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Category: Smartphones & Gadgets

  • Connected and compliant banking tech: 4 ways to strengthen connected device security

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    Banks must manage an ever-growing number of connected devices, from smartphones and tablets to printers and scanners.

    Connected devices are becoming more common because they help bank employees remain productive, whether it’s wearable devices that enable them to communicate from anywhere within the branch or a smartphone that allows them to securely access internal marketing collateral when meeting with a commercial banking customer off-site.

    As banking tech advances and more devices connect to their networks, banks need effective ways to protect these devices and the sensitive data they handle. Here are four ways to secure banking technology and strengthen connected device security.

    1. Implement stronger authentication

    Weak passwords are often an easy entry point for hackers. Stolen, weak or reused passwords account for over 80% of data breaches.

    To minimize this risk, banks must implement more effective authentication protocols. This can include stronger multi-factor authentication (MFA) and even passwordless authentication methods, such as biometric-based authentication via fingerprint scanning or passkeys that replace traditional passwords, location-based authentication in branches or at an employee’s verified address to confirm their identity, and one-time password tokens that expire after a short period.

    Many financial institutions have either a Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy — or both. Strengthening authentication can help banks maintain these policies and better support digital tools that enhance employee productivity without jeopardizing enterprise security.

    2. Focus on network segmentation

    Gone are the days when organizations rely on flat networks. Rather than connecting all devices and systems to a single network, many organizations are now segmenting their networks to make it more difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access.

    Banks can do this with connected devices, isolating this traffic to a sub-network and separating it from their core banking systems. Network segmentation can improve real-time monitoring, streamline the enforcement of security policies, and strengthen access management to ensure that only authorized bank employees have access to specific systems related to their role. Network segmentation can also limit banks’ exposure in the event of a breach, allowing them to contain malware and other malicious threats to one part of their network to remediate the issue faster and avoid significant business disruption.

    3. Make regular firmware and software updates

    This might seem basic, but to properly secure banking technology, banks must ensure they run the latest firmware and software versions on all their connected devices. Many vendors regularly release patches to address security vulnerabilities, bug fixes that can improve their solutions’ reliability, updates that strengthen regulatory compliance, and new features that improve employee productivity.

    These updates are valuable from a performance and security perspective, helping banks strengthen their defenses against emerging threats. Banks can create a monthly or quarterly schedule for regular firmware and software updates and use automated tools to streamline them across their devices and systems.

    4. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems

    With more endpoints connecting to their networks, banks need a centralized way to monitor and manage connected devices and other banking tech continuously. An endpoint detection and response system (EDR) gives them this capability.

    EDR systems can help banks detect threats, quickly respond to incidents and strengthen security. These systems facilitate real-time threat detection, allowing banks to quickly identify and address suspicious behavior on their networks, like a user accessing a system from an unknown location. They can also gather data to identify patterns of user and system behavior, allowing banks to pinpoint emerging threats. If a bank does experience a breach, EDR systems are effective for incident response management. They provide automated tools that help banks isolate and contain a threat before it can infiltrate other systems.

    Connected devices have become a core part of banking operations, but as their use grows, banks need to adapt their security strategy to safeguard core systems. From stronger authentication methods and network segmentation to staying on top of updates and implementing EDR systems, banks can adopt a multi-faceted approach to strengthen connected device security, maintain compliance and ensure employees have all the digital tools they need to be productive and better serve customers.

    Looking for a solution to strengthen connected device security? Contact us today and learn how Samsung Knox can protect your data from the most advanced security threats.

  • How technology in team training facilities can boost performance and success

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    In collegiate and professional sports, success begins at a foundational level. Making a winning team also requires technology. An impressive, advanced stadium is a big part of this, but it’s not the only one. For championship caliber performance, the team training facilities — the true home of athletes and coaching staff — can be just as important, if not more. Training facilities are not only the center of daily operations, but also where athletes and support staff spend most of their time. So it’s critical to create the best possible environment for preparation, practice and recovery.

    That’s why investing in the right technology for your training center can make all the difference to success on the field and off, as it offers significant returns in productivity, brand power, revenue — and success. Here’s how.

    Attracting top talent with training technology

    Innovative technology is setting new standards in training excellence. As a result, it’s become a major factor in attracting five-star recruits and free agents. Teams can create cutting-edge player locker rooms that offer more than a place to hang cleats. Luxury seating, in-locker TVs and integrated relaxation areas with wall-to-wall Samsung Pro TVs create an environment where players can unwind and stay focused. When combined with performance displays and individually tailored content for each space, the environment becomes a home for growth and success.

