2023 RTIH Innovation Awards: Technology Implementation of the Year (UK) shortlist announced
We’re pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards Technology Implementation of the Year (UK) category.
We received a record number of submissions this year and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, which will take place at the Barbican Centre in central London.
The event will be held on Wednesday, 29th November, maintaining its popular evening format, with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a Christmas themed three course meal, and awards presentations in the Garden Room.
Congratulations to all those who made the shortlist.
To book your place at the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony on Wednesday, 29th November, click here.
Technology Implementation of the Year (UK) shortlist as follows:
This award recognises UK retail technology project excellence, both in delivery and outcomes.
Implementation should have been completed between August 2022 and November 2023.
Judges will be looking for clear project objectives, effective and innovative implementation and tangible and demonstrable results.
BOXT
The BOXT customer app is the first of its kind in the boiler installation industry. It addresses a common pain point for customers looking for more communication, documentation and reassurance when it comes to their purchase and installation - something that is widespread throughout the trades industry.
Launched in February 2023, the development of the app is the next step in BOXT finding new ways to help homeowners across the country upgrade their home in a way that is convenient for them.
DPD UK
As DPD UK makes big strides to meet its net zero 2040 goal, it began trialling autonomous robot deliveries in Milton Keynes to get parcels to where they need to be without generating emissions.
It was the first parcel delivery company in the UK to trial robots, demonstrating it commitment to being leaders in sustainability.
The trial has been a big success, with over 3,000 green deliveries being made and an accumulated 500 miles of travel. Now DPD UK is going further by expanding its robot deliveries to ten new towns and cities over 12 months.
EE
SAVY (Scan and Verify Yourself) implemented a digital customer identity verification solution that meant EE could quickly and simply scan a customer’s document and take a photo to complete verification more efficiently.
This helped reduce technology footprint whilst increasing security for customers by utilising the cameras on the in-store sales tablets.
It was the first use of this technology in a physical retail environment, utilising a commonly used digital journey. The journey gives the customer the option of doing it themselves or for store staff to do it on their behalf.
HyperFinity and Costa Coffee
HyperFinity helps retailers sell the right products, to the right people, for the right price using decision intelligence.
Over the last year, it has helped Costa Coffee use decision intelligence to unlock value from data by: Personalising the brand’s loyalty scheme ‘Costa Club’, using insights from customer data; Making intelligent operational decisions about their stores and product range.
This has led to considerable year-on-year growth in Costa’s loyalty base across all metrics - including consumers, transactions, and revenue. This translates to a more sophisticated understanding of consumers and the critical capability to deliver personalised offers and marketing, supporting better decision making.
MyCheckr
MyCheckr is a retail ready age estimation tool from Innovative Technology designed to assist during the sale of age restricted goods such as alcohol, tobacco or vapes.
Using AI powered biometric technology for age checks it works by analysing the customer’s facial features to establish their age. This standalone solution comes equipped with a camera and screen that can quickly detect a potential underage customer, all completely anonymously.
The unit clearly shows both the server and the customer if a manual ID check is recommended, turning green if the customer passes the age check, and red if they appear underage.
NewStore and Sweaty Betty
UK activewear brand Sweaty Betty modernised in-store systems with NewStore's mobile PoS to support the brand’s business growth.
NewStore's cloud-based, mobile first solution empowered sales associates with capabilities like mobile checkout and streamlined workflows for inventory and refunds. This resulted in a 75% increase in operational efficiency, faster transactions, and the flexibility to explore new minimalist store concepts.
The implementation enabled Sweaty Betty, which has grown from a small London boutique to over 70 stores across the UK and Ireland, to boost in-store engagement to an all time high. With NewStore, Sweaty Betty is positioned for continued expansion and success.
Pinnaca Retail Solutions and MINISO
Pinnaca has supported global lifestyle retailer MINISO since it opened its first UK store in 2019.
Through continued support, precision planning and excellent communication, it has supported its client in opening a head office and over 20 stores nationwide.
In addition to project managing the procurement and installation of technology and hardware, Pinnaca has implemented new IT solutions to support inventory management and sales and provided bespoke staff training to support attrition and retention.
It remains MINISO’s trusted IT partner and is on track to support it in delivering its ambitions of setting up an additional 30 stores by 2025.
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