INSIGHTS & PERSPECTIVE

Mobile service that’s lacklustre in the digital era is not just an annoyance – it’s a business liability. Supermarket IT managers, data centre employees and logistics staff rely on strong in-building signal to fuel mission critical applications that range from real time inventory monitoring and payment processing to cloud-based monitoring and security operations.

 

How much downtime can your business afford?

For the retail industry, reliance on real-time transaction processing is crucial and bad mobile coverage inside buildings can result in:

Contactless payment failure – new POS machines are totally reliant on network coverage for NFC payments. A poor signal leads to failed transactions, unhappy customers and lost sales.

Self-Checkouts – most of these types of check-outs functions are based on a cloud authentication system which requires a good reliable connection. Loss of signal will increase customer drop-off rates and wait times.

Loyalty & app-based transactions take the hit – from mobile loyalty programs, digital vouchers as well as scan-to-pay, most retailers have incorporated them. Poor connections make it difficult for customers to take advantage of such promotions, reducing their interaction and loyalty to the company.

 

Data centre downtime – the impact of weak signal on IT operations

Data centres are the backbone of today’s enterprises, hosting cloud services, mission-critical applications, and edge computing. However, without consistent mobile connectivity, IT staff are up against:

• Disrupted remote monitoring & alerts – Data centres often rely on mobile-based out-of-band (OOB) management to remotely monitor power, cooling and security. Weak signal can cause such emergencies notifications to be delayed, resulting in possible downtimes or system crashes.
• Emergency communication breakdowns – IT organisations need to communicate in real-time with push notifications within secure communication channels for rapid response coordination. Without connection stability, these response times are diminished, upping the chances of longer periods of downtime.
• Minimal mobile workflows for field teams – Field based teams of engineers and facility professionals will use mobile devices to access everything from ticketing systems and maintenance logs to cloud-based configuration tools. Without reliable signal work is affected and efficiency suffers.

 

Logistical nightmare – when IoT connectivity lets you down

Today’s logistics and warehousing is all about automation, real-time tracking and smart inventory management. Unstable mobility connectivity can affect:

• IoT-enabled tracking systems – RFID scanners, GPS-enabled fleet tracking and inventory robots all depend on low-latency connections to track the arrival of shipments and to optimise warehouse workflows. A weak network can result in wrong stock levels and delays.
• Automated warehousing environments – the integration of robotic and AI-powered logistics solutions depends on a continuous data exchange to and from control centres. Low-quality connection can cause missions to halt or operate erratically.
• Driver & fleet communication disconnects – mobile alerts and logistics coordination apps can keep a warehouse on top of their operations. Poor mobile service can cause holdups, mistakes, and extra costs

 

How IT managers can address in-building connectivity problems

To ensure that data can travel easily between supermarkets, data centres and logistics hubs, IT managers need reliable, futureproof and scalable communication solutions.

 

DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) – Ensuring ubiquitous mobile connectivity

A DAS (distributed antenna system) system enhances signal throughout a building by providing a strong wireless signal across large facilities. Ideal for:

Retail & grocery – ensures mobile connection to the POS system, has the ability to quickly track in store inventory and assists customers Wi-Fi.

Datacentres – Guarantees the network is uninterrupted to provide access to monitoring tools, OOB management and secure communications.

Distribution centres – Offers blanket coverage in high-ceiling warehouses, guaranteeing real-time tracking for IoT devices and robotic automation.

 

Private 5g networks – powering high-speed wireless connection

A Private 5G Network is a dedicated mobile network that provides increased security, speed, and reliability. It’s the ideal solution for:

Retail – supports real-time analytics, digital price tags, and seamless checkout experiences.

Data centres – improves network segmentation, cybersecurity, as well as AI-driven infrastructure monitoring.

Logistics hubs – drives autonomous forklifts, AI-assisted order fulfilment and real-time supply chain transparency.

 

Neutral host networks (NHNs) – future-proofing multi-operator access

A Neutral Host Network (NHN) is a mobile network infrastructure shared by multiple mobile carriers that facilitates the provision of uniform service within an area

– Retailers can have a single solution that enables customer engagement, contactless payments, and staff communications over any mobile network.

– Multiple data centres require a robust, reliable network to avoid downtime due to carrier outages.

– Hubs receive blanket, reliable coverage for all employees and IoT devices, enabling shift away from Wi-Fi-dependent operations.

 

Is Your IT Infrastructure Future Ready?

The price of poor connectivity is too steep to be ignored. IT administrators need to be proactive in creating an environment with crucial mobile coverage and the network resiliency for the business.

At Pan RF we are experts in the design and implementation of bespoke mobile coverage systems for retail, data centres and logistics.

Talk to Pan RF today!