The emergence of the in-store mobile shopper has been a startling challenge for retailers. Empowered with mobile technology to compare prices and access peer feedback, today’s convenience-driven consumers are left with few reasons to remain loyal to a brand or retailer. In response to this seismic shift, merchants are mobilizing their stores to empower customers and associates to leverage mobile devices in new ways to optimize the in-store experience.
One such option is a new mobile suite launched May 2012 by SAP to extend the value of its key systems of record by mobilizing retail business processes. The offering includes Sybase 365 Mobile Payments, a mobile customer engagement and commerce suite. Built on the Sybase 365 platform, the mobile commerce portfolio is a key component of SAP’s mobile program for powering productive mobile apps and services.
Sybase 365 Mobile Payments is designed to enable consumers to leverage a mobile wallet solution to pay bills and loans, make domestic person-to-person (P2P) payments and pay for products and services. The solution includes tools and services for merchant management.
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SAP’s new mobile suite also includes the SAP In-Store Product Lookup mobile app, designed to create a new experience for retail shoppers and employees by helping store managers and associates on the floor better assist customers. For example, store employees can locate an item’s stock availability in real-time, eliminating the need for shoppers to wait at the checkout counter. The app also displays product details and stock levels both in-store and in nearby stores, as well as the ability to adjust inventory.
The new set of tools is available for iPad and tablets via an HTML5 version of SAP Store. New versions of SAP Store’s native mobile application for iOS platforms also are aimed at helping retailers deliver an end-to-end buying process via mobile, including credit card enablement for payment.
“SAP is following through on its commitment to deliver innovative, engaging mobile apps for millions of people,” said Sanjay Poonen, President, Head of Mobile Division, SAP. “With mobile serving as a major part of daily life, it is a top priority for most businesses that seek to simplify daily tasks for their employees and customers.”
