In today’s fast-paced retail world, staying ahead means embracing the latest technology—yet many organizations still struggle with outdated and inefficient systems that hinder productivity and customer service. But here’s where it gets interesting: Some companies are completely transforming their operations with the power of rugged, reliable devices designed specifically to withstand tough environments. This is exactly what Amart, a well-known retail chain, has achieved by upgrading their operations using Samsung’s rugged device lineup.
Amart recently overhauled its entire mobility infrastructure both in stores and warehouses by replacing an aging, disorganized fleet of devices with Samsung’s Rugged Series gadgets. Their old systems were more than just outdated—they were actively slowing down business processes and limiting staff efficiency.
According to Shawn Kwon, Vice President of Integrated B2B at Samsung Electronics Australia, the previous setup created significant operational bottlenecks across their locations. He explained to RetailBiz that before partnering with Samsung, Amart was constrained by a collection of aging devices, which resulted in confusing workflows and reduced productivity.
“Store teams depended on multiple devices—one for completing customer orders and another for processing payments. This fragmented approach often led to complicated and unmanageable workflows,” Kwon shared.
Additionally, the tablets used in stores lacked integrated scanning features, responded very slowly, and couldn’t last through full shifts, which frustrated staff and slowed down customer transactions. In the warehouses, outdated devices proved unreliable for scanning tasks, forcing employees to spend hours each week manually verifying inventory, a tedious and time-consuming process.
The game-changer was the deployment of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro and Galaxy XCover6 Pro devices. These rugged tablets streamlined multiple functions—scanning, payments, and product look-ups—into a single, durable device that could be used seamlessly across stores and warehouses.
Kwon added, “With support from Samsung, Amart merged various operational tasks into one robust device, transforming how teams operate daily and enhancing overall efficiency.”
The transition was further supported by advanced scanning and payment integration from partners like Scandit and Quest, turning these devices into versatile tools that boosted both operational efficiency and customer service quality.
Since implementing these new devices, Amart has observed notable improvements—speedier checkouts, more accurate inventory management, and quicker audit processes. Tasks that once took hours, such as physical inventory checks, are now completed more swiftly, allowing staff to respond more effectively to customer needs, like checking product availability or building virtual shopping baskets in real time.
Another key benefit has been significant cost savings. By consolidating multiple devices into a single rugged solution, Amart has reduced expenses related to hardware procurement, maintenance, and staff training. The simplicity of learning one interface means staff can get up to speed faster, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity.
Samsung emphasizes that features like long-lasting, swappable batteries and rugged durability are vital, enabling employees to work full shifts without interruption. This resilience ensures continuous operation in both retail environments and warehouse settings, where hardware often faces harsh conditions.
In summary, Amart’s strategic move to modernize its device landscape illustrates how companies can dramatically improve efficiency, cut costs, and enhance customer interactions by adopting specialized, durable technology. While some may argue that such upgrades require substantial initial investment, the long-term benefits—greater agility, fewer disruptions, and happier staff—make a compelling case.
What’s your opinion? Do you believe investing in rugged technology is the future for retail businesses, or are newer portable solutions enough to keep pace? Share your thoughts below—could this be a game-changer or an unnecessary expense?
