The Record - Issue 18: Autumn 2020

169  R E TA I L & HOS P I TA L I T Y Neil Pickering Industry and customer insights manager at UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) David Ciancio Global head of grocery at dunnhumby “UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) workforce management solutions boast powerful, easy-to-use tools that provide the mobility, flexibility, and self-service capabilities that are critical to the modern retail workforce, especially in the current Covid-19 landscape. Powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, UKG Dimensions from UKG provides insight into workforce data to enable accurate and swift decision-making, while unburdening managers from administrative tasks and empowering employees to take greater ownership of their work schedules. In order to work as productively as possible, retail employees can also leverage the collaboration between UKG Dimensions with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams that brings together people, conversations and content, so collaboration can be achieved.” “Samsung continually works with Microsoft to ensure that users benefit from the best possible Microsoft experiences on our devices.  The integration of the Samsung XCover Pro ‘Push-to-talk’ button with Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie is one example of how this partnership is delivering tools to digitally empower the front-line retail workforce. The dedicated ‘Push-to-talk’ button means workers are only ever one step away from initiating or responding to a message from co-workers via Teams Walkie Talkie, even when their device is locked.  Designed specifically for retail workers, the XCover Pro combines features such as mobile point of sale readiness and barcode scanning capabilities, with an IP68 and MIL STD 810G rating. With increased pressures on retail in the current environment, it is more important than ever to reduce costs, but not at the expense of employee engagement or customer satisfaction. Combining Teams Walkie Talkie with the Samsung XCover Pro allows retailers to boost employee communication while also rationalising their device estate.” “During the Covid-19 pandemic, retail data insights have shifted from being a business innovation to being a business necessity. dunnhumby’s customer data insights are a vital and powerful tool, which have been increasingly relied upon by our global retail partners to support their business functions during the pandemic. They have been used to balance promotions, manage changing product needs and monitor evolving shopping behaviours. Our customer insights are also assisting retailers in reimagining their business for a post-Covid-19 future in which value and safety will drive further changes in shopping behaviour. dunnhumby Consumer Pulse surveys, conducted routinely throughout the pandemic, suggest that recent shopping behaviours are likely to become long-term habits. Customers tell us that they already have a new worry that threatens satisfaction and loyalty: price increases. With uncertain economic times ahead, retailers should be using customer data science to ensure that both their branded and private label products offer a good value choice for customers who are tightening their belts.” Sam Shopland Head of European business-to-business alliances at Samsung Europe