online invoicing, as many software platforms are starting to offer solutions for card present transactions.” - Caleb Avery, CEO of Tilled The omnichannel retail marketplace has been witnessing a surge in recent years. A buyer has a natural tendency to check the details of the products or services on the internet. But a single purchase may involve different channels like apps, websites, store walk-ins, etc. For example, a customer may conduct online research and purchase an item before picking it up from a retail store; or, conversely, he may go to a nearby mall and inspect the product first before purchasing it online. Therefore, retailing has become increasingly about providing multi-channel or cross-channel experiences to customers. If the merchant misses out on his goods being offered on any channel, it will harm the customer experience (CX). In such a circumstance, deploying a POS system built for multi-site store networks that takes care of the maintenance of the website and all the locations in the chain simultaneously is a blessing for the retail sector. The point of sale is now an important part of an eCommerce plan for a business and a key part of its ongoing marketing strategy. Drive Loyalty and Sales Using Your Omnichannel POS A retailer's point of sale is the hub of every business action, wherein sales, marketing, inventory, customer management and customer service merge. But what many still don't realize is its powerful role in unlocking customer loyalty and higher revenue. With a modern and adaptable point-of-sale system, lengthy transaction times are minimized and may be boosted while simultaneously processing more consumers, enhancing the customer experience. Your omnichannel POS should permit the configuration of several payment methods. Customers can choose various payment methods, such as credit cards, digital wallets, PayPal, and cash. POS data should be utilized in all company decisions in today's society. Additionally, POS data is essential for merchandise planning. For example, if a product is not selling quickly enough, sell-through and sales-by-margin analytics can influence your pricing decisions and allow you to adjust accordingly. A common misconception about POS is that it is only a point of contact between your clients and your business. However, when its tremendous capabilities are utilized, it becomes a tool that helps you understand your clients, enhance their experience, and guarantee you are prepared to meet their demands. Importance of Using POS and Ecommerce Integration Combining CRM and POS software enables staff members to review and update client information instantly. You can develop new sales methods based on customers' interests and previous purchases. The omnichannel point of sale integrates with Tally, Quickbooks, etc. You may export order receipts from all channels directly. With omnichannel POS, your firm is accessible to customers 24 hours a day. Customers can purchase at one store and receive delivery from another, as well as other choices designed to improve the shopping experience. A retail eCommerce platform with seamless integration benefits both businesses and customers. Bottom Line Innovation in omnichannel retailing and investment in the POS system's digitization helps track and fulfill online, and offline customer needs. It goes without saying that the future of POS and retail are closely intertwined. In the coming years, POS will see a radical shift. Now is the optimal time for laggards to catch up or risk falling behind.

Read More
POS SOLUTIONS

Inclination Towards Cloud and mPOS Solutions to Create Tailwind for Evolution

Article | June 30, 2022

ABC Fine Wine & SpiritsOracle Retail Cross Talk is our favorite event of the year. Across the 2.5 days, we create authentic connections across our retail community so you can learn from each other. We recruit 25-30 global retailers to share their experiences in case studies, panel discussions, or fireside chats. We are thrilled to host a panel discussion with ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Estee Lauder. Delivering a great omnichannel retail experience takes the right people, process, and technology to earn shopper loyalty by offering engaging and seamless experiences across more than 70 unique customer journeys. Widespread curbside pick-up, flexible store environments, buy online, pick-up in-store (BOPIS) protocols–these new norms have dramatically accelerated in-store adaptation and innovation. As brands dive deeper for new ways to maximize the customer experience—and adapt to the rapidly changing world—they must lean into agile technology. Join this discussion to hear how ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Estee Lauder are tackling today’s challenges and planning for the future. Estee Lauder Platform Discussion: Stores and Omnichannel As customers continue to evolve the omnichannel retail journey, you can provide them with engaging, seamless experiences while refining operations across point-of-service, ecommerce, and order management systems. Join us at Cross Talk to learn how Oracle Retail’s omnichannel modern retail solutions bridge the productivity gaps between the online and traditional point-of-sale functionality, improve store associate effectiveness, increase sales, and ultimately personalize the customer experience.

