Zebra Technologies Expands Mobile POS Offerings at NRF Convention

Zebra Technologies Corporation announced its plans to introduce new mobile point of sale (POS) offerings in 2013. To be showcased at the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 102nd Annual Convention and Expo (booth 937), these solutions address a new wave of technology adoption, as retailers with physical locations look for ways to provide a differentiated customer experience and build brand loyalty.

“The data show that 7% of North American retailers currently use mobile POS, and another 48% have plans to do so in the next 24 months,” said Lee Holman, lead analyst for the IHL Group. “This adoption rate far exceeds that of any of the traditional POS technologies over that timeframe.”

Zebra has assembled a portfolio of products and partners to help retail customers of all sizes seize the opportunity and become more flexible and efficient in their operations. To bolster its mobile POS capabilities:

Zebra recently completed the acquisition of StepOne Systems, a mobility software company that empowers store associates by giving them access to product details and inventory data to better support customers. Through StepOne’s retail application platform, Zebra can enable its partners and customers with the technologies they need to realize a fully integrated in-store solution for mobile payment, mobile checkout, customer engagement and store operations.

Zebra formed a strategic partnership with Hybrid Paytech, a key enabler of mobile payment technology that is PCI-compliant for EMV credit and PIN debit transactions. Zebra has also created a business relationship with Infinite Peripherals, Inc. to make Zebra’s Bluetooth-enabled printers interoperable with the Apple iOS platform.

Finally, Zebra has established a business relationship with VisibleBrands to offer stores impression-based digital coupons at the shelf. Using Zebra’s real-time locating system based on ultra wideband (UWB) technology, VisibleBrands Moment of Decision gives shoppers access to digital offers relevant to a shopper’s location, historic store data and the specific shopping session that is occurring.

In addition, NRF attendees will see Zebra’s latest additions to its product portfolio, including the new iMZ220 and iMZ320. These “Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad” certified mobile printers enable users to print receipts from a range of mobile devices using payment applications or sleds to process credit card payments. The iMZ printers are among the first Link-OS-enabled mobile products Zebra is introducing in 2013.

“Following a holiday season in which we saw nimble retailers outperform the industry by more effectively managing their operations and providing a differentiated shopping experience, more retailers are exploring new solutions to enhance in-store experience,” said Keith LeFebvre, vice president of product management at Zebra Technologies. “Mobile POS solutions help retailers combat the trend of ‘showrooming’ in which shoppers visit physical store locations to see and touch products in person, and then purchase them online. Store associates can use mobile devices to provide a more customized, engaging experience consumers may not receive in online stores.”

Additionally, Zebra and its partners are demonstrating a wide range of solutions for the retail industry at NRF, including:

• Mobile payment – to bring the check-out process to the customer, enhance queue busting and facilitate remote delivery receipt and payment.
• Price management applications – to deliver improved accuracy and greater efficiency.
• Consumer loyalty applications – to help retailers increase repeat shoppers, resulting in higher sales.
• RFID inventory accuracy solutions – to improve visibility and the customer experience.
• Back-of-store receiving and inventory applications – to streamline operations and increase productivity.
• Self-service kiosk solutions – to empower shoppers and help retailers become more profitable.

“Regardless of where a retailer currently is with regards to its technology adoption, including mobile payment, Zebra and its partner network offer a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that enable merchants of all sizes to offer excellent customer service and an enhanced experience in the store,” said LeFebvre. “Zebra’s solution approach eases integration by enabling merchants to quickly move from installation to application.”