Mobile Sales Assistant - An NFC-Based Product Information System for Retailers

The Mobile Sales Assistant (MSA) is a mobile product information system for retailers based on a combination of Near Field Communication (NFC) and the Electronic Product Code (EPC). The MSA aims at optimizing the sales process in retail stores. It enables shop assistants to check the availability and stock information of products directly at the Point of Sale (PoS) with an NFC-enabled mobile phone. Thus, shop assistants can inform their customers without letting them wait, which might increase customer satisfaction and sales. This paper presents a prototype, which has been implemented for a clothing department store, and evaluates its acceptance with a focus group of shop assistants.