Technology

Walmart debuts associate app, doles out smartphones to drive use

Photo by istock.com

June 9, 2021

Walmart is deploying a 'All-in-One Associate App,' called Me@Walmart to 74,000 associates and also a Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro smartphone to drive app engagement.

The app, built in-house by the retailer's global tech team, aims to simplify daily tasks and boost customer service and consumer experiences, according to an announcement co-authored by Drew Holler, senior vice president, Walmart U.S. People Operations, and Kellie Romack, vice president, product and associate experience

"A great customer experience starts with a great associate experience, and our people will always be a competitive advantage. As we make enhancements for our customers, we're also rethinking how we can help our associates succeed in their roles today and deliver some of what they'll need for the future. The right tools can be the difference between fast and frustrating," stated the announcement.

The app's evolution began as a way to manage associates' schedules and grew from that point.

By year's end Walmart aims to provide associates with a free Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro smartphone, case, and warranty.

"Associates will only be able to access the app's work features while they're on the clock, but they can also use the smartphone as their own personal device if they want, with all the features and privacy they're used to. Walmart will not have access to any personal data, just like our BYOD [bring your own device] program," stated the announcement.

Here are some features the app offers:

• The app lets associates easily view their shifts up to two weeks in advance, check on their upcoming paid time off, and request changes to their schedule, if needed.
• Using geofencing technology, associates can clock in with a tap of a button once they arrive at their store. This gives them another convenient alternative to using the time clock.
• Constant communication is essential for our business. Walkie talkies were one solution, but not every associate has one. Push to talk enables associates to instantly connect with one another, helping them work as a team to stay nimble and react to customers' needs.
• A voice-activated personal assistant for work, Ask Sam saves time by letting associates ask the app questions to quickly locate merchandise and get answers for customers. Associates can even look up the metrics that drive their business. This feature was previously available to some associates as a separate app, but is now available to all through Me@Walmart – another example of how we're simplifying work.

"In the coming months we'll add another feature to the Me@Walmart app that helps speed up the time it takes our stocking associates to get items from the backroom to the salesfloor. Instead of scanning each box individually, associates just hold up their device and using augmented reality, highlight the boxes that are ready to go. Product gets on the shelf faster — something we all know is increasingly important. In fact, since piloting it last year, this patent-pending capability takes a third of the time than the previous manual process," stated the announcement.