The answer to that is quite simple: NO. The possible applications for iBeacon technology are endless, the only real problem is creating and maintaining them. So let’s see what you can do with these local devices and how.
Beacons are small devices that extend the reach of the network, by sending Bluetooth signals that can be easily understood by your phone. What the iBeacon technology actually does is give your phone the ability to see where it is. Now that your client’s phone knows that they are in your shop, what are you going to do? Offer them a 2-for-1 ? Well yes, you could do that or many more things.
As Beacons need a Management system that can remotely update and check the device and its data, it has to connect to some type of network. Meaning a digital place where it could send out information or take it back when needed. As ibeacon technology can, through the individual beacons ID, map out your entire chain store network , it creates a real network of locations that can acquire information from the phones of your clients .Their phones also have IDs in order for your beacon to connect to them.
So basically their phones receive the power of sight in order to know where the client has arrived and you obtain a clearer perspective on your clients buying process. And the great part is that you can keep all this information as big data you acquired through your iBeacon technology.
Just for offering coupons such a technology would never trully be worth it. But its potential in marketing is much higher. You could track back how many times a potential customer has visited your stores, which stores and maybe even which aisles. When you have all this information it’s easy to give him the content he needs about the products he cares about.
You can also create a simple walk-through of your store for new comers. Presenting where everything can be found and creating a new lasting enjoyable experience for them, will be the first incentive to make the want to come again.
One common problem in huge stores is that when you need some in-store personnel it takes forever to find one. The iBeacon technology can solve that problem: when you find yourself in need of assistance tapping a button on your app can make the staff aware of your location and send someone to help with the task at hand.
Reading about iBeacon technology might tempt you to believe that it’s a marketing device all the way. But it doesn’t have to be. Imagine castle tours where the guide can be the voice of a ghost, directly on your phone. They could even gather families back together at amusement parks. iBeacon technology can help at public administration institutes by directing you to the right offices.
It’s all about the location information that can be collected and used differently than ever before.
