[{"_id":"project-settings","settings":{"translateMetaTags":true,"translateAriaLabels":true,"translateTitle":true,"showWidget":true,"isFeedbackEnabled":false,"fv":1,"customWidget":{"theme":"dark","font":"rgb(255, 255, 255)","header":"rgb(0, 0, 0)","background":"rgba(0, 0, 0,0.8)","position":"right","positionVertical":"bottom","border":"","borderRequired":false,"widgetCompact":true,"isWidgetPositionRelative":false},"widgetLanguages":[{"code":"es-LA","name":"Español (América Latina)"},{"code":"fr-CA","name":"Français (Canada)"}],"activeLanguages":{"fr-CA":"Français (Canada)","es-LA":"Español (América Latina)","de":"Deutsch","en":"English"},"enabledLanguages":["de","en","es-LA","fr-CA"],"debugInfo":false,"displayBranding":true,"displayBrandingName":true,"localizeImages":false,"localizeUrls":false,"localizeImagesLimit":false,"localizeUrlsLimit":true,"localizeAudio":false,"localizeAudioLimit":false,"localizeDates":false,"disabledPages":[],"regexPhrases":[],"allowComplexCssSelectors":false,"blockedClasses":false,"blockedIds":false,"phraseDetection":true,"customDomainSettings":[],"seoSetting":[],"translateSource":false,"overage":false,"detectPhraseFromAllLanguage":false,"googleAnalytics":false,"mixpanel":false,"heap":false,"disableDateLocalization":false,"ignoreCurrencyInTranslation":false,"blockedComplexSelectors":[]},"version":4248},{"_id":"en","source":"en","pluralFn":"return n != 1 ? 1 : 0;","pluralForm":2,"dictionary":{},"version":4248},{"_id":"outdated","outdated":{"#hours per week searching for product":1,"#hours per week on inventory-related tasks, and an average of":1,"#Staff members spend an average of":1,"#% of retailers say inaccurate inventory is their biggest challenge fulfilling online orders":1,"#Two fifths of retailers identify inventory as their biggest CX challenge. The same number say that real-time inventory visibility would improve CX":1,"#For retailers struggling with poor inventory visibility, this creates a huge drain on profits. According to a <a ljsid-1=\"\">study by SML</a>:":1,"#Amid ongoing labor shortages and the rise of programs like Buy Online Pick-up In Store (BOPIS), having precise inventory visibility is vital. Inaccurate or limited inventory views result in lost sales and staff wasting time searching for products.":1,"#, where we delve into innovative solutions that can address these challenges, streamline operations, and fortify your position in the competitive retail landscape!":1,"#Stay tuned for Part":1,"#Cumbersome processes create more work and hinder data-driven decisions. However, many of these challenges can be addressed with integrated software solutions.":1,"#Fortunately, technology can help alleviate these challenges.":1,"#Trish Sale, Lead of Product at iQmetrix, provides a valuable perspective on these challenges. <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>While some level of human error may be a reality that inventory managers have to deal with, our retailers tell us that when they don’t have good, user friendly tools in place these errors can become crippling to their business. They can’t afford to add more stock to stores to compensate for inaccuracies, and the result is that their customers lose faith in their local store to have what they are looking for.”":1,"#Poor inventory visibility is creating struggles for retailers.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Lack of clarity</strong> – lack of accurate inventory data makes it nearly impossible to identify trends and hampers businesses’ ability to make data-driven decisions.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Unnecessary labor costs</strong> created by the need for additional staff to complete time-consuming processes such as manual cycle counts, error correction, and searching for inventory":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Picking errors</strong> such as choosing the wrong SKU quantities, or simply mistaking one SKU for another":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Data entry errors</strong><em ljsid-1=\"\">,</em> which lead to inaccurate views of product availability":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Excess inventory on hand</strong>, which increases the numbers of write-offs and write-downs retailers have to make, cutting into margins":1,"#In the wider retail industry, only <a ljsid-1=\"\"><span ljsid-1-0=\"\">12</span>% of retailers</a> take physical inventory counts on a daily basis. However, the conversations we’ve had with telecom industry experts suggest that daily inventory counting is much more common in the telecom space. What’s makes this practice remarkable is not just the frequency, but the fact that many telecom retailers are still using cumbersome processes that cause human error. These errors in inventory counts then create a host of problems that create extra work and cut into profits, such as:":1,"#An added complication: cumbersome processes cause human error.":1,"#When you layer in the challenge of low device availability and high cost of inventory in the telecom industry, these challenges are compounded. Retailers can’t afford to overstock on devices that might not sell in a given market, but if you don’t have the device a customer wants, you know they will go down the street to your competitor.”":1,"#According to Trish Sale, Lead of Product at iQmetrix, the challenges of poor inventory visibility and management are often compounded for wireless retailers.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">21</span>% of retailers say it takes too long to locate missing inventory items":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">\"</span>We take a strategic approach similar to a Darwin philosophy that believes the most adaptive companies are the ones that survive and flourish,” says Scott McGillivray, Chief Strategy Officer at iQmetrix. