World Quarterly Retail Systems Outlook on POS; Handheld Terminals and Tablet PC

World Quarterly Retail Systems Outlook on POS; Handheld Terminals and Tablet PC Markets - Q4 2007

Published Date: June 2008

Published By: Frost & Sullivan

Page Count: 141

Order Code: R1-6475

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This research service facilitates the understanding of the existing and future market forces in retail and helps to convert them into actionable strategic marketing initiatives for retail technology vendors/solution providers. It examines POS, handheld terminals/mobile data computers, and tablet PCs across the following geographic regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia Pacific. Extensive unit shipment, revenue forecast analysis, retail segmentation and retailer tiers within each segment has been incorporated. This is a quarterly update, providing historical data from 1Q07 to 3Q07 and forecasts for the upcoming quarters 1Q08 to 3Q08.

Innovative Customer Experience to Buoy the POS Systems, Handheld Terminals, and Tablet PC Markets

To stand out in an intensely competitive retail market, retailers are modifying their business models to provide innovative customer experience. They are looking to distinguish themselves through the provision of personalized and responsive customer service and deployment of technologies that enable real-time communication, and inventory management, improving productivity. To capitalize on these opportunities, point of sales (POS) systems, handheld terminals, and tablet PC vendors have been repositioning themselves as solutions providers and focusing on developing applications that would enable a seamless transition from legacy systems and simplify the deployment and integration of new solutions. Their bottom-line growth is expected to increase significantly once they address concerns regarding flexibility in usage, security issues, and application stability.

Retailers are progressively forming strategic partnerships with leading technology providers to offer exceptional customer experiences. "Established retailers are leveraging their brand name and scale of operations to extend beyond the traditional categories," says the analyst of this research service. "Technology vendors are focusing on open systems architecture for the products and are looking at incorporating the latest technologies such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) and radio frequency identification (RFID) for integrating the retail value chain."

Varied Benefits of POS Systems, Handheld Terminals, and Tablet PCs Provide them with Distinct Market Opportunities

Solution vendors have been focusing on the advanced, multifunctional, POS systems, which are expected to meet the varied requirements of the retailers and shore up their revenues and margins. Encouraged by the introduction of next-generation POS systems and open source architectures, many retailers in developed nations have given priority to POS. Self checkout and kiosks are also finding many takers within retail. "As more and more retailers are turning environment conscious, vendors are pressured to develop recyclable-bound and energy-efficient systems," notes the analyst. "POS systems continue to provide huge growth opportunities in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the world and developing nations such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC)."

Meanwhile, the value addition of handheld terminals has attracted numerous retailers, who are adopting this technology to gain an edge over their competitors. Modern handhelds can perform various functions including real-time mobile POS functions, queue busting, sending digitized notes, cross channel integration, loyalty programs, checking prices, report writing, sending and receiving of invoices, and asset management. Interestingly, the device can perform these functions from any location within the store or outside it through wireless applications. "Handhelds have completely revolutionized the basic store operation, resulting in real-time data access and communication," observes the analyst. "With its focus on improving employee productivity and reducing stock outs, handhelds are anticipated to provide high growth opportunities in the retail segment in the developed as well as developing nations."

However, the popularity and cost advantage of handheld terminals has eaten into the shares of the tablet PC segment, although this product is a helpful tool for improving the overall efficiency of the store associates. They can not only provide in-store associates with essential information at the point of service to enhance customer interactions but also facilitate mobility and access to business-critical information. "They have the potential to aid decision making for both employees and customers," remarks the analyst.

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