Tag: mobile apps

The company is aiming to use quick response codes to make tech data easier to obtain.

Nortek Global HVAC recently announced that it would be adding QR codes to its product labels in order to make it easier for contractors to be able to obtain the tech literature for a specific piece of equipment.

The goal of using these barcodes in this way is to make troubleshooting faster and easier for service contractors.

The new label with the QR codes links the contractor directly to the tech literature specific to the product in question. In order to use the quick response codes, the contractor must simply use a smartphone to scan the barcode printed on the equipment’s label. The smartphone is directed to the Nortek website, where a page will be displayed with the information about that specific equipment model. Among the types of information that are available to the contractor are the installation instructions, lists of replacement parts, charging charts, wiring diagrams, and other important and practical troubleshooting information.

In this way, contractors can scan QR codes and rapidly obtain information instead of needing to phone the company.

According to the Nortek Global HVAC director of warranty and technical services, Matt Lattanzi, “Contractors call us for technical help and many times the answers are in the literature.” Lattanzi also added that “Having a way to quickly scan a code on the product and find the necessary documents can reduce lost time on the job and help ensure the equipment is installed and/or serviced correctly.”

By using the QRcode, a number of slower steps can be skipped so the contractor can complete his or her work with greater effectiveness and efficiency. Moreover, beyond the implementation of the barcodes on the product labels, Nortek has also gone to the extent of providing contractors with support through an iPad app for in-home sales, weekly video tips, mobile load calculation tools, as well as support for using and managing a Facebook business page.

The QR codes were implemented by Nortek on its labels for split-system air conditioners, but it intends to add the barcodes to additional products in the future.

Emerging opportunities push retailers to become more mobile-centric

New opportunities are emerging for retailers in the mobile space, which is leading to them upgrading their mobile applications and websites in order to effectively engage consumers, according to a new report from Boston Retail Partners. The report shows that mobile commerce has become quite profitable for retailers, but in order to find continued success in this space, they must address issues concerning security and consumer privacy. This is becoming especially important as fraud is growing more prevalent in the e-commerce and mobile commerce spaces.

Report highlights the need for retailers to upgrade their mobile websites and apps

The report shows that mobile websites are becoming an important priority for retailers. These websites allow retailers to better engage mobile consumers, and Google has recently required businesses to ensure that they have mobile sites in order to retain their search rankings. Mobile apps are also a priority for retailers, as they allow consumers to efficiently shop online. For physical retailers, these apps are especially important, as they will allow merchants to effectively engage consumers that are interested in mobile commerce.

Security is becoming a top priority as EMV standards spread throughout the world

As mobile commerce grows, retailers will have to address issues concerning security and privacy. The report shows that as EMV standards are imposed in counties, in-store fraud falls dramatically. The problem, however, is that the introduction of these standards causes the online fraud to skyrocket. With many retailers embracing these standards, they are finding it more important to improve their security measures, especially if they want to compete in the mobile commerce market aggressively.

Retailers are beginning to see the challenges associated with bringing their various channels together alongside mobile

With mobile commerce becoming more important, retailers are finding it more challenging to integrate all of their channels. Retailers must provide consumers with seamless experiences in order to provide them with effective services, but this has proven quite challenging for some businesses, especially if they do not have extensive experience with the mobile and digital spaces.