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">\"</span>Our core belief is that strategy has to continuously evolve and is informed by the markets as well as the ideas that percolate up throughout the organization. It’s exciting to see these ideas and the dedication our entire team puts towards iQmetrix’s success being recognized as a B.C. finalist.”":1,"#https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/terms/maps-service-terms#3.-geocoding-api":1,"#We are PCI-DSS and SSAE<span ljsid-1=\"\">18</span> SOC <span ljsid-3=\"\">2</span> Taper <span ljsid-5=\"\">2</span> compliant and certified.":1,"#Manager, Marketing & Public Relations | iQmetrix":1,"#Regional finalists move on to the national platform where the final winners making up Canada’s Best Managed Companies are announced in March and are honored at a gala event to be held in April <span ljsid-1=\"\">2018</span>.":1,"#Established in <span ljsid-1=\"\">1993</span>, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is the country’s leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $<span ljsid-3=\"\">15</span> million. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the caliber of their management abilities and practices.":1,"#iQmetrix was announced as a regional finalist for the prestigious Canada's Best Managed Companies award.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Vancouver, November <span ljsid-0-1=\"\">27</span>, <span ljsid-0-3=\"\">2017</span> </strong>- Deloitte celebrated the best of B.C. at Canada’s Best Managed Companies Finalists event last week on Thursday, November <span ljsid-2=\"\">23</span> in Vancouver. At the event, iQmetrix was announced as a regional finalist for the prestigious award.":1,"#Canada's Best Managed Companies Selects iQmetrix as B.C. Regional…":1,"#iQmetrix is a privately-held software as a service (SaaS) company that leads the way for simplifying complicated industries and helping businesses deliver great experiences. We specialize in POS, retail management, endless aisle, drop ship, e-commerce, interactive menus, and integrated payment solutions to deliver a complete experience from start to finish of any transaction. You can find our offices in Canada and the U.S. Learn more about us at <a ljsid-1=\"\">www.iQmetrix.com</a>, <a ljsid-3=\"\">www.covasoftware.com</a>, and <a ljsid-5=\"\">www.ReadyToPay.com</a>.":1,"#Rewards":1,"#For the first transaction, B = <span ljsid-1=\"\">5</span>":1,"#So, why should you be using EMV payment terminals?":1,"#The codebook that you hand the associate for this kind of encryption will be pretty big because dynamic encryption means the data is constantly changing.":1,"#The associate can decipher the data and process the transaction but a stranger glancing at the sheet isn’t going to get any useful information from it without having access to the codebook. Only if someone were able to make even a copy of the codebook, they would be able to make a new purchase with it because the associate wouldn’t know it was a duplicate codebook.":1,"#EMV Chip transactions have several dynamic data elements. This means that not only does the overall information change, but also that different parts of the information change differently too.":1,"#Read the Encryption and Compliance Blog":1,"#I’m Chip capable!” in every transaction – even swipe. This provides merchants fraud protection even if the card only supports swipe because a higher level of encryption is supported by the terminal processing the transaction.":1,"#Adding to the puzzle that is encryption, the type of technology used during the transaction is also considered for chargeback situations. EMV Chip terminals send an indicator that says":1,"#Does Dynamic Encryption protect the merchant from stolen cards being used? Yes":1,"#But what happens if someone gets makes a copy of the sheet? With this encryption, the copy is useless because the data changes after every transaction. Trying to make a purchase using the data from the first transaction will never work.":1,"#Dynamic Encryption":1,"#Data Encryption: Why should I want EMV chip terminals?":1,"#Encrypting payment data is important, but did you know that your level of encryption also matters? Know what your business needs to protect your…":1,"#The associate can decipher the data and process the transaction, but a stranger glancing at the sheet isn’t going to get any useful information from it.":1,"#Does Static Encryption protect the merchant from stolen cards being used? No":1,"#After that, A = A + <span ljsid-1=\"\">1</span>":1,"#Want to learn more about encryption and compliance? Check out our blog on how end-to-end encryption can simplify the compliance process.":1,"#D%AH@AACD*HH — a big string of letters and characters.":1,"#An Unencrypted Reader exposes both the cardholder and the merchant to credit card fraud.":1,"#DPSD…and so on.":1,"#Do Unencrypted Transactions protect the cardholder from having their data stolen? No":1,"#You pass the associate two pieces of information. The (giant!) book, and the paper with your card data on it. For the first transaction, that paper might look like:":1,"#Does Static Encryption protect the cardholder from having their data stolen? Yes":1,"#Swipe transactions in an encrypted reader protect cardholders from having their data stolen, and an EMV Chip Card reader protects both the merchant and the cardholder.":1,"#Old Magnetic-Stripe Readers (commonly referred to as MSR readers or wedges) are unencrypted. If the card data is intercepted, it can be replayed over and over again for new purchases.":1,"#Instead of <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>A = <span ljsid-5=\"\">1</span>” it looks something like:":1,"#You pass the sales associate two pieces of information. One is the codebook and one is your card number, but it looks like:":1,"#You don’t want your data captured so easily, so you make a code that says:":1,"#The magstripe on your credit or debit card uses Static Encryption. When used in an EMV-capable payment terminal, it