Read More
POS RETAIL

Artificial Intelligence: Making Retail POS Systems Smarter

Article | July 26, 2022

In the past several years, the evolution of the payments industry has been remarkable. The digital payment business is expanding fast and is an open area for competitors. Globally, the emergence and implementation of digital payment solutions results from diverse requirements. The digital payments ecosystem is being propelled by three significant factors: technology, customer demand, and regulations. Insights Into Digital Payments Evolution The Internet of Things, APIs, point of sale (POS), mobile wallets, and tokenization create a seamless payments ecosystem by digitally connecting every industry with the payments environment. Consumer demand drivers can be broken down into subcategories, such as real-time payments, a better user experience, and personalization. In 2021, the market for digital payments was estimated at USD 7.36 trillion. It is expected to reach USD 15.27 trillion by 2027, with a CAGR of 12.38% between 2022 and 2027. The technical improvements of smartphones, digital payment cards, and point-of-sale terminals in retail stores are driving the expansion of the industry. According to American Express, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted cardholder spending. Companies are offering contactless payment options to attract customers. This has made the contactless function a global competitive advantage for companies. In light of the preceding progress and development, let's explore what 2022 has in store for you. Look closely at any changes to digital payment methods that could be important in 2022. The Most Prevalent Digital Payment Trends – 2022 Biometric Authentication In 2022, biometric authentication will increase as a trend in the digital payment industry. Biometric authentication utilizes a person's biological and anatomical traits. In addition to fingerprint scanners, face recognition, iris recognition, heartbeat analysis, and vein mapping, the verification process also incorporates fingerprint scanners. It is a very secure payment system based on the unique qualities of each individual. Additionally, it helps establish consumer loyalty and trust. Contactless Payments Customers may make contactless payments by just waving their smartphone in front of the reader. Thus, the payment method becomes faster and more convenient than card insertion. Contactless payments are more secure due to the rapid transfer of encrypted data to the point-of-sale gadget. Mobile Point of Sale Mobile-point-of-sale (mPOS) is a breakthrough technology since it liberates retailers from storefronts and in-store payments. Instead, it is a portable register that operates on a tablet, smartphone, or mobile device. Mobile POS has significantly altered a store's payment procedure by making it more efficient and adaptable. According to Global Market Insights, mPOS will grow at a 19% CAGR between 2020 and 2026. Mobile Wallet Transaction According to Juniper Research, digital and mobile wallet usage will surpass 4.4 billion by 2025. Mobile wallets do not require a real bank account and keep all payment information securely and compactly. This is enabled through Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows devices in close proximity to communicate and share data quickly. With the rise in demand for contactless payments, NFC has become a prominent term in digital payments. Final Word There are many proven ways to send money around the world. It is essential to consider how money moves across borders. The answer depends on the payment's context. Today's businesses want diverse and straightforward methods for international money transfers. The choices available to enterprises range from SWIFT and ACH transfers to digital wallets and cheques to credit cards and even crypto money. Digital payments enable organizations to conduct money transfers efficiently, transparently, and cost-effectively. This will encourage the global economy to continue expanding and strengthening further.

