In modern retail, the number of networked devices is constantly increasing. Mobile data collection devices, sensors, self-service solutions and customer end devices all access wireless networks simultaneously. According to COSYS Ident GmbH, traditional Wi-Fi infrastructures are increasingly reaching their performance limits. In busy stores in particular, overloaded frequency bands can lead to delays in data transmission and thus impair logistical processes.
Data transmission bottleneck
In many retail environments, business applications and private end devices share the established 2.4 and 5 GHz ranges. This can result in increasing latency, interrupted connections or delayed synchronisation – for example, during inventory checks, price updates or goods receipt. Such effects have a direct impact on efficiency along the supply chain.
Additional spectrum with Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6E provides retailers with an extended frequency spectrum in the 6 GHz band. This is intended to reduce interference and create more capacity for data-intensive applications. For software solutions that rely on fast feedback from merchandise management or ERP systems, this results in more stable conditions.
In this context, COSYS refers to its applications for branch management, inventory and mobile processes. These are designed to synchronise data with platforms such as SAP or Microsoft Dynamics with as little delay as possible. In addition, hybrid online/offline concepts support continued work even when radio coverage fluctuates temporarily.
Interaction with modern hardware
In addition to the network infrastructure, the device technology used plays an important role. COSYS works with the latest mobile computers such as the Zebra TC27 and the Honeywell CT32, among others. Technologies such as OFDMA enable the parallel operation of many devices within a radio cell without compromising stability.
To reduce investment barriers, the company offers rental and service concepts including mobile device management. These include configuration, security updates and ongoing monitoring of device fleets.
Impact on operational key figures
A powerful and reliable radio infrastructure can support various core processes in retail. Rapidly available data helps to shorten throughput times in goods receipt, manage inventories more accurately and increase productivity on the shop floor. At the same time, interruptions caused by unstable connections can be avoided.
Infrastructure as a strategic factor
Looking ahead to future store concepts, it is clear that digital applications alone are not enough. Only the interaction of network, end devices and process software creates the conditions for end-to-end transparency and automated processes. Wi-Fi 6E is seen as a possible building block for developing stores into powerful hubs within digital supply chains.
This puts network technology more firmly in the spotlight of strategic investment decisions – as the basis for resilient and scalable retail processes.
