As anyone in retail tech can attest, precision and accuracy are the difference between a smooth store tech implementation and one that hits lots of unexpected obstacles. If the software image isn’t just right, if there are errors in the store numbers, if the wrong cables get added to the kit, it not only stops that day’s work in its tracks, it potentially brings the whole project to a halt while the problem is scoped and addressed. Serious errors can delay or even derail a rollout entirely.
Smart use of automation can deliver the accuracy and quality that’s essential for a smooth store tech rollout. That’s because it:
- Reduces touches by replacing repetitive, error-prone manual tasks such as entering store numbers performed by people with a fast, consistent and accurate automated process.
- Sharply lowers risk of project disruption.
- Improves quality.
- Boosts productivity.
The right automation frees skilled people up to focus on valuable but sometimes neglected project components, such as implementing robust validation and testing, creating thorough documentation or performing audits. Logging and audits are invaluable to minimize the impact of any issues that emerge later, such as making sure an issue with one POS terminal doesn’t affect the 100 others configured that day.
Enter the Automation Engineer
Just having good tools is not enough to get the consistent, accurate results retailers need when their new high-stakes mobile implementation or store display rollout is on the line. The IT maxim garbage in, garbage out definitely applies to setting up a device deployment project. It takes highly precise, careful set-up to make sure a software image or set-up process is right the first time, before a small error gets multiplied 1,000-fold.
An automation engineer is uniquely qualified to perform that precision. An automation engineer is used in industries such as packaging, food processing and vehicle manufacturing to design, program and test equipment and processes that complete precise tasks. At Level 10, we use on-staff automation engineers who combine that precision training with deep knowledge of retail technology. That makes them uniquely qualified to ensure we will get the most accurate results from our automation. A good engineer can reduce a retailer’s 20-page implementation script down to a tight, three-page process.
Powerful Automation Tools
Precise automation set-up processes combined with great tools are the secret to smoother implementations. Level 10 uses configuration tools to speed image burn-in; our powerful MAC PRO tower is capable of configuring up to 40 Apple devices at a time, for example. Using profile settings, we can ensure unique data such as individual store wireless SSIDs are automatically loaded, without error-prone human data entry. For Windows devices, we use the .Net framework to automatically cycle through steps in an installation script.
A seasoned retail tech project manager expects a certain number of issues to emerge during a large-scale rollout. At Level 10 we see our job as beating those expectations by delivering great quality, accuracy and consistency. While many integrators add people ― sometimes undertrained outside contractors ― to their teams to carry out a large-scale project, at Level 10 we prefer the quality and accuracy that comes through effective use of automation.
Contact us today to start your next fast and accurate tech rollout, avoid delays and remediation costs, and lower your risk.