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    There’s also an opportunity to increase performance through visual data. The screens can present data harvested from wearables and other sources to give players insight into their performance, especially where they succeed and fail. This, then, makes training sessions more personalized, immersive and effective.

    Coaches can take advantage of display technology, such as interactive whiteboards, which enable them to digitally edit and annotate videos or slides, as well as collaborate on game plans and strategy. Meanwhile, fine pitch LED Displays, help improve training by clearly presenting team performance, plays and analytics in high definition. This tech-savvy approach provides the tools for teams to visualize complex statistics and data like never before — and respond accordingly.

    Boosting performance on and off the field

    Technology doesn’t just help recruit top athletes, it also enhances off-the-field performance by creating a workplace that attracts and supports top-tier staff. Coaches and athletic directors, just like players, need the right tools to perform better at higher levels. High-tech environments play a key role in this, too. With 4K UHD Samsung Pro TVs — from desktop to wall-sized display options — in coaches’ offices, strategy and analysis become clearer and more effective.

    Branding and team identity is also a big part of creating the winning culture. In player lounges and dining areas, high resolution 4K screens can display games, training content, tactical insights and team messaging, keeping athletes immersed in a winning mindset even during downtime. Additionally, high-definition displays in meeting rooms, auditoriums and rehab centers allow athletes and staff to dive deep into game plans and training regimens wherever they are.

    In outdoor spaces, specially designed bright displays, such as Samsung XRB Series can be used to simulate in-game scenarios, phases, drills and analyze performance data in real time. For example, baseball players can understand batting metrics like exit velocity and launch angle by syncing training equipment with the high-definition screens.

    Setting teams up for success

    Investing in high-tech headquarters and training facilities sets a team up for long-term success. That’s because it enhances all aspects of the organization — from the front office to coaching staff to the athletes. From displaying daily schedules and nutritional information to creating spaces for focus, technology helps support a culture of continuous improvement. It creates an environment that offers players and coaches alike much of what they need for a winning season.

    That extends to the fans, too. When high-tech facilities double as event or tour spaces, it enhances the connections between the team and their supporters at the games, boosting the cheers in the stands and energy on the field. Plus, the best digital technology offers fans more opportunities to interact with the team and inspire their performance.

    A culture of success

    The investment in cutting-edge display technology elevates the team training facility, transforming it into a hub of achievement. A tech-powered training facility is not just about keeping up with trends. It’s about creating the optimal culture of success. That’s attractive to both the top talents of today — and tomorrow.

    Learn more about the ways sports venues are using digital signage to drive revenue and enhance the fan experience. Also read this free case study about how Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is taking the fan experience to the next level with Samsung display technology.

  • Increase workplace engagement and performance with a digital employee recognition board

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    A healthy workplace is a satisfied workplace. When employees feel supported and appreciated, they transmit that to customers, who respond with more shopping and return business. This, in turn, improves staff retention, stability and efficiency, not to mention saving the cost of seeking, hiring and training a new employee.

    Unfortunately, many employers struggle to engage and motivate employees. A study by Workhuman showed that more than half of employees felt under or unvalued at work. That has real consequences, as McKinsey revealed the top two reasons employees quit are not feeling valued by their organizations and managers. This is where technology — especially a digital display — can help turn the tide by offering new opportunities to recognize and celebrate your employees’ hard work. Here’s how.

    Recognition creates a more satisfied, loyal workforce

    When an employee gives 110% but receives no recognition, chances are they won’t make the effort again. On the flip side, even a few kudos can go a long way toward inspiring even more effort. That’s important because research suggests that companies with high employee engagement see a 23% increase in profitability. Some of that comes from the reduced absenteeism seen in employers with high engagement, pegged at a 78% difference in Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace report. That translates to real money. Unscheduled absences cost employers up to $3,600 per hourly worker annually and $2,500 per salaried worker, revealed a 2024 report by Circadian.

    Recognizing associates boosts morale and encourages a positive culture of support and inclusion. Employee recognition display boards create a dynamic and vibrant way to celebrate your team’s achievements, especially when combined with a robust content management system (CMS).

    Samsung VXT combines cutting-edge displays with a full-force CMS

    Installing a digital display only gets you halfway toward impactful recognition. It takes a CMS, such as the cloud-based Samsung VXT, to achieve the goals. Here’s how Samsung VXT makes an ideal choice for your employee recognition board ideas.

