Brick and mortar stores have seen consolidation and growth in leaps and bounds over the years. Today it is quite easy for a shopper to step into a store or a mall and feel lost. Luckily technology is not far behind and is finding innovative ways to lend a helping hand.
Google Maps walking directions
The latest version of Google Maps (v 6.7) for Android adds indoor navigation and integrates Google Offers to show you nearby deals. Indoor maps and walking directions of select businesses and venues are available now in the US and Japan. You can also get 360-degree panoramic photos of the insides of some of the businesses as well. This should be useful when you plan to go out and want to find some deals that you can use right away.
MST Smartsense by Fraunhofer
The new system allows for in-store (or in-mall) navigation using simple sensors to assess where you are at any given point in time. Rather than relying on GPS, the MTS Smartsense system, which has its own build in processor, uses a combination of a Pedometer (tells how fast you are walking) and a Compass (gives direction) to provide easy and accurate navigation. This should work easily with a wide range of mobile devices like phones and tablets. While the system is still proof-of-concept, the application cases are many and future phones could even see this technology being built in!
Here are a few use cases for in-store navigation systems that benefit shoppers and retailers:
The latest version of Google Maps (v 6.7) for Android adds indoor navigation and integrates Google Offers to show you nearby deals. Indoor maps and walking directions of select businesses and venues are available now in the US and Japan. You can also get 360-degree panoramic photos of the insides of some of the businesses as well. This should be useful when you plan to go out and want to find some deals that you can use right away.
MST Smartsense by Fraunhofer
The new system allows for in-store (or in-mall) navigation using simple sensors to assess where you are at any given point in time. Rather than relying on GPS, the MTS Smartsense system, which has its own build in processor, uses a combination of a Pedometer (tells how fast you are walking) and a Compass (gives direction) to provide easy and accurate navigation. This should work easily with a wide range of mobile devices like phones and tablets. While the system is still proof-of-concept, the application cases are many and future phones could even see this technology being built in!
Here are a few use cases for in-store navigation systems that benefit shoppers and retailers:
- You walk into a mall and look for a layout map at the entrance. Find the store you want to go to and scan its QR Code using your phone. The navigation system can then guide you right to it! For retailers this provides valuable information on what the shopper is likely looking for and allows them to tailor offers and suggest alternatives.
- Taking things one step further, retailers can "push" their store layout onto your device when you walk in. Then, you could just talk to your phone and say "where is the milk?" and let the navigation system take you straight to it!
- An app that manages your shopping list and works with the navigation time can save you time and money. You simply feed in items from your grocery list before you go shopping and once you are at the store the app can use the navigation system to take you aisle by aisle to pick the stuff you need. All you need to do is add items to your basket and check them off your list!
Sources: TechCrunch, Lifehacker
