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.

Most modern tech comes with an inbuilt API, and VoCoVo is no exception. VoCoVo is designed for unlimited integrations with a wide range of smart devices.

What is an API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It refers to a piece of software that allows two devices to communicate. Think of it as an interpreter for devices that speak different languages. APIs also play an important role in security by controlling which information is shared between devices.

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 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 has created challenges for colleagues. Many self-checkout purchases require authorisation, meaning colleagues often rush between machines. Smart integration can make a big difference here:

• VoCoVo headsets can be linked to self-checkouts, allowing colleagues to receive notifications of the type of issue and which checkout needs attention.
• When authorisation is needed, colleagues get a notification to their headset, so they know exactly which order customers are waiting for—no need to rely on the flashing light above the till.
• A single colleague can oversee multiple positions, allowing team members to focus on 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 disrupt workflow. VoCoVo has 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 major issue for UK retailers. The most recent BRC Crime Survey found that stores lost £1.2 billion to thieves in 2020/21, an increase of £200 million from the previous year.

To help combat this, you need to support your security team as much as possible. This is where smart integration comes in:

• Security headset systems can be linked to smart CCTV cameras.
• When a camera spots something suspicious, an automated alert is sent to security colleague headsets.
• This allows colleagues to respond quickly, without triggering a public alarm.

4. Spot Suspicious Stock Depletion

As well as helping catch thieves in action, VoCoVo can help you spot the early signs of shoplifting:

• Headsets can be linked to smart shelving to flag up suspicious patterns of stock depletion.
• If a certain item is running out faster than expected, a warning message is sent to colleague headsets.
• This allows security colleagues to redeploy to cover the area.

5. Raise an Alarm Discreetly

Many stores still use a tannoy system to alert security to shoplifting incidents, but this poses a safety risk as criminals can see who’s making the announcement. Smart integration provides a safer option:

• Headsets can be linked to your existing tannoy system.
• Colleagues can trigger a store-wide alert at the push 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 a year. Some of this is unavoidable, but a significant proportion results from human error. Leaving fridge doors open or forgetting to restock shelves leads to unnecessary waste. Smart integration can help reduce this:

• Smart fridges can be linked to headsets. If a door is left open, an automated alert is sent to nearby colleagues. This allows action before food spoils.
• Smart shelving can notify colleagues when an item is running low, enabling efficient restocking and reducing waste.

Limitless Possibilities

Modern retailers use a wealth of technology to keep stores running smoothly. While some may still be sceptical about change, these people are now firmly in the minority. In recent years, both colleagues and customers have become increasingly tech-savvy:

• Two-thirds of customers believe that retail communication technology has improved in-store shopping.
• Half of colleagues say they would feel more empowered with better access to technology.
• By 2030, a third of all tasks on the shop floor will involve technology.

We could name dozens more examples, and this number will only grow. As new smart devices emerge, we’re confident that VoCoVo’s API will have no trouble integrating them into your ecosystem. VoCoVo headsets are the only headsets on the market that offer unlimited integrations, so the sky really is the limit!

Contact us today to find out more or to set up a free demo.