MOBOTIX’s first Retail Technology summit generates positive response

Attendees from leading retailers were provided with insight into market drivers and advantages of new retail technologies

MOBOTIX AG, a leading manufacturer of digital high-resolution, network-based video security systems played the host to the first Retail Technology summit, organised by J-Brand and supported by leading retail technology experts. 

30 attendees from over a dozen leading retailers including Dixons Retail, Disney, Home Retail Group, Kingfisher and Superdrug were provided with insight into market drivers, trends and advantages of new retail technologies alongside opportunities for technologists to network with retail industry peers.

The invitation only event also provided attendees with real life examples of retail challenges and how new technologies can offer tangible business benefits. Presentations included Experian FootFall on new techniques to measure site performance based upon consumer behaviour. While Signagelive offered examples of how media delivery solutions are helping retailers to provide more effective and targeted advertising by using cloud based systems.

As retailers embrace more network based systems, Brand-Rex, global suppliers of structured cabling systems offered guidance on new standards and upcoming technologies that push into 40Gig and beyond. With logistics and communication critical as organisations move to new hybrid distribution channels; Motorola Retail Solutions showcased several new technologies aimed at increasing inventory efficiency and improving customer experience.

“We have worked with many UK retailers over the years and the last decade has seen a major shift in how technology is both deployed, managed and utilised across the sector,” explains Paul Jordan, Sales and Marketing Manager for J-Brand, “Our goal with the Retail Summit was both to share with and learn from the attendees that are at the sharp end of many of the technology decisions that will impact retail for the next decade.”

The day was broken up by lunch at the Searcy's 40/30 restaurant on the top floor of the Gherkin providing a 360 degree panorama view over London offering an opportunity for attendees to network and discuss themes of the event.

In the afternoon, Dominic Chapman, Business Development Manager for MOBOTIX UK & Ireland offered an insight into Distributed CCTV and hemispheric technologies that are allowing retailers to improve coverage while reducing on-going management overheads, “The event offered an informal way of communicating with senior technologists within retail and gave us an insight into many of the concerns felt by the industry” he added.

Feedback from the event was extremely positive and attended by 95% of the confirmed invite only guest list. Ian Matthews, a Network Technical Lead at Home Retail Group commented, “It was a great session with well put together content.  A good use of time with some good presentations...” was the view of Steve Smith, Store Services Implementation Manager at Superdrug.  Paul Knowles, Site Installation Programme Manager at Kingfisher IT Services says he, “…enjoyed the hosted sessions with some excellent content.”

The event was organised by J-Brand, a specialist in all aspects of electrical installation services and support, data network solutions, EPOS, Wireless site surveys and digital signage installations. Guy Jones. Managing Director of J-Brand added, “We would just like to thank all of the people that attended our first Retail Technology Summit and we will take all the feedback on-board and endeavour to make our next summit as relevant.”