is very difficult to obtain the card data because of the encryption. However, if someone managed to copy the card data, the payment terminal wouldn’t know the difference between the original and the recording.":1,"#A = <span ljsid-1=\"\">1</span>, B = <span ljsid-3=\"\">2</span>, % = <span ljsid-5=\"\">3</span>, @=<span ljsid-7=\"\">4</span>and so on.":1,"#If you were using…":1,"#Dynamic Encryption (Chip card reader)":1,"#Static Encryption (Swipe reader on an EMV terminal)":1,"#You write your full credit card number, expiry date, and name onto a piece of paper and hand it to the sales associate who enters the data into the system.":1,"#Unencrypted (MSR swipe/wedge devices)":1,"#Static Encryption Technology":1,"#As technology improves for payment terminals, so does its ability to protect your store, employees, and customers. Understanding the level of encryption that takes place within each kind of device will help you understand the value it can provide to everyone involved in the sale. The primary encryption types for these technologies are:":1,"#If anyone sees that paper, they have all of your card information and could use it over and over again for new sales.":1,"#The payments ecosystem in retail is constantly evolving, and it can be hard to understand the difference between available technologies — why does it matter what device I swipe a card in? Why should I care about chip versus swipe? Updating hardware is expensive, so do I really need to make a switch?":1,"#Does Dynamic Encryption protect the cardholder from having their data stolen? Yes":1,"#After that, B = B + <span ljsid-1=\"\">5</span>":1,"#For the first transaction, A = <span ljsid-1=\"\">1</span>":1,"#To understand the value in each of these devices, imagine that all of your payment processing systems went down and everyone resorted to pen and paper to provide their credit card info.":1,"#Do Unencrypted Transactions protect the merchant from stolen cards being used? No":1,"#Unencrypted Technology":1,"#O’Reilly agreed that the convergence of holographic tech such as ARHT’s with deep machine-learning <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>brains” that other companies are creating could result in the ultimate hologram customer service agent.":1,"#Conor O’Reilly, West Coast Sales Representative at ARHT Media, told iQmetrix, <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>The great thing is that you can beam these live broadcasts to multiple locations at once, and continue to broadcast it over and again as it will have been recorded.”":1,"#Michael Jung, Global Business Development Lead at Deepbrain AI, told iQmetrix, <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>You can replicate your virtual human on your company’s CEO, a celebrity, your company’s brand ambassador, or simply an have anonymous agent if you prefer.”":1,"#% uptime across our entire platform.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Threats</strong> that eSIM adoption might pose to the retailer, or threats to eSIM adoption itself.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Opportunities</strong> for the retailer’s future business created by eSIM":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Weaknesses</strong> that put the retailer at risk when it comes to implementing or selling eSIM":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Strengths</strong> of eSIM technology that the retailer can leverage to its advantage":1,"#We offer hybrid working for those near an office city, fully remote options for others, and flexible hours so you never miss your kid’s soccer game. We have incredible paid time off perks, including trusted vacation days and trusted sick days, operated on a <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">\"</span>take what you need” basis.":1,"#iQmetrix's CRM software solution helps wireless retailers manage customer data and reporting, provide personalized service, and build customer loyalty…":1,"#Keep CRM Solutions Connected for an Elevated Experience":1,"#Streamline your data management with iQmetrix’s Customer Relationship Management software. Seamlessly collect, analyze, merge, and integrate information. Enhance customer expectations and personalize interactions with ease. Build unbeatable loyalty with a powerful CRM solution.":1,"#Used advanced Customer Relationship Management software to elevate your service and keep customers returning. Incentivize repeat shoppers with customized loyalty programs that offer diverse rewards, complement outstanding service, and reward customer loyalty.":1,"#iQmetrix | Data Encryption: Why should I want EMV chip terminals?":1,"#With our POS and retail management solutions found in over <span ljsid-1=\"\">19</span>,<span ljsid-3=\"\">000</span> stores, iQmetrix is the largest retail software provider for the North American wireless industry. Beyond our POS, we offer powerful business intelligence, endless aisle, drop ship, e-commerce, and payment solutions, as well as an integrated network of over <span ljsid-5=\"\">35</span> partners – enabling us to be the single solution to multiple retail challenges. For nearly <span ljsid-7=\"\">20</span> years, we’ve proven our ability to be the #<span ljsid-9=\"\">1</span> company for supporting wireless retail growth; helping carriers, dealers, and repair providers invest in software that reduces costly inefficiencies, increases profitability, and speeds up transaction times to create great customer experiences. Learn more at <a ljsid-11=\"\">www.iQmetrix.com</a>.":1,"#The potential applications are almost limitless, with some other possible use cases being news anchors, virtual influencers, and much more. The company even offers a way to memorialize lost loved ones, recreating family members in every aspect — from their face to their physique to their voice — so that you can continue to talk to a version of that person.":1,"#Several booths at CES were