ICT in Shops

1. ICT in Shops Lesson 2

2. RFID Tags • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags • These are usually used in shops to monitor the location of products in their storebut can also be used to hold more information than a barcode can. • They also allow security systems to note whether it has been paid for; if it leaves the store without being paid for, the alarm by the door will be activated.

3. RFID Tags • There are two parts to the system. • The tag: • This is a tiny microchip that contains a code identifying the thing to which it is attached. • The microchip is often connected to a flat spiral aerial that allows it to work by radio signals. • The reader: • This machine sends a radio signal to the tag asking for its code. The tag senses the request and sends back its unique code. The reader can then connect to a computer or database and uses the code to identify what the object is and where it is at that time.

4. Visual merchandising Visual merchandising is the activity and profession of developing floor plans and three-dimensional displays in order to maximise sales. Both goods and services can be displayed to highlight their features and benefits. The purpose of such visual merchandising is to attract, engage and motivate the customer towards making a purchase. Cameras and sensors are used to monitor “foot fall” in particular areas of the store to see how displays affect the movement around the store and the sale of specific items. Also, RFID tags in clothing and on other products are used to monitor how that product is moved around the store before it reaches the checkout.

5. Emerging technology in shops http://emerging-advertising-media.wikispaces.com/Gesture+Based+Storefront+Ads Shops are using more and more technology to make their shops appealing to their customers and to bring them into their shops. Gesture Based interactive store front advertising. This allows customers to interact with the window display and use it to search through a catalogue, look at the latest designs, make mannequins move and turn so they can see the clothes from different angles etc.

6. In-shop advertising • Many large shops use plasma screens rather than printed posters because: • They can be immediately updated as trends and prices change. • They can have moving images rather than still images. • They can give more information as the screen is constantly changing. • They do not need to bereprinted if the details change. • Many screens can be placed together to create a “wall of video”.

7. Customer information The Magic Mirror allows user to “try-on” clothes without having to get changed. They can email friends the image in the mirror to get their opinion before they buy it and can look at additional information such as availability in other colours and sizes along with materials used etc.

8. Customer information Interactive kiosks in shops allow the customer to order and pay for goods without having to queue and then they can be collected from a central collection point or delivered to their homes. They also allow customers to see stock levels in other shops and get additional information about products.

9. Wireless technology used in shops • Tablets to cut queues • This allows queuing people to have their order processed while they are still in the queue which makes the final payment quicker and easier. • Tablets to keep levels of stock • This is usually combined with a barcode scanner to keep an eye on the stock levels on the shelf so that low stock can quickly be replenished if it is getting too low.