Read More
POS RETAIL

Top Reasons Businesses Choose Cloud-based POS Systems

Article | May 20, 2022

Digital innovations make a significant impact on the payment business. Point-of-sale is one such innovation that eases the payment mode. Traditional POS systems face several obstacles, such as data storage on local servers, higher upfront payments, limited access to the data, and higher costs. On the contrary, a cloud-based POS system is easier and offers more agility and access, making the payment process seamless and less time taking. Customer expectations are constantly changing regarding seamless online and offline payment processes. Cloud-based POS systems ensure the best possible customer experience while staying relevant to the rapidly evolving technology. Making the lives of the customers easier is the primary goal of the payment service provider. Deciding Between Getting a Traditional or A Cloud-Based POS System? POS software has improved over the past decade, and many firms have hopped on the POS system bandwagon. There are different types of POS systems available, and you may get confused, especially if you are new to POS. Purchasing a POS system is a long-term investment and should not be made without extensive research and knowledge. It would be best to compare the pros and cons of traditional and cloud-based POS options. Identify your business's needs and select the right POS system. On-site or existing POS is an old method. The data is stored on local servers and in closed networks. It is commonly known that standard POS systems can be complex and time-consuming. Also, installing large hardware adds to the cost of getting started. If you use older methods, you might be able to access data on-site, but you could lose it. A cloud-based POS is easy to use and easy to get to. The cloud-based POS system is adaptable and can easily add new modules or apps from other corporates. The software is rented by the month or year. Methods that use the cloud allow mobile access which means you can leverage the functionality of mobile POS without fully implementing a mobile POS system. POS software that runs in the cloud is also automatically backed up. Cloud-based POS software offers incredible benefits for your business. Reasons for Opting for a Cloud-based POS System Cloud POS Systems Are More Secure A cloud-based POS system lowers all types of risks due to stringent security standards. Cloud technology allows the POS software to automatically backup the data and sync via remote servers. The regular updating of the system increases the security level of the software. Remote System Access Switching to a cloud-based POS system allows you to access your back-office functionality from anywhere. This capability gives you the ability to receive important updates regarding inventory or vendor issues on your mobile or home computer. You will also benefit from the security of cloud backup for your data. Cost-effective Cloud-based POS may appear to be more expensive than conventional POS systems. Nevertheless, cloud-based technologies are preferable for SMBs. In contrast to traditional POS systems, cloud-based SaaS has no upfront costs and has low monthly rates. Automatic software updates are delivered, and the system can update itself. Better Customer Service Cloud POS is compatible with various payment options and can send invoices through email or SMS. This enhances the purchase experience for your brand's customers. Customers interested in simple technology like simple processes are thus satisfied with the commercial services a POS system delivers. By choosing a cloud-based POS system, you'll always be able to meet customer needs quickly. Also, remember that you can get updates, which are meant to change some features to fit how people use them. Conclusion We’ve seen a few reasons that why you should consider transitioning to a cloud-based point-of-sale system, but the list is unlimited. If you have not considered implementing a point-of-sale system, now is the time to do so. The most prominent upside is that a sound POS system facilitates sales and increases the capacity to attract more clients.

Read More
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Spotlight

BlueFocus

BlueFocus Communication Group is established in 1996 and has become the top communication group around Asia, which has been ranked TOP9 in the TOP 10 Global PR Agency Ranking 2017 by the Holmes Report. Currently there're more than 6,000 employees globally working in 100 offices in more than 10 countries, and BFG's headquarter locates in Beijing, China.

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POS RETAIL

HungerRush Launches OrderAI Talk to Deliver an Engaging Phone Ordering Experience, While Flexibly Transforming Phone Ordering

HUNGER RUSH | August 16, 2022

HungerRush™, the leading cloud software provider for the restaurant industry, today announced the general availability and early pilot results of its OrderAI Talk product.OrderAI Talk allows restaurant consumers to place phone orders with an artificially intelligent phone bot. It supports increased restaurant efficiency and customer satisfaction through improved order accuracy, accurate and complete voice recognition, full-menu integration, no hold times and a fully integrated POS system with order confirmation and delivery and payment options. OrderAI Talk is the ideal solution for multi-unit restaurants with at least 10 locations, and a high phone order volume. Key benefits of OrderAI Talk include the following: Increased order accuracy: Complex menus can be easily integrated with OrderAI Talk so that phone-in customers can customize their orders just as they would if they were in store or talking to a live person. Ability to upsell every order: The intelligent AI system learns consumer behaviors to engage in smart upselling and smart targeted marketing with each call. Alleviate challenges from staffing issues: Whether it’s small staffs or overworked team members, OrderAI Talk decreases stress on staff by allowing them to forget the phone and focus on what matters most, making great food. Opt-in to Text Marketing & Ordering: Providing the ability to expand marketing reach and transform analog customers to digital. Automatically send OrderAI Talk customers a text marketing message one week later giving them the ability to quickly respond and place that order via text. 29% of customers who received OrderAI Text marketing placed at least one or more repeat orders. Improved customer experience: No more busy signals or hold music. Customers can place their orders quickly and seamlessly through the automated attendant from order placement through payment. Of customers that start an OrderAI Talk order, 92% result in completed orders. “We are continually working toward creating more streamlined services that benefit both the restaurant and customers, “By innovating and improving the existing technologies in place, we can free up more time for employees to focus their time on customer satisfaction and food quality.” Perry Turbes, CEO of HungerRush. About HungerRush HungerRush is a leading provider of integrated restaurant solutions that make it easier to delight guests, drive loyalty, and manage restaurants from anywhere. HungerRush 360 is our flagship all-in-one cloud POS system that integrates digital ordering, delivery, customer engagement, restaurant management, and payment processing features with flexible software designed to give operators of all sizes more insight into their customers, more control over their operations, and more power to profitably grow their business. HungerRush OrderAI Text is an innovative text-to-order AI solution, which allows customers to place orders via text without application downloads and user acquisition.

