Retailers are all-in with the latest technology. They’re automating pricing, inventory management, checkout, and other tasks. And by definition, they’re also reducing the amount of workers on the floor. At the same time, store operations have become more complicated. Online fulfillment and pickup and delivery are now common aspects of retail. It’s all well and good. That is, until both small and large stores see a rise in theft, poor customer service, and lackluster brand…  MORE

The gaming industry has traveled light years since the days when Pacman and Donkey Kong dominated pop culture. And it’s all due to rapid-fire advancements in technology from one year to the next. 2024 has taken gaming even farther, completely altering how we perceive the possibilities of games. One big driver for gaming acceleration has been Virtual Reality (VR). In fact, VR has brought a fundamental shift in gameplay mechanics and design possibilities. In turn,…  MORE

Physical security and cybersecurity measures have traditionally been viewed as separate efforts. But integrating the two provides a host of benefits: enhanced threat detection, improved response efforts, decreased costs, and ultimately a stronger security presence. Connecting both physical and cybersecurity is critical due to the ever-increasing interconnected world, both in business specifically and society in general. Consider the how The Internet of Things (IoT) is meshing more each day with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)…  MORE

It’s not what you sell, but rather the data you use to sell it. That’s the winning sales philosophy for today’s retailers. Indeed, your actual product offering plays only a small role in modern day retail success. From grocery chains to clothing outlets, leaders understand that the higher the quality of data, the better the customer insight, market analysis, and potential for profits and growth. And the secret sauce is mastering how to engage consumers…  MORE

When it comes to gaining competitive advantage, retailers have never had a more difficult challenge. Loyalty is a thing of the past, as is automatic purchase based solely on brand reputation. Consumers now study product comparisons, watch video reviews, and scroll Twitter feeds to spot both the good and the bad. They demand no-questions-asked returns and free shipping. The tiniest negative perception will induce a click to the competitor’s site. And if that’s not enough…  MORE

If you lead an IT team — or manage someone who leads an IT team — their performance is always your top priority. Yet motivating employees to be more productive can easily cross the line into annoyance, resentment, and ultimately decreased morale. That’s not a good situation when your IT team is a crucial aspect of your competitive advantage. IT leaders must strike the right balance: Keep people excited to go farther while not stepping…  MORE

No technology leader can be blamed for feeling a bit overwhelmed with how to handle artificial intelligence (AI). On one hand, there’s the prevailing message that AI will not only fundamentally change business, it will completely transform how we live. On the other hand, CIOs and CTOs must not be blinded by any amount of potential hype. Those competing mindsets are causing many leaders to employ a pragmatic approach to AI deployment strategy. According to…  MORE

So you sell retail goods? The same can be said for your competitors. In the battle between you and everyone else in your category, your offerings are no longer the sole reason why someone chooses one retailer over another. The winning recipe can often be distilled to one element: the quality of the customer experience. Of course, the actual products themselves play a role in your success. Yet consumers, increasingly, can view specific product categories…  MORE