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Smartphone distribution app to increase safety and speed in-store amid COVID-19
Client
The world’s leading retailer operating a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores and grocery stores
Industry
Retail
Services
Product Development, QA
Tech
Terraform, Docker, Azure CLI, Java 11, Maven, OAuth 2.0, Spring, Apache Airflow, Databricks, K8s, ADLS Gen2, Azure Cosmos DB, JanusGraph, Cassandra
Challenge
With the COVID-19 outbreak affecting daily operations in the retail sector, the client was looking for extended measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Retail associates were at an increased risk of exposure, having to check out shared-use devices at the back of the store to serve customers. Empowering them with personal smartphones giving access to the client’s app suite was a good way to enable them to do their job safer and even faster. The client needed an app to ensure a secure distribution and deployment of mobile technology among employees.
Specifically, our team took on the following challenges:
●
Build a web app that will act as an intermediary between the client’s phone supplier, an enterprise mobility management provider, and a package delivery service
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Connect the app to Apple’s Device Enrollment Program for the deployment of the devices
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Ensure the functionality experience equivalent to shared-use devices at the back of the store
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Protect associates’ private information on the company-issued phones
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Enable an automatic configuration of corporate apps on the devices
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Build an app within an extremely tight deadline - one month
Solution
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An Azure-based app built ahead of the client’s deadline that connects Apple’s enterprise retailer CDW, the AirWatch provider of enterprise mobility management software, and the United Parcel Service (UPS)
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Accessible from the client’s website, the app offers the employee two options: to go with the Bring Your Own Device program or fill in an order form for a company-issued smartphone
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Shipment status is updated via API call to UPS
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The phones are added to the client’s Apple Business Manager portal for automated enrollment in Apple’s Device Enrollment Program providing a fast way to deploy the devices without having to physically touch them
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The client’s core business apps are downloaded automatically based on the employee-relevant software profile via AirWatch after the activation of the device
Impact
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The solution has helped the client equip retail associates with personal smartphones in a fast and secure way so that they feel safer in the coronavirus situation
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An easy phone ordering process has driven adoption rates that are projected to reach 100,000 users
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Empowered with mobile technology, right in their pockets, associates have a 360 degree view of information at hand and can quickly check product details or available inventory, spending more time on the sales floor serving customers
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