    1. High-resolution LED display: Powerful recognition requires a top-level LED display — including Samsung’s All-in-One IAC Series — to render vibrant, clear visuals that capture attention and make recognized moments stand out. Displays lacking Samsung models’ resolution and color precision may underwhelm those digital recognitions.
    2. Cloud-based CMS: With Samsung VXT, your team can manage content and easily make updates from anywhere. This means you can upload new posts, update information quickly and keep the board fresh and engaging. It also means you can recognize achievements quickly — even within moments. Many others lack the comprehensive CMS capabilities of Samsung VXT, making content management more cumbersome.
    3. Seamless integration: The Samsung VXT integrates smoothly with many corporate data systems. This makes pushing employee information and achievements into the display easy. The automation saves time and ensures accuracy. Other systems don’t offer the same level of integration, which necessitates tedious manual updates and error corrections.
    4. Interactive features: Touch-enabled screens and interactive elements make the recognition display board more engaging. Employees can leave messages, vote for peer awards, and view profiles of recognized colleagues. The Content Journey Map also allows you to see the screen list that has published the content and the workspaces to which the content has been shared.
    5. Reliable support: Samsung provides access to certified technicians and robust customer support, ensuring your display system and employee recognitions run smoothly. Samsung VXT’s new chatbot feature offers a live chat with the Samsung help desk so you can resolve any questions. Samsung digital display experts are also brimming with better and brighter recognition board ideas for your workplace.

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    Setting up your employee recognition board

    Setting up your Samsung digital display as an employee recognition display board is remarkably easy. These step-by-step instructions will get you started.

    1. Evaluate your needs: Determine your display’s size and placement. Consider high-traffic areas like a lobby, break room or elevator where employees can easily see the board.
    2. Choose the right display: Select a Samsung display that suits your needs, considering elements like resolution, size, colorscape, interactivity, digital tools and budget.
    3. Set up a CMS: With the Samsung VXT, your team can upload and manage content easily. You can create templates for different recognition types, such as employee of the month, project milestones, peer-to-peer shout-outs, promotions, and birthdays and anniversaries.
    4. Integrate with other systems: To automate data updates, integrate your CMS with human resources and corporate databases. Integration enables seamless updates and keeps displayed information current, recognitions included.
    5. Engage your team: Encourage employee participation by asking associates to nominate their peers for recognition and to leave comments. Also, use the interactive features to create a more engaging experience.
    6. Make it routine: To maintain engagement and interest, make recognition on the digital displays routine, celebrating achievements big and small.

    Creating a grateful — and recognized — workforce

    Installing a Samsung digital display as an employee recognition board can improve workplace culture. Celebrating people’s achievements shows them that you value their work, which can lead to greater job satisfaction, performance and profit. Not only does a positive environment boost morale in your current employees, but it may attract new talent who want to work for people who value them.

    A Samsung digital display with a CMS is more than a tool. It’s an investment in your employees’ happiness and organization’s success. Ready to transform your workplace? Learn more about Samsung VXT and begin creating your own culture of recognition today. Also, learn how The Wall All-in-One is changing how businesses use LED displays.

  • 5 tips for shaping a technology-first stadium of the future

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    As sports evolve with the integration of technology, so too can the venues that house them. With today’s fans expecting much more from a live event, outdated stadiums with slow entry, crowded concourses, long lines at concessions and rudimentary scoreboards need a new playbook.

    The stadium of the future must offer more than just a seat at the game. It needs to be a seamless experience that can attract audiences away from the competition of home cinema setups and the comfort of the couch. With the help of technology, venues can be transformed into a high-tech havens — smart stadiums — designed to enhance the fan experience that cannot be found at home.

    This investment in technology can return immersive environments filled with cutting-edge digital displays, dynamic audio systems and state-of-the-art management platforms to streamline operations.

    The shift to a tech-first stadium will elevate the event experience and also help attract bigger crowds, more revenue and better talent. Ultimately, it creates a home that can truly support winning performances on and off the field.

    1. Design the fan journey

    The fan experience begins the moment they arrive at the venue. A well-considered, seamless journey can be streamlined with the right technology.

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    Digital signage plays a crucial role. Samsung’s digital LED displays used by operators for wayfinding systems can direct fans to nearby parking lots, show available spaces with electric vehicle charging points, then helpfully guide the thousands of visitors to entry gates with the shortest lines.

    At security gates, Samsung Kiosks enable fans to scan their digital tickets via their mobile devices, offering a contactless and streamlined entry process. Clear wayfinding directions combined with faster entry reduce overcrowding caused by bottlenecks and improve safety, ensuring fans spend less time queuing and more time enjoying the event.