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POS RETAIL,RESTAURANT POS

Raydiant's Partnership with Square Represents Exciting New Era for Restaurants and Retailers

Raydiant | August 12, 2022

Raydiant, the in-location experience platform for brick-and-mortar enterprises, today announced its partnership with Square, the globally trusted software, payments and hardware company. The collaboration sets the tone for the future of brick-and-mortar by empowering businesses to create next-level in-store experiences for both customers and employees. "Restaurant and retail merchants just endured potentially the most difficult two years of business they've ever had, They want simple, streamlined processes that keep sales up, employees happy, and customers loyal. For the first time ever, this simplification of a tedious back-end process allows retailers to shift their focus from operations to hospitality. They can return to nurturing the heart and soul of their businesses." -Bobby Marhamat, Raydiant's CEO. By integrating with Raydiant's Digital Menus app, Square merchants now have the ability to create, schedule, and automatically update digital signage that connects to their Square POS system. This will improve a business' efficiency by eliminating manual updates to menu items. Square merchants will also soon have access to Raydiant's Self-Service Kiosks outfitted with Square's POS system, automatically updating any changes to item availability and pricing. A recent survey showed nearly 60% of consumers preferred a self-service checkout option over a cashier-assisted one. This integration will create a seamless, streamlined ordering experience while reducing manual, time-consuming tasks for front-of-house staff. "As consumers return to brick-and-mortar stores, our priority is enabling sellers to provide a dynamic, seamless experience for their customers and staff, With this partnership, Square sellers will experience benefits for both front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Their customers will enjoy simple self-service checkouts with kiosks and will receive real-time updates from digital signage, while employees will have the unique opportunity to join in motivating contests and redeem points for rewards. This improved experience will build loyalty not only among their customers, but staff as well." -Vijay Vachani, Global Head of Partners and Developers at Square. Square merchants can also leverage Raydiant's Employee Experience Platform for connecting, motivating, and celebrating back-of-house employees. Data such as average physical sales by employee, sales by location, and top selling items are transformed from Square's POS system into motivating contests, games, and other healthy employee competition. For example, managers can track sales activity to determine who sold the most of a particular item. Employees can redeem earned points for various rewards — from electronics and gift cards to travel experiences — through Raydiant's recognition platform. Better employee experiences are critical, as Raydiant's recent State of Deskless Work report found that 52 percent of non-office workers plan to quit their jobs over the next year. Key features of Raydiant's Digital Menus app include: Real-time menu updates: Display and update prices, categories, items, modifiers, and availability instantly. For example, restaurants leveraging Square's POS system can schedule menu boards to automatically update based on specific offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Multi-location support and location-specific pricing: Merchants with multiple stores can seamlessly connect to any of their business locations from a single laptop. Display items reflect appropriate prices based on the selected location. Filtering: Allow customers to select items by category and choose whether to display or hide a product or service's details. About Raydiant: Raydiant is the leading in-location experience platform for the world's largest brands in restaurant, retail, hospitality, banking and more. With Raydiant, franchise managers, IT, marketing and communications executives can more effectively scale their brick-and-mortar operations, reduce anxiety from outdated technology oversight, and seamlessly create more engaging and personalized in-store experiences that keep customers coming back and buying more. Raydiant works with nearly 4,500 brands, from SMB to enterprise, including First Bank, Dickey's BBQ, Harvard University, The Salvation Army, Red Bull, Chick-Fil-A, Thomson Reuters, and Wahlburgers. Founded in April 2017, Raydiant is headquartered in San Francisco, California and has raised a total of $50 million from 8VC, Atomic Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Mark Wahlberg Investments, Bloomberg Beta, Gaingels, Illuminate Ventures, Transmedia Capital, and Ron Conway.

