Touch commerce is set to soar, but where is the manager’s runway?

GEAR UP and strap yourselves in – that’s the advice from a chief technology officer in the Australian pharmacy services sector – because the ‘touch commerce’ revolution is set for take-off this year.

Smart-device and mobile consumer purchases are predicted to spiral upwards of 150 percent worldwide this year, in countries such as Australia, financial services firm Deloitte predicted in its annual Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) report. 

But turning to smart devices in 2016 will be for more than just browsing a purchase.

With the report and current data tilting heavy on the ‘how’ of purchasing, managers still need to focus on the trending ‘what’ is being purchased – according to chief technology developer at PharmaData, Adam Gilmore – to prevent stalling and to make sure business growth has a smooth take-off for 2016.

“Managers want and need to be on top of overall seasonal trends for their community to make sure they cater to a diverse range of needs and meet store goals,” Mr Gilmore said.

“But being able to specifically identify the changes down to a particular product line can help lead strategies that respond to your consumers’ wants and needs throughout the day as well as the rest of the year.” 

He said since January 1 this year, the Australian pharmaceutical industry and consumers have experienced turbulence from the government initiative of the $1 co-payment discount within the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and de-listing of high demand medications such as codeine.

“The pharmacy owners and managers are weathering their own consumer trend storms, however unlike other industries, when they turn to their web browsers or smartphone for trend updates there needs to be an added level of patient care at all times,” Mr Gilmore said.

The high-level integrity of the data intelligence involved in the industry allows visualisations to identify and monitor local health trends by setting goals and adapting to change as it happens, Mr Gilmore said. In doing so, the interface helps managers train staff to understand consumer behaviour and increase their individual and interpersonal skills.

These refined operating systems, with positive user experience results from managers, could lead to all staff providing a more value-added experience for the consumer, he predicted.

Dell’s TMT predicts 50 million more regular users will become part of the touch commerce phenomenon in 2016, where consumers are already choosing to research and purchase items before leaving the comfort of their own home.

“The positive, value-added impression you leave on your consumers with specific insights into community trends, as well as the overall knowledge of ‘how’ they are purchasing, is sure to set you up for a smooth take-off into 2016,” Mr Gilmore said.

www.pharmadata.net.au

 ends

Contact Us

 

PO Box 2144
MANSFIELD QLD 4122