    Inside the stadium, operators can use digital wayfinding screens to guide fans to their seats, concessions and fan zones, ensuring smooth crowd flow throughout the venue.

    Concessions and stores themselves have also evolved. Using Samsung Kiosks, they redefine how fans order food and merchandise. The touchscreen displays present the full menu and let fans order and pay quickly and conveniently. This not only reduces wait times but increases turnover as more customers can be served in less time. For stadium operators, this creates a more efficient staffing model and a higher rate of customer throughput.

    The magic doesn’t stop at concessions. Within the bowl of the stadium, the next generation of digital scoreboards, center-hung systems, ribbon boards and video screens create an immersive viewing experience. The high-resolution 4K displays present pin-sharp replays, live action and stats prominently displayed so that fans never miss a second of the action. Modern venues are pushing design boundaries with innovative products like giant videoboards, curved displays, and even world-first, dual-sided technology, as seen at SoFi. These innovations ensure that fans never miss a moment of the action, no matter where they are seated.

    When it’s time to leave, Samsung’s high-nit, 4K resolution Pro TV panels guide fans safely to the exits. In the event of an emergency, these displays provide clear instructions, ensuring fans can exit quickly and safely.

    2. Deploy a trusted content management system

    Managing a stadium-wide digital ecosystem may sound daunting, but with the right content management system (CMS), it’s easier than ever. Samsung’s MagicINFO provides operators with an all-in-one platform to control everything from menu boards to the main scoreboard. This system allows operators to create, schedule, and publish content across multiple displays with just a few clicks.

    Beyond just managing what fans see, MagicINFO helps operators make data-driven decisions. For example, smart sensors placed throughout the stadium can gather data on crowdflow, hotspots and foot traffic, or provide valuable insights into fan behavior. Using this, operators can strategically place partner activations where the most people will see it or position concessions in high-demand areas. MagicINFO helps maximize revenue generation opportunities while improving the overall efficiency of the venue.

    The centralized solution connects the stadium’s IPTV technology and teams, making it easier to monitor performance and automate routine tasks, saving time and resources.

    3. Leverage sponsorships to offset cost of investment

    The benefits of investing in a digital upgrade far outweigh the costs. Modern, tech-driven stadiums open the door to a variety of sponsorship opportunities that can offset initial outlay. With more display real estate than ever, stadiums can offer brands a wealth of advertising packages, from small spots on scoreboards to activations on video walls or even full-scale stadium takeovers.

    A maxed-out stadium experience also encourages fans to arrive early and stay longer. As fans spend more time inside the venue, the opportunities for revenue generation increase at bars, concessions or merchandise stores.

    VIP hospitality is also a big business, with modern venues upping offerings of premium seating and lounges. Samsung’s LED display technology can elevate these spaces, offering the most discerning guests a high-end experience that matches their expectations and helping drive sales.

    The return on investment of an advanced ecosystem of technology not only is a game-changer for the fan experience, but also the possibilities are excitingly endless for advertising activity.

    4. Enhance physical experiences through digital tech

    Fans don’t just want to watch a game — they want to be part of it. Technology can create interactive, digital experiences that connect fans to the event in new ways. For example, social media integration allows fans to post messages or photos that are then displayed on massive screens during game breaks. This level of engagement makes fans feel like they are part of the action, creating memorable moments that can only be experienced at the stadium.

    Stadiums can also use digital technology to streamline in-seat ordering, allowing fans to order food or merchandise directly from their mobile devices and have it delivered to their seats. This convenience keeps fans engaged in the game and reduces time spent away from the action.

    Augmented and virtual reality are also becoming game-changers in stadium technology. With AR, fans can access player stats or even see alternate camera angles of the game by using their mobile devices. This type of immersive experience is another reason for fans to choose live events over watching at home.

    5. Find the right technology partner

    From the moment fans arrive to the second they leave, technology can make a gameday something truly special. Thanks to the advancement in state-of-the-art technologies, the stadium of the future is here.

    With Samsung’s full suite of digital solutions, stadium owners can provide seamless, immersive environments where fans can engage with both the sport and the technology in unique ways. This digital transformation levels up the fan experience but has further benefits of boosting revenue, streamlining operations and future-proofing the stadium for long-term success.

    Find out how you can revamp or build new venues to ensure you maximize your investment for years to come in this free guide. And discover Samsung’s full lineup of innovative venue displays designed to enhance live events and sports.