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POS RETAIL

Toshiba's Retail Division Opens Innovation & Incubation Hub in Frisco, Texas

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions | August 09, 2022

The retail industry is evolving, and retailers seek new and innovative ways to meet consumer demands across channels. Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions is establishing a strategic presence in Frisco, Texas, to attract high-tech talent and technology partners for developing new solutions and incubating future innovation. As a hub for the company’s initiatives to meet the growing demand to reimagine the store of the future, the expanded footprint will: Accelerate the company’s growth strategy through investments in cloud development, computer vision and retail IoT Increase the company’s commitment to technology partnerships to incubate new retail innovation Broaden capital investments, including a new team dedicated to mergers & acquisition "As a recognized leader in digital transformation in the retail industry, we are focused on providing scalable, customer-centric solutions that deliver optimized experiences to meet consumers when, where and how they shop, While many tech companies are cutting back, we are investing significantly and expanding to meet new demand created by our commerce platform recognized for accelerating digital transformation to deliver an exceptional retail experience." -Rance Poehler, president and CEO, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. Supporting its investment in digital retail transformation, Toshiba is recruiting people with cloud, microservices, and edge computing skills to drive innovation and development of its ELERA™ unified commerce platform, enabling the evolving technology needs of the world's largest retailers. The company is also expanding its collaboration with innovators who have best-in-class solutions that demonstrate unique value to retailers. "We are nurturing the incubation of ideas to innovate and advance our industry-recognized retail solutions like ELERA, Toshiba's open, modular platform for unified commerce. Its core value is its ability to help retailers become more agile and resilient in the face of change, Part of our strategy includes engaging emerging startups in the region to expand our ecosystem. Our investments in IoT, data analytics and computer vision enable retailers to provide a consistent, compelling experience for consumers, whether they shop in-store, at curbside, on their mobile device, or at home." -Mike Yeung, Executive Vice President and CTO, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. Toshiba will initially bring 50 new jobs to the area in 2022, with plans to triple that number over the next two years. "We are thrilled to welcome Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions to Frisco," said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. "Toshiba's research and development expansion brings new corporate innovation jobs that will provide great opportunities for Frisco residents and further expand our tech ecosystem. This is a big win for Frisco and adds another internationally recognized brand to our rapidly growing portfolio of top-tier companies." With 150 new jobs planned over the next two years, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions’ new innovation hub in Frisco is great news for North Texans looking to capitalize on exceptional tech opportunities offered in our state, said Governor Greg Abbott. “Texas is the top state for high-value business investments because companies like Toshiba are attracted to our unmatched business climate and highly-skilled, diverse workforce. I look forward to working alongside Toshiba as we further cement Texas’ position as a global leader in technology and as the top state for tech jobs growth in the nation. The company's Durham, North Carolina location continues to serve as the global headquarters driving these global investments and growth strategies. The greater Dallas area was a strategic choice for the company's expansion because it is a central hub enabling rapid connectivity to our other development centers in Raleigh/Durham, Guadalajara, Mexico, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and cities across Europe. The Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions office is in Hall Park – 3201 Dallas Parkway, Suite 600, Frisco, Texas 75034. The sixth-floor 14,341 square foot space features 15 offices, four conference rooms, 51 workstations, a break area, and a lounge. Additionally, employees will have access to Hall Park's amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness facility, cafe, lounge, walking trails, electric vehicle charging stations, and more. About Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions is a global market share leader in retail store technology and retail’s first choice for unified commerce solutions. Together with a global team of dedicated business partners, we advance the future of retail with innovative commerce solutions that enhance customer engagement, transform the in-store experience, and accelerate digital transformation.

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POS RETAIL

HungerRush Launches OrderAI Talk to Deliver an Engaging Phone Ordering Experience, While Flexibly Transforming Phone Ordering

