Businesses around the world are thinking outside the box to serve their customers and clients, even in the uncertain and changing business climate. Global IT teams are supporting major changes as companies implement or enhance their remote capabilities. No matter the industry, companies are going online.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been the catalyst behind this digital migration. Even “essential” businesses that continue much of their operations as usual are leveraging technology to be more effective and productive during this time.
Delivery & Carryout Options
Many restaurants and food delivery services are becoming increasingly popular. Pizza chains across America are seeing demand so great they need to hire thousands of employees. While restaurants, by and large, cannot serve customers physically in their stores, many are taking a creative approach. Some are installing windows in their walls and creating a drive-thru option. Others are teaming up with DoorDash and other delivery services to serve customers who can’t or don’t want to leave their homes.
Employee Protections
Businesses across industries are putting their employees’ health and safety first. Retail companies like Walmart and Wayfair are changing or expanding their sick leave policies. Whether that means guaranteeing sick pay during a mandatory self-quarantine or changing attendance policies, they’re showing their employees they will take care of them.
Virtual Services
Given that many states are under stay-at-home orders, businesses have adapted by creating digital resources to not only benefit their customers but also let them continue generating revenue. Gyms and fitness centers, for example, are creating online workouts for their clients. While it’s not the same as an in-person workout, it’s still a way for people to get moving from the comfort of home. Dance studios and performing arts centers are teaching their students via video conferences. Even after-school childcare programs are offering digital programs to keep kids busy in the afternoons.
The healthcare industry is also evolving with an increase in telehealth offerings now that hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices are trying to keep themselves as open as possible to care for patients who have or think they have COVID-19. Beyond that, they want to decrease the possibility of exposure or infection for their patients. Offering a telehealth solution allows them to provide care without putting patients at risk.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Businesses of many industries are also updating their infrastructure to support employees who want to or need to work from home. Given the previously mentioned stay-at-home orders, now is the time for businesses to implement more widespread remote work programs. Some businesses might discover that remote work increases productivity for their employees. Others might be learning that intense cross-country travel isn’t delivering large returns. Either way, companies are continuing to meet customer and client needs and expectations, even if it’s in a slightly different manner.
Retail Tech Updates
As previously mentioned, retailers are updating their policies to protect their employees. Likewise, these essential businesses are leveraging both new and existing retail tech to keep staff members and customers safe. For example, many supermarkets are using their PA systems to communicate with shoppers about their COVID-19 response and remind them of social distancing guidelines. They’re also adding contactless payment and self-serve options to decrease person-to-person interaction. “Non-essential” retailers like clothing stores are increasing their e-commerce offerings.
Technology is the foundation of why all these diverse industries are able to adapt and serve their customers without interruption. As the situation continues to change, companies will continue to find new ways to adapt. Customers and clients will not only have their needs met but potentially their expectations will be exceeded, too.
If you are looking for qualified field technicians or project managers to support your retail technology projects, contact Kinettix. Our experienced team can coordinate anything, from replacing a router at a single store location to rolling out portfolio-wide upgrades and multi-store installations or equipment decommissions. Reach out today to learn more.