showcasing their AI bot technology, including Deepbrain AI. This Silicon Valley company has AI technology that creates <span ljsid-1=\"\">2</span>D virtual humans by replicating real people, as well as hyper-realistic <span ljsid-3=\"\">3</span>D avatars, and equipping them with the ability to answer a massive range of customer questions and deal with complaints. These virtual humans can be interacted with on your retail website or displayed on a monitor or potentially via a full-human-sized touchscreen at your retail locations.":1,"#Instead, expect AI-powered, ultra-realistic humanoid chatbots both online and in-store to help customers with their every need. And some of these could even come in full-sized holographic form in retail locations.":1,"#For example, if Mint Mobile were to open a brick-and-mortar retail store, they could have a life-sized hologram of Ryan Reynolds welcoming customers at the door of every retail location. Or at a wireless retail location or OEM store, the latest smartphone release could be displayed in color-changing, rotating form.":1,"#AHRT Media, for example, has a full-sized holographic displays of live (or recorded) real people to interact with. These people need to be live on camera or pre-recorded at an ARHT studio, so it doesn’t work for daily one-on-one customer-agent interactions. Instead, the primary use cases in retail are to make promotional announcements, have celebrities showcasing new products, offer product demonstrations, or simply cut out the people element and display the latest products in pre-recorded holographic form.":1,"#These technologies would be even more effective when combined with hologram displays, of which there were also several examples on the CES show floor.":1,"#iQmetrix | CES 2023 Trends: Holograms, AI Bots are the Future of…":1,"#The days of hanging on hold for a customer service agent, or waiting to ask a question of an associate in a cellphone store, will soon be over — if the technology on display at CES <span ljsid-1=\"\">2023</span> in Las Vegas has anything to do with it.":1,"#AI-powered, ultra-realistic humanoid chatbots should be online and in-store to help customers with their every need, and some will even come in full-sized…":1,"#Given what was on display at CES this year, it doesn’t look like that day is too far away.":1,"#Aboulhosn said, <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>So far, eSIM hasn’t created the increased subscriber churn for carriers they were afraid of, because it’s still too inconvenient to switch carriers, even with eSIM. You still have to get a brand-new plan, have credit checks, share customer information, move everything over, all the things that are challenging to set up in the first instance. Most people would rather stick with their carrier and negotiate a new rate plan or discount.”":1,"#Since the <span ljsid-1=\"\">2022</span> iPhone launch, carriers around the world have started to follow US carrier’s lead or be left behind, given that the device manufacturers are determined to push the eSIM agenda. Fortunately for the carriers, the fears they had over eSIM haven’t come to pass.":1,"#Aboulhosn told iQmetrix, <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>We are inevitably moving towards eSIM because both Apple and Google are obsessed with the customer experience, and they want to ensure any transfer between devices is seamless. The OEMs also want the hardware real estate that is freed up by not having a traditional SIM card taking up space.”":1,"#eSIM has been around for over a decade, as Apple first trialed the technology in <span ljsid-1=\"\">2014</span>, but carriers have been reluctant to adopt it until recently. This was largely due to fears over increased subscriber churn rates in a sector with already-high attrition rates, if it was as easy to switch carriers via eSIM as expected. In fact, despite more widespread adoption in Europe and Asia, in the U.S., AT&amp;T, Verizon, T-Mobile and nearly all network operators support eSIM as of the iPhone <span ljsid-3=\"\">14</span> eSIM-only device launch in September <span ljsid-5=\"\">2022</span>.":1,"#SummitX 2024: The eSIM Impact on Telecom Retailers and Carriers—a…":1,"#At SummitX, eSIM expert Emir Aboulhosn, CEO of NetLync, shared the opportunity and challenges of eSIM facing both wireless retailers and telecom carriers.…":1,"#Where are we now with eSIM adoption?":1,"#Never miss news and insights on cutting-edge wireless retail trends. Sign up for The Overview monthly newsletter today.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>Carriers need to accelerate their digital transformation to keep up with this changing technology,” Aboulhosn said. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>They also need to adopt a consumer-first mindset, rather than be concerned about risk factors. Those who give their customers the best experience will win here.”":1,"#Advice for the telecom carrier":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Regulatory changes:</strong> Again, eSIM adoption could be affected by government policy, which is an unknown risk factor at this time.":1,"#Here we summarize both the live presentation and iQmetrix’s post-event interview with Aboulhosn, placing the eSIM impact into a SWOT analysis from the perspective of both wireless retailers and carriers.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Rising competition from digital-only providers:</strong> Carriers do face increased competition from savvy MVNOs such as Mint Mobile, who are capturing market share and don’t have a physical retail presence. The adoption of eSIM and the cost savings involved only aids smaller players in gaining easy footholds in the market, and traditional carriers will have to adapt and innovate to stay competitive.":1,"#The main threat that most carriers have been concerned about, as mentioned in the introduction above, is the risk of increased churn — and so far that hasn’t come to pass. Instead, the key threats are:":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Enhanced data insights for personalization:</strong> eSIM’s digital purchasing pathways offer additional opportunities for capturing customer data, allowing the carriers to tailor marketing and promotions in a personalized way.