Clarity UC solution lets sales associates go mobile

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Clarity Consulting Inc. demonstrated a new Unified Communications (UC) retail solution today at Microsoft's Office System Developer Conference in San Jose. The solution, which was highlighted in the keynote address, was created to increase productivity and reduce costs for retailers while improving the shopping experience for consumers and showcasing business opportunities for developers.

Clarity's UC system features Microsoft's Office Communications Server and a combination of hardware and software components that let retail sales associates "go mobile."  Using tablet PCs, the solution lets associates get away from the counter and onto the floor, where they can provide better service to customers and increase sales.  Each tablet PC features UC software that enables:

• Product Lookup: Find key items, pricing information and images — using the SKU or a bar code scan — from the retailer's product catalog or database.  Monitor start of day (SOD) inventory status in-store and at participating stores on-network.
• Inventory Check: Initiate inventory check requests to any sales associate "online" — whether around the corner or around the country. If accepted, the recipient sees the product look-up info for the item and is connected to the originating sales associate via voice or IM to answer questions.
• Checkout: Complete sales on-the-spot. The tablet PC displays a simple tender screen with payment type and details — the customer can complete the transaction and take the receipt or fill in his/her email address and have it sent to them.
• Customer Callback Request: Answer customer inquiries real-time. Receive a request notification — along with details about the transaction including a copy of the receipt — on the tablet PC then initiate a callback to the customer immediately. (The customer's phone number is embedded vs. displayed, thereby protecting privacy.)

For shoppers, all of this means near-instant access to information, personalized service, a more efficient shopping experience and, ultimately, a higher level of satisfaction.

For the retailer, it means increased efficiency and productivity of sales teams, improved knowledge sharing, and happier, more loyal customers. Because it leverages Microsoft technology, it can be integrated into a retailer's existing Windows-based infrastructure.