HUNGER RUSH | August 16, 2022

HungerRush™, the leading cloud software provider for the restaurant industry, today announced the general availability and early pilot results of its OrderAI Talk product.OrderAI Talk allows restaurant consumers to place phone orders with an artificially intelligent phone bot. It supports increased restaurant efficiency and customer satisfaction through improved order accuracy, accurate and complete voice recognition, full-menu integration, no hold times and a fully integrated POS system with order confirmation and delivery and payment options. OrderAI Talk is the ideal solution for multi-unit restaurants with at least 10 locations, and a high phone order volume. Key benefits of OrderAI Talk include the following: Increased order accuracy: Complex menus can be easily integrated with OrderAI Talk so that phone-in customers can customize their orders just as they would if they were in store or talking to a live person. Ability to upsell every order: The intelligent AI system learns consumer behaviors to engage in smart upselling and smart targeted marketing with each call. Alleviate challenges from staffing issues: Whether it’s small staffs or overworked team members, OrderAI Talk decreases stress on staff by allowing them to forget the phone and focus on what matters most, making great food. Opt-in to Text Marketing & Ordering: Providing the ability to expand marketing reach and transform analog customers to digital. Automatically send OrderAI Talk customers a text marketing message one week later giving them the ability to quickly respond and place that order via text. 29% of customers who received OrderAI Text marketing placed at least one or more repeat orders. Improved customer experience: No more busy signals or hold music. Customers can place their orders quickly and seamlessly through the automated attendant from order placement through payment. Of customers that start an OrderAI Talk order, 92% result in completed orders. “We are continually working toward creating more streamlined services that benefit both the restaurant and customers, “By innovating and improving the existing technologies in place, we can free up more time for employees to focus their time on customer satisfaction and food quality.” Perry Turbes, CEO of HungerRush. About HungerRush HungerRush is a leading provider of integrated restaurant solutions that make it easier to delight guests, drive loyalty, and manage restaurants from anywhere. HungerRush 360 is our flagship all-in-one cloud POS system that integrates digital ordering, delivery, customer engagement, restaurant management, and payment processing features with flexible software designed to give operators of all sizes more insight into their customers, more control over their operations, and more power to profitably grow their business. HungerRush OrderAI Text is an innovative text-to-order AI solution, which allows customers to place orders via text without application downloads and user acquisition.

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POS RETAIL,RESTAURANT POS

Raydiant's Partnership with Square Represents Exciting New Era for Restaurants and Retailers

Raydiant | August 12, 2022

Raydiant, the in-location experience platform for brick-and-mortar enterprises, today announced its partnership with Square, the globally trusted software, payments and hardware company. The collaboration sets the tone for the future of brick-and-mortar by empowering businesses to create next-level in-store experiences for both customers and employees. "Restaurant and retail merchants just endured potentially the most difficult two years of business they've ever had, They want simple, streamlined processes that keep sales up, employees happy, and customers loyal. For the first time ever, this simplification of a tedious back-end process allows retailers to shift their focus from operations to hospitality. They can return to nurturing the heart and soul of their businesses." -Bobby Marhamat, Raydiant's CEO. By integrating with Raydiant's Digital Menus app, Square merchants now have the ability to create, schedule, and automatically update digital signage that connects to their Square POS system. This will improve a business' efficiency by eliminating manual updates to menu items. Square merchants will also soon have access to Raydiant's Self-Service Kiosks outfitted with Square's POS system, automatically updating any changes to item availability and pricing. A recent survey showed nearly 60% of consumers preferred a self-service checkout option over a cashier-assisted one. This integration will create a seamless, streamlined ordering experience while reducing manual, time-consuming tasks for front-of-house staff. "As consumers return to brick-and-mortar stores, our priority is enabling sellers to provide a dynamic, seamless experience for their customers and staff, With this partnership, Square sellers will experience benefits for both front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Their customers will enjoy simple self-service checkouts with kiosks and will receive real-time updates from digital signage, while employees will have the unique opportunity to join in motivating contests and redeem points for rewards. This improved experience will build loyalty not only among their customers, but staff as well." -Vijay Vachani, Global Head of Partners and Developers at Square. Square merchants can also leverage Raydiant's Employee Experience Platform for connecting, motivating, and celebrating back-of-house employees. Data such as average physical sales by employee, sales by location, and top selling items are transformed from Square's POS system into motivating contests, games, and other healthy employee competition. For example, managers can track sales activity to determine who sold the most of a particular item. Employees can redeem earned points for various rewards — from electronics and gift cards to travel experiences — through Raydiant's recognition platform. Better employee experiences are critical, as Raydiant's recent State of Deskless Work report found that 52 percent of non-office workers plan to quit their jobs over the next year. Key features of Raydiant's Digital Menus app include: Real-time menu updates: Display and update prices, categories, items, modifiers, and availability instantly. For example, restaurants leveraging Square's POS system can schedule menu boards to automatically update based on specific offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Multi-location support and location-specific pricing: Merchants with multiple stores can seamlessly connect to any of their business locations from a single laptop. Display items reflect appropriate prices based on the selected location. Filtering: Allow customers to select items by category and choose whether to display or hide a product or service's details. About Raydiant: Raydiant is the leading in-location experience platform for the world's largest brands in restaurant, retail, hospitality, banking and more. With Raydiant, franchise managers, IT, marketing and communications executives can more effectively scale their brick-and-mortar operations, reduce anxiety from outdated technology oversight, and seamlessly create more engaging and personalized in-store experiences that keep customers coming back and buying more. Raydiant works with nearly 4,500 brands, from SMB to enterprise, including First Bank, Dickey's BBQ, Harvard University, The Salvation Army, Red Bull, Chick-Fil-A, Thomson Reuters, and Wahlburgers. Founded in April 2017, Raydiant is headquartered in San Francisco, California and has raised a total of $50 million from 8VC, Atomic Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Mark Wahlberg Investments, Bloomberg Beta, Gaingels, Illuminate Ventures, Transmedia Capital, and Ron Conway.