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Expansion into new markets with digital-only services:</strong> Carriers can jump on the digital-only opportunities, and capitalize on the segment that the retailers stand to lose as some consumers choose a purely online purchase and activation experience. For those customers, carriers can offer a <span ljsid-2=\"\">100</span>% digital path with ship-to-home delivery of the device and DIY online activation.":1,"#Dependency on device compatibility: Carriers also have to rely on device brands to gradually upgrade their new models to eSIM technology. However, with Apple and Google (Android) pushing hard for eSIM, this should be an easy barrier to overcome.":1,"#Customer education required: With eSIM awareness still relatively low, it will be a few years before adoption is widespread, and it will be incumbent on both carriers and device brands to educate consumers on its benefits.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Need for system upgrades:</strong> Like with any new technology, there can be initial technological teething problems. Carriers must adapt their systems and infrastructure to support eSIM technology, if they haven’t already done so.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Cost efficiency/better use of device real estate (no physical SIMs):</strong> Since the eSIM takes up much less space than physical SIM cards, devices can be improved in other ways, with batteries offering longer life, for example. This is an advantage to carriers who can offer superior devices, as well as retailers.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Improved customer convenience and onboarding:</strong> With the eSIM activation and data transfer process no longer taking up time in the store, it gives the customer a better experience, as mentioned above. But it also gives the customer less time to both consider changing their carrier, or to consider changing their device to a rival option. This is an advantage for both telecom carriers and the OEMs. Faster service equates to happy customers, who are thus <em ljsid-2=\"\">less</em> likely to churn, not more likely, Aboulhosn explained. <span ljsid-4=\"\"></span><span ljsid-6=\"\">“</span>If the customer has a seamless experience, they’re not thinking about changing their wireless carrier.”":1,"#An eSIM SWOT analysis: the carrier perspective":1,"#Aboulhosn shared a brief history of eSIM and a primer on the technology, and then offered a deep dive on the opportunities and challenges of eSIM that face wireless retailers and telecom carriers today.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>It’s up to the retailer how they adapt to eSIM technology,” Aboulhosn said. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>Are you going to tell yourself it’s a threat, or that it’s an opportunity? Those who see it as an opportunity will adapt in ways they need to, find ways to innovate, and capitalize on it. Those who only see it as a threat will be left behind.”":1,"#Advice for the wireless retailer":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Potential regulation changes:</strong> Like any technology, eSIM is subject to regulation, and local regulatory changes affect its use. Policies that support the use of eSIM technology will encourage more carriers and businesses to invest in this technology, but some local regulators could also go the other way.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Potential reduced store traffic:</strong> The biggest threat eSIM poses to the wireless retailer — and the one keeping retailers up at night — is that the customer could simply order their phone and activate it <span ljsid-2=\"\">100</span>% online, bypassing the store entirely. Some might choose to never set foot in their local wireless store again. <span ljsid-4=\"\"></span><span ljsid-6=\"\">“</span>When retailers look at eSIM at first glance, it seems like it could be a threat — that customers will go entirely digital,” Aboulhosn said. <span ljsid-8=\"\"></span><span ljsid-10=\"\">“</span>But it’s not always easy to get a phone sent through the mail without a signature, and that doesn’t work for people who aren’t always home. So your retail strategy needs to cover all the bases, and that’s where this turns into an opportunity (see above).”":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Cost savings:</strong> With potentially more focus on digital and hybrid retail strategies, along with reduced processing times in-store, there is a strong potential for cost savings when it comes to workforce management. When each customer’s journey doesn’t take an hour or more, wait times are decreased and staffing can be reduced or optimized.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Personalized in-store experiences:</strong> The improved process and wait times will hugely help with customer personalization and increased loyalty, Aboulhosn said. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>We can reinforce those relationships, making it a more qualitative versus a quantitative experience.”":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">New digital customer segments and retail approaches</strong>: eSIM offers retailers a way to get in front of different customers with fresh retail strategies, Aboulhosn asserted. