Is Brazilian retail ready for the internet of things?
Cases of success are not lacking for those who still have doubts. But beware of a few points before adopting the technology
What are the perspectives on the future of retail in Brazil? Even considering the financial and economic obstacles that have hampered its development, I believe that this is an area in which there is much to be explored. Retailers have been observing for some three years now that it is important to abandon extra costs, which has made new niches stand out and many stores – which were no longer the same profitability as before – Were closed. I imagine, therefore, that the scenario may be seen as unstable by many, but I see it as promising.
Because it is at more sensitive times that the market tends to reinvent itself and hone its offers. Retail has invested more and more in technological solutions to optimize its resources and promote the increase of sales. The Internet of Things (IoT), for example, has become popular in the segment. Whether using devices or the cloud, the IoT concept already represents an important competitive differential where it was applied. In Brazil, I see the technology in retail as incipient, but I believe it is a matter of time for its popularization.
Some retail companies have been presenting very impressive results, with applications that range from the predictive maintenance of equipment to intelligent transportation and mapping of consumer interest in stores. Here I emphasize the importance of the retailer to create its strategy based on data obtained through analytical intelligence, which will allow the management of the actions according to the needs of its clients.
So I think so, our retail is ready to use IoT. Cases of success are not lacking for those who still have doubts. But beware of a few points before you take the solution: assess whether the structure of your business is IoT at that time. There are other tools that have great applicability in retail, such as Big Data and Analytics that undoubtedly, when well applied, bring proven and significant improvements in the performance of the chain of supplements.
My other tip is to invest in robust and secure systems. Recent research by Irdeto *, a security expert for digital platforms, points out that 90% of consumers in six different countries fear cyber attacks on devices that are connected to the internet. Brazilians are the most fearful about this type of invasion: 88% of the participants have this concern. Therefore, prevention of interventions in customer data is critical to not lose your confidence.
From what we have observed, we can say that the trend is that the coming years will bring the long-awaited market recovery. The lower inflationary pressure tends to reflect in the increase of the purchasing power of the families and, consequently, in sales growth. Will your company be prepared for this moment? What differentials will you have to offer your customers when the market reheats? Think about these issues and evaluate how to invest assertively in your business.
Source: ASUG