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POS RETAIL

Toshiba's Retail Division Opens Innovation & Incubation Hub in Frisco, Texas

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions | August 09, 2022

The retail industry is evolving, and retailers seek new and innovative ways to meet consumer demands across channels. Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions is establishing a strategic presence in Frisco, Texas, to attract high-tech talent and technology partners for developing new solutions and incubating future innovation. As a hub for the company’s initiatives to meet the growing demand to reimagine the store of the future, the expanded footprint will: Accelerate the company’s growth strategy through investments in cloud development, computer vision and retail IoT Increase the company’s commitment to technology partnerships to incubate new retail innovation Broaden capital investments, including a new team dedicated to mergers & acquisition "As a recognized leader in digital transformation in the retail industry, we are focused on providing scalable, customer-centric solutions that deliver optimized experiences to meet consumers when, where and how they shop, While many tech companies are cutting back, we are investing significantly and expanding to meet new demand created by our commerce platform recognized for accelerating digital transformation to deliver an exceptional retail experience." -Rance Poehler, president and CEO, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. Supporting its investment in digital retail transformation, Toshiba is recruiting people with cloud, microservices, and edge computing skills to drive innovation and development of its ELERA™ unified commerce platform, enabling the evolving technology needs of the world's largest retailers. The company is also expanding its collaboration with innovators who have best-in-class solutions that demonstrate unique value to retailers. "We are nurturing the incubation of ideas to innovate and advance our industry-recognized retail solutions like ELERA, Toshiba's open, modular platform for unified commerce. Its core value is its ability to help retailers become more agile and resilient in the face of change, Part of our strategy includes engaging emerging startups in the region to expand our ecosystem. Our investments in IoT, data analytics and computer vision enable retailers to provide a consistent, compelling experience for consumers, whether they shop in-store, at curbside, on their mobile device, or at home." -Mike Yeung, Executive Vice President and CTO, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. Toshiba will initially bring 50 new jobs to the area in 2022, with plans to triple that number over the next two years. "We are thrilled to welcome Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions to Frisco," said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. "Toshiba's research and development expansion brings new corporate innovation jobs that will provide great opportunities for Frisco residents and further expand our tech ecosystem. This is a big win for Frisco and adds another internationally recognized brand to our rapidly growing portfolio of top-tier companies." With 150 new jobs planned over the next two years, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions’ new innovation hub in Frisco is great news for North Texans looking to capitalize on exceptional tech opportunities offered in our state, said Governor Greg Abbott. “Texas is the top state for high-value business investments because companies like Toshiba are attracted to our unmatched business climate and highly-skilled, diverse workforce. I look forward to working alongside Toshiba as we further cement Texas’ position as a global leader in technology and as the top state for tech jobs growth in the nation. The company's Durham, North Carolina location continues to serve as the global headquarters driving these global investments and growth strategies. The greater Dallas area was a strategic choice for the company's expansion because it is a central hub enabling rapid connectivity to our other development centers in Raleigh/Durham, Guadalajara, Mexico, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and cities across Europe. The Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions office is in Hall Park – 3201 Dallas Parkway, Suite 600, Frisco, Texas 75034. The sixth-floor 14,341 square foot space features 15 offices, four conference rooms, 51 workstations, a break area, and a lounge. Additionally, employees will have access to Hall Park's amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness facility, cafe, lounge, walking trails, electric vehicle charging stations, and more. About Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions is a global market share leader in retail store technology and retail’s first choice for unified commerce solutions. Together with a global team of dedicated business partners, we advance the future of retail with innovative commerce solutions that enhance customer engagement, transform the in-store experience, and accelerate digital transformation.

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