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>What if I was a local retailer, and instead of the customer coming in to browse devices, they make an online order that I can fulfill and activate in-store in a few minutes? Or, I could even offer a service to deliver to their nearby home or office, and activate the phone for them on the spot. All of a sudden, I’ve taken my footprint outside of the store and the customer is wowed by an incredible experience. That’s how you build customer loyalty. And people will pay for that convenience.”":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Need for store associate training and education</strong>: <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>Store associates shouldn’t need a lot of training, as these are simple processes,” Aboulhosn said, <span ljsid-6=\"\"></span><span ljsid-8=\"\">“</span>but it can be surprising how many staff aren’t aware of the newer technologies.”":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Lack of customer awareness:</strong> Partly due to carriers’ reticence and those long buying cycles, awareness of eSIM is still relatively low. Many customers today have a phone with a SIM card, and will only buy a temporary eSIM when travelling abroad, to avoid roaming charges for data. iPhone <span ljsid-2=\"\">14</span> and newer users the US are using eSIM in daily cellphone use. However, Aboulhosn is confident this will change and eSIM-only phones will become the norm in the next few years.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Device upgrades needed:</strong> For customers to use eSIM, aside from iPhone users since iPhone XS who already have an eSIM enabled phone, most will have to upgrade to newer Android devices . The device upgrade cycle currently averages nearly three years, so it could take a bit more time for adoption to be widespread.":1,"#One of the best-received breakout sessions at SummitX <span ljsid-1=\"\">2024</span> was that of eSIM expert Emir Aboulhosn, CEO of NetLync, whose presentation was <span ljsid-3=\"\"></span><span ljsid-5=\"\">“</span>Revolutionizing Consumer Experiences in Retail with eSIM.”":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Sustainability:</strong> Many retailers have goals to make an impact in terms of improving sustainability, and eSIM is an eco-friendly product that helps them towards those initiatives.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Flexible service option:</strong> Wireless retailers are highly accustomed to offering a wide range of products, rate plans, and technologies. eSIM-only and eSIM-enabled devices should be easy options for the retailer to add to its arsenal of product offerings and give consumers a wider choice. Added to that, the faster in-store service opens up time for the sales associate to engage with the customer, educate them on the benefits of eSIM, and potentially upsell with add-on services and accessories. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>All of which is easier to do because the sales rep isn’t faced with a wall due to customer frustration,” Aboulhosn added.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Improved customer experience:</strong> Wireless retailers are already (or should be) focused on elevating and streamlining the customer experience, and eSIM is one more way that retailers can build this muscle. Aboulhosn said, <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>The established model is to go to the store, stand in line, upgrade the device, maybe change rate plan, get the phone activated, and so on. It’s a several-hour process. With eSIM, the entire process is much faster.”":1,"#The SWOT analysis examines:":1,"#An eSIM SWOT analysis: the wireless retailer perspective":1,"#This has meant that carriers and retailers alike have recently become much more open to the <strong ljsid-1=\"\">opportunities</strong> that eSIM offers and the <strong ljsid-3=\"\">strengths</strong> the technology carries that they can leverage, while also adapting to <strong ljsid-5=\"\">weaknesses</strong> and <strong ljsid-7=\"\">threats </strong>as they arise.":1,"#Easily incorporate carrier data into retailer systems to simplify the selling process. We support both turnkey and custom integrations, allowing seamless connectivity to external CRM systems.":1,"#Better serve customer needs by using comprehensive reports to analyze preferences, history, and trends.":1,"#Stay on your customers’ radar with affordable targeted marketing. Use email, direct mail, and phone strategies with data-driven reporting and keep customers informed with impactful campaigns that effectively convey the value of your offering.":1,"#Deliver personalized experiences with centralized customer data":1,"#Retail Management CRM Software for Telecom Retail":1,"#iQmetrix CRM Campaign":1,"#Be the customer’s first choice with cost-effective, targeted marketing. Stay connected and effortlessly follow up using actionable lists.":1,"#Build customer loyalty with reward programs":1,"#Build strong customer relationships through effective data management. Centralized storage of customer profiles empowers personalized experiences with great service across all brand touchpoints.":1,"#Are you ready for a complete view of your customers?":1,"#A Complete View of Your Telecom Customers":1,"#Know your customer in one click. View records on activations, repairs, emails received, invoices upsell opportunities, refunds, and more.":1,"#RMS CRM Software for Personalized Wireless Retail":1,"#Integrations to maximize customers":1,"#Customer Reporting":1,"#We work with best-in-class partners to develop custom integrations that fit your business needs. Whether out-of-the-box or a custom integrations, our solutions are here to ensure accurate information across all stores through seamless communication between authorized retailers and carriers.":1,"#API Integrations":1,"#Set up company and customer profiles, view and track company accounts, and link customers to companies — all in one view.":1,"#An affinity program gives customers points or serialized coupons for their loyal business and, in return, you provide tiered rewards.":1,"#Engaging campaigns put your brand at the forefront":1,"#Our marketing partners have all you need to take your business to the next level by implementing strategies that enhance your offerings.":1,"#iQmetrix | RMS CRM Software for Personalized Wireless Retail":1,"#Set up customer-specific preferences including accounts receivable, contract type, and whether they accept checks.":1,"#iQmetrix | Solutions 2 GO Partners with iQmetrix to Offer Accessories…":1,"#We are PCI-DSS and SSAE<span ljsid-1=\"\">18</span> SOC <span ljsid-3=\"\">2</span> Typ <span ljsid-5=\"\">2</span> compliant and certified.":1,"#iQmetrix | Canada's Best Managed Companies Selects iQmetrix as B.C.