From taking secure card payments anywhere on the shop floor to using AI to guide ranges and pricing, a handful of technologies are already improving counters, yards and websites across Ireland.
Mobile devices becoming payment terminals
Software point-of-sale (SoftPOS) brings the security of card terminal payments to a standard mobile phone. It’s a game changing innovation, allowing the expansion of low-cost yet highly multi-functional devices onto the shop floor.
It’s an affordable way to bring payments to the customer. “While on the shop floor, staff can check stock, place orders and take payments from a single device,” says Scott Frisby, Head of Strategy at Elavon Europe.
For independents, SoftPOS suits pop‑up counters, click‑and‑collect, and deliveries. For multi‑branch stores, it helps move payment to the point of selection when tills are backed up – all with familiar hardware and an app linked to the payments platform.
AI anticipating consumer purchases
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays two main roles when consumers go online to research what’s available before making a purchase. First is time saving – for example consumers researching tools for their latest DIY project and keeping it in their price bracket.
The second is the ability of an AI agent to understand its user and recommend things they didn’t even know they wanted or needed. “The second role – which we’re beginning to see more of – is the ability to get to know you and begin to recommend things that you may not be aware you want,” says Scott. “It involves AI understanding things like your style, preferences, frequency of purchase and budget range.”
While the first generation of machine learning recommends items similar to what you’ve already looked at online, this next generation presents you with alternatives based on collective searches from other people who’ve looked at the same things.
AI as driver of retailer decision making
First-party AI apps are helping retailers use their own data to power AI-driven features on their websites, such as personalised recommendations, targeted marketing and improved customer service. Subscription-based models open this kind of technology up to even the smallest online trader.
This brings the collective wisdom of the world to your website and allows you to keep across trends and adjust stock accordingly.
Elavon provides efficient, reliable payment solutions tailored to your business. Contact Peter Cooke, peter.cooke@elavon.com or 087 167 6215 or visit elavon.ie to learn more.
U.S. Bank Europe DAC. Registered in Ireland – Number 418442. Registered Office: Block F1, Cherrywood Business Park, Dublin 18, D18 W2X7, Ireland. U.S. Bank Europe DAC, trading as Elavon Merchant Services, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
