Australian retailers are racing to embed AI into every aspect of their operations, whether it’s self-checkout, real-time inventory and stock management, or enabling more personalised customer experiences.

And it is for good reason: 89 per cent of store associates believe that artificial intelligence helps them be more productive.

But can their mobile devices cope with all this new AI-powered functionality? In many cases, the answer is no.

While AI apps can enable a new level of operational excellence and drive extraordinary increases in productivity, efficiency, customer satisfaction and profitability, realising this potential for your frontline associates requires a powerful device capable of running ultra-responsive AI applications.

What does it take to implement AI on the retail frontline?

Firstly, retailers need powerful AI app development tools tested in real customer environments and designed for their most common workflows. Apps should take a matter of days, not months, to develop.

Secondly, store associates need devices capable of capturing large volumes of diverse data to power these intensive apps. It takes a lot of power, memory and more to enable easy-to-use high-performance AI apps that won’t keep workers waiting!

Lastly, the effectiveness of any AI apps and their ability to automate parts of your workflows depend on the data your store associates feed them… which, in turn, depends on the data they can capture. The more data capture options on their devices, the richer the data is – think high resolution cameras, barcode scanners, sensors and more.

These three factors are critical for retailers to get right as they adopt AI.

Putting AI in the hands of store associates

Imagine a device that could provide the whole package on a single platform? Introducing the new Zebra TC mobile computer portfolio, purpose-built to empower frontline associates with AI.

The new rugged TC501 and ultra-rugged TC701 mobile computers are built for the most demanding retail environments, more powerful than any other devices in their class.

Utilising a groundbreaking new Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690 processor, these devices deliver the on-device AI capabilities needed to power even the most intensive applications. This includes the highest memory space available in the market, all the fastest wireless networks, more battery power, and best-in-class security to keep devices and customer data safe.

The devices offer many different ways for store associates to capture the critical data needed to power your AI apps. They include a 50 MP camera for crystal-clear photos, an optional ultra-wide-angle camera for vision-based apps, three best-in-class scanner options, including an advanced long-range scanner to capture barcodes up to 100 feet away, integrated UHF RFID, and more.

With an advanced low-power consumption six-inch Amoled display and super-bright screen, store associates get a superior viewing experience in any lighting, even at extreme angles. Meanwhile, extraordinary AI-enabled audio performance enables effortless voice collaboration with their colleagues. Demanding power-hungry AI apps are no challenge for the powerful batteries and many power-saving features that work together to ensure full-shift operation. 

But it’s not just the physical device itself. Zebra devices offer the complete solution, with an in-built Frontline AI Suite that makes it easy to create powerful AI apps. This suite provides the tools, building blocks and starting frameworks for a range of common business workflows, allowing retailers to build AI apps in days instead of months, specific to their requirements. 

These devices also offer unmatched flexibility with Zebra DNA, which lets you turn your mobile computer into a walkie-talkie, a PBX handset and a workstation, creating a powerful four-in-one device that reduces costs while substantially increasing frontline communication and collaboration tools. 

The takeaway

AI-powered tools can help retailers reduce repetitive tasks and eliminate guesswork. They help store associates respond faster, serve more effectively, and focus on what matters most: The customer. Nearly nine in 10 associates say they feel more valued by their employer when they’re given the right technology tools to do their jobs.

But your mobile devices need to be up to the task as well.

Mobile computers that can’t cope with the increasing demands of AI-powered applications can quickly become a hindrance for your store associates – and for a retailer, your frontline workers are your most important asset.

• Learn more about Zebra’s new AI Mobile Computing Portfolio here.