…":1,"#Data Encryption: Why Should I Want EMV Chip Terminals?":1,"#in":1,"#iQmetrix recognized with the Deloitte Technology Fast <span ljsid-1=\"\">50</span>™ Leadership Award":1,"#CES 2023 Trends: Holograms, AI Bots are the Future of Customer Service":1,"#Payroll-ready reporting":1,"#Monitor sales with comprehensive reporting that offers actionable data to boost performance and sustain high engagement.":1,"#Detailed performance insights":1,"#Design flexible commission models that adapt to various employee types and product lines, ensuring fair and motivating rewards for every sale.":1,"#Customizable payout structures":1,"#Efficiently create, manage, and group employee profiles to assign tailored incentive programs and simplify payout processes.":1,"#Our commission and incentive solution keeps employees motivated with real-time sales performance tracking.":1,"#Streamlined employee management":1,"#Want to motivate and boost performance of your wireless retail employees?":1,"#Assign specific permissions and security roles to ensure that sensitive data is accessible only to authorized personnel.":1,"#Secure Access and Role Management":1,"#Our commission and incentive solution keeps employees motivated with real-time sales performance tracking. Easily manage employee profiles, group them for customized payouts, and tailor reward structures to fit your unique business model — all while driving engagement with detailed performance insights.":1,"#Generate detailed reports that offer actionable insights into sales performance and commission accrual, helping you make data-driven decisions.":1,"#Monitor every sale as it happens, providing immediate performance updates to keep teams focused and motivated.":1,"#Real-Time Sales Tracking":1,"#Configure commission and incentive models to match your unique business structure, whether it’s based on employee type, product category, or sales volume.":1,"#Customize Commissions Settings":1,"#Easily create and manage individual employee profiles, and organize them into groups to tailor commission plans based on roles or regions.":1,"#Motivated Employees Build Better Relationships":1,"#Seamlessly generate payroll from performance reports, making it easier to calculate and distribute earnings based on real-time sales data.":1,"#Empower Your Sales Team, Elevate Your Success":1,"#Retail Employee Commission and Incentive Software":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Sicherheit</strong> – to detect and prevent fraud and abuse and to provision technical notices, security alerts and support and administrative messages.":1,"#We offer hybrid working for those near an office city, fully remote options for others, and flexible hours so you never miss your kid’s soccer game. We have incredible paid time off perks, including trusted vacation days and trusted sick days, operated on a <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">„</span>take what you need” basis.":1,"#This new IoT interoperability standard has been in the pipeline for several years and was developed from an existing connectivity protocol. The effort began almost three years ago when CSA, formerly the Zigbee Alliance, launched <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>Project Connected Home over IP” (informally known as Project CHIP, or simply CHIP). Zigbee is an existing IoT protocol for smart home devices, which already has millions of certified products, although it does not offer the same level of seamless connectivity and control promised by the new Matter standard. The rebranded CSA built on the <a ljsid-5=\"\">Zigbee</a> standard and formally launched the new Matter protocol at the end of <span ljsid-7=\"\">2022</span>. CSA member companies are now working hard to certify their products as Matter compliant, if they are not already.":1,"#One of the first companies to publicly announce its support, even before Matter was officially launched, was Google. In <a ljsid-1=\"\">an announcement</a> way back in spring <span ljsid-3=\"\">2021</span>, Google said, <span ljsid-5=\"\"></span><span ljsid-7=\"\">“</span>Android will be one of the leading operating systems with built-in support for Matter, letting you quickly set up [any Matter-compliant] devices with Google and link your favorite Android apps.” Other big-name brands quickly signed up for the collaboration, and many were already involved as existing members of the <span ljsid-9=\"\">2002</span>-formed Zigbee Alliance.":1,"#The CSA has anticipated such concerns, and released a <a ljsid-1=\"\">whitepaper outlining Matter’s security standards</a>. This detailed a series of security protocols that the CSA implemented to prevent data leakage and ensure strong levels of cybersecurity. The report said, <span ljsid-3=\"\"></span><span ljsid-5=\"\">“</span>Great care has been taken in the design of Matter to minimize the amount of information that needs to be shared between nodes, thereby minimizing the potential for inadvertent leakage of information.”":1,"#Smart Lists™ and Chat Starters":1,"#Help your team succeed by making outreach fast and easy":1,"#Fully integrated with RQ and trusted by thousands of customer-facing teams, Statflo identifies sales opportunities within your existing customer base and empowers front-line staff