Six smart integrations that can boost your VoCoVo system

The modern shop floor is buzzing with technology. The UK is home to almost 300 million smart devices, and a third of all retail tasks are expected to involve smart technology by 2030. Keeping track of so many devices can be a challenge, but we can help.

Every VoCoVo product comes with a built-in API, allowing seamless integration with thousands of smart devices. Colleagues can receive information and even control devices, all from a single location. Here are six ways that smart integration can help you get even more out of your VoCoVo system.

1. Authorise self-checkout purchases

Self-checkouts have exploded in popularity since the pandemic, and this presents a challenge for colleagues. Many self-checkout purchases require authorisation, meaning that colleagues often spend all day rushing between machines. This is one area where smart integration can make a significant difference:

• Headsets can be linked to self-checkouts, allowing colleagues to receive notifications about the type of issue and which checkout needs attention.
• When authorisation is required, colleagues receive a notification through their headset, ensuring they know which customers are waiting and that they don’t have to rely on noticing the flashing light above the till.
• A single colleague can oversee multiple positions, freeing up team members to get on with other tasks.

2. Take calls from the shop floor

With over 60% of customers preferring to contact companies by phone, you can’t afford to miss external calls. However, repeatedly leaving the shop floor to answer the phone can make it difficult to stay on task. We have a solution:

• Headsets can be integrated with your existing phone system, or can replace it altogether.
• External calls go straight to colleague headsets, allowing them to answer without leaving the shop floor.
• Colleagues can continue to perform manual tasks while taking calls. If further assistance is needed, they can transfer the call to another colleague at the push of a button.

3. Connect security teams to CCTV

Shoplifting remains a significant issue for retailers in the UK. The most recent BRC Crime Survey revealed that stores lost £1.2 billion to thieves in 2020/21, an increase of £200 million compared to the previous year.

To reverse this trend, it’s essential to provide your security team with as much support as possible. This is where smart integration proves invaluable:

• Headsets can be connected to smart CCTV cameras.
• When a camera detects something suspicious, an automated alert is sent to security colleagues’ headsets.
• This enables colleagues to respond swiftly without needing to trigger a public alarm.

4. Spot suspicious stock depletion

In addition to helping you catch thieves in the act, VoCoVo can also assist in identifying the early signs of shoplifting:

• Headsets can be linked to smart shelving to flag up suspicious patterns of stock depletion.
• If a particular item is depleting faster than expected, a warning message will be sent to colleagues' headsets.
• This allows you to redeploy security colleagues to monitor the area.

5. Raise the alarm discreetly

Many stores still use a tannoy system to alert security colleagues to shoplifting incidents. This creates a significant safety issue, as criminals can see who is making the announcement. This is another area where smart integration can assist:

• Headsets can be linked to your existing tannoy system.
• Colleagues can trigger a store-wide alert with the press of a button.
• This is completely anonymous, allowing colleagues to raise the alarm without putting themselves at risk.

6. Reduce food waste

Food waste costs UK supermarkets over £2.4 billion each year. While some of this is unavoidable, a significant proportion is due to human error. Leaving fridge doors open or forgetting to restock shelves can result in hundreds of thousands of tonnes of food being wasted unnecessarily. Smart integration can help address this issue:

• Smart fridges can be linked to headsets. If a door is left open, an automated alert is sent to nearby colleagues, allowing you to intervene before any food spoils.
• Smart shelving can notify colleagues when an item is running low. This helps you restock more efficiently, enabling you to sell more and waste less.

Limitless possibilities

We could list dozens more examples, and this number will only continue to grow over time. As new smart devices emerge on the market, we’re confident that our API will seamlessly integrate them into your ecosystem. We are the only headset on the market that offers unlimited integrations, so the possibilities are truly endless!

Get in touch today to find out more.