with highly targeted and personalized conversations over text messaging. Monitor team performance and accurately attribute sales results to customer conversations through a fully compliant and auditable platform.":1,"#With in-app reporting, reps and managers can track activity in real time. Reps can view dashboards to quickly see Smart List™ completion, customers waiting for a response and customers who need a follow up or reminder.":1,"#Made for Telco, retailers who use Statflo see substantially higher results compared to other channels.":1,"#Real-time Reporting":1,"#Expanded Assortment available anywhere!":1,"#Using Smart Filtering and unmatched enterprise-grade security and privacy with SOC <span ljsid-1=\"\">2</span> Type II + PIPEDA certified by BDO and built-in enforcement of TCPA, CASL, CAN-SPAM and DNC, Statflo helps retailers adhere to regulatory, legal, security and brand compliance when messaging customers.":1,"#Why Premier Associates Love Doing Outreach":1,"#Reps can effortlessly text hundreds of customers within an hour using pre-templated Chat Starters™ to kickstart every conversation in the right direction.":1,"#About Statflo":1,"#With Statflo, our associates are more present and engaged. It’s a really valuable way to <strong ljsid-1=\"\">build stronger relationships</strong>, and churn is down because we are talking more often to clients. It was what I was looking to use for a long time.":1,"#Fully compliant":1,"#Improve your overall customer experience and retention":1,"#Managers can monitor team activity, including texts, responses, meetings and more for a successful customer lifecycle contact strategy.":1,"#Target and reach your customers better":1,"#Product always in Stock":1,"#iQmetrix | AXS by Axessorize":1,"#The dropship program offers endless aisle solutions which virtually offers the entire AXS catalog to your customers.":1,"#Impressive Results":1,"#Receive end-to-end support with Statflo’s Customer Success team focused on your results":1,"#Statflo retail customers successfully convert idle time to productive time, reduce churn, maximize sales, and enhance customer experience through personalized conversations.":1,"#Statflo is the leading compliant business texting platform for Telecommunications. Frontline teams engage, retain, and grow their customer base through authentic two-way conversations over text on Statflo.":1,"#We saw <strong ljsid-1=\"\"><span ljsid-1-0=\"\">8</span>x ROI in our first month</strong> since rolling out to all <span ljsid-3=\"\">50</span> stores. Statflo’s been an amazing partner to work with from setup, through onsite training at launch, and now with their continued support and training.":1,"#Achieve <span ljsid-1=\"\">20</span>-<span ljsid-3=\"\">40</span>% response rates, up to <span ljsid-5=\"\">10</span>% conversion rates and less than <span ljsid-7=\"\">0</span>.<span ljsid-9=\"\">2</span>% Opt-outs with conversational, two-way texting.":1,"#Drives incremental sales & attachment":1,"#How telecommunications can improve customer outreach across retail quarters":1,"#Amplify your conversion rates with business texting":1,"#Statflo’s Customer Success team is <strong ljsid-1=\"\">amazing</strong>. They are responsive, helpful and willing to incorporate our feedback to help make the platform even better.":1,"#With RQ integration, Statflo’s Smart Lists™ target account holders eligible for device upgrades, plan renewals, add-ons, and promos.":1,"#AXS is a Canadian brand established in <span ljsid-1=\"\">2014</span>. The company was founded with a focus on filling the gap in the mobile accessories market. The brand has grown exponentially since its inception and now carries a full range of cases, screen protection and power. Our products can now be found in thousands of retail stores across North America.":1,"#D<span ljsid-1=\"\">2</span> Wireless":1,"#Transform your messy data into actions":1,"#Using RQ integration, team activities and sales are automatically tracked as they happen. Reps can see which conversations drive sales, repeat business and customer satisfaction. Managers can see real customer conversations and work with Statlfo Customer Success Managers to coach on best practices.":1,"#Automated attribution":1,"#Drive more sales with personalized conversations":1,"#by":1,"#CES <span ljsid-1=\"\">2023</span> Trends: Holograms, AI Bots are the Future of Customer Service":1,"#Inventory Visibility in Telecom Retail, Part 1: Pain Points":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">3</span>. Microsoft Edge WebView<span ljsid-2=\"\">2</span> Runtime is required to run RQ <span ljsid-4=\"\">6</span>.<span ljsid-6=\"\">73</span> and newer. In most cases, this is automatically installed Windows <span ljsid-8=\"\">10</span>+ workstations by Windows Update, but can be manually downloaded <a ljsid-10=\"\">here</a>.":1,"#iQmetrix | Samsung Care+ USA":1,"#Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?":1,"#It all sounds very slick, and there are many benefits to retailers and shoppers alike. For instance, eliminating friction at checkout Amazon Go stores earn <a ljsid-1=\"\"><span ljsid-1-0=\"\">50</span>% more revenue</a> than an average convenience store, and according to their estimates, the average Go store makes an estimated $<span ljsid-3=\"\">1</span>.<span ljsid-5=\"\">5</span> million a year.":1,"#After selecting items the customer wants to purchase, the last thing they want to do is wait in line. They just want to leave.":1,"#In this post, I’m going to take a look at how one technological advancement is making waves.":1,"#Furthermore, staff can be present to help sell product or answer questions about the products, meaning the retailer is investing in the associates who help to help further enhance the shopping experience.":1,"#Cashierless Technology: More Pros Than Cons":1,"#Smart Carts at Sobeys Canada":1,"#Read the Whitepaper The Next-Gen Store of the Future":1},"version":4248}]