  • Better together: building Zero Trust security into federal mobility

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    Increasingly sophisticated and targeted cybersecurity threats and the consequent risk to national and economic security have led to a government effort to modernize its cybersecurity practices and create trust in digital systems. As first outlined in the May 2021 Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity and reinforced in the 2024 Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) Operational Cybersecurity Alignment (FOCAL) Plan, a central focus of these ongoing efforts is a move toward Zero Trust architecture.

    The basics of Zero Trust

    Zero Trust is a cybersecurity model based on one simple principle – no user or device can be trusted by default. It recognizes that a secure perimeter no longer exists and applies the same scrutiny to every access request, whether it originates from inside or outside the network. Simple in principle, but challenging in practice, Zero Trust requires a system that is designed to:

    1. verify every identity and device connecting to the network explicitly;
    2. always assume the possibility of breach;
    3. enforce least privilege access; and,
    4. continuously monitor for and take action against abnormal or malicious activity.

    This requires an end-to-end security approach that touches every endpoint and encompasses a mix of tools and capabilities from enhanced identity and access management to integrated security automation and orchestration.

    Zero-trust security is not an end state but a journey. Agencies are grappling with cybersecurity and navigating a broader digital transformation as they strive to reach IT modernization goals and support an increasingly mobile and distributed workforce. As these efforts progress, we expect to see an increasing focus on extending Zero Trust principles across more elements of the digital infrastructure, including the mobile computing environment.

    Zero Trust security in a mobile world

    The move toward a Zero Trust architecture places new demands on endpoint security in the mobile environment. At a high level, it requires the ability to evaluate and protect the identity and behavior of both the user and the device, as well as precisely manage access to network resources. Fortunately, much of this capability already exists, and many agencies have started to lay the groundwork needed to align their mobile security strategy to Zero Trust principles.  

    At Samsung, Knox is the cornerstone of our security efforts and the foundation for our support for Zero Trust architecture. Samsung Knox combines a defense-grade security platform built into Samsung devices from the chip up with a comprehensive set of cloud-based solutions that enable IT administrators to secure, deploy and manage devices to meet their Zero Trust goals. Since its introduction in 2013, Knox has secured over 2 billion Samsung devices and is used to manage over 150 million devices.1 Knox has successfully met the rigorous security requirements set by governments and major enterprises around the world, including Common Criteria and FIPS 140-22.

    Samsung Knox provides federal agencies with a foundation to extend their Zero Trust architecture to the mobile environment in alignment with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) guidance on Applying Zero Trust Principles to Enterprise Mobility.

    Key examples of Samsung Knox support for Zero Trust principles include:

    • User identity: Zero Trust requires ongoing verification of users beyond initial log-in to ensure that access rights are continuously appropriate. For example, imagine a federal law enforcement officer puts their phone down briefly during an active field investigation. If a bad actor quickly picks up that phone while the officer is logged in, there is a risk that the phone could be used to access sensitive agency data. However, with continuous authentication from Samsung Knox, the phone can detect that the person using the device is not a legitimate user and can automatically lock itself before wider network access is granted. Samsung Knox supports this need with its multi-factor authentication framework that allows for the regular collection and interpretation of data to authenticate user identity.
    • Device health: In Zero Trust, the identity and health of the device must be verified before network access is granted. This is an area where the chip-level, built-in security from Samsung Knox provides a significant advantage. For example, Knox can provide trusted boot and Device Health Attestation to verify that only Samsung-authorized platform software components are running on the device and to confirm device integrity. Further, in partnership with Microsoft, Samsung offers an on-device, mobile hardware-backed attestation solution that works equally well on enterprise-managed and consumer devices, an essential capability for agencies with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies.
    • Secure network access: Even after network access is granted, Zero Trust principles require that access be precisely managed. For example, enforcing least privilege can significantly limit the impact of a breach even if a bad actor or malicious insider is able to connect to the network. By ensuring agency employees have access to only the apps and data appropriate to their roles and clearance, agencies can eliminate opportunities for unnecessary or malevolent lateral movement and reduce the risk of data compromise. Samsung Knox Platform for Enterprise3 provides several essential features to achieve strong local isolation and tighter control over enterprise apps and data. Further, Cisco Secure Access is supported on select Galaxy smartphones and tablets to allow organizations to enforce Zero Trust access policies and facilitate least privilege access to apps via granular, app-specific permissions.

    Opportunities for the future

    As we look toward the future of federal Zero Trust initiatives, opportunities exist for tighter integration between mobile security platforms and security information and event management (SIEM); extended detection and response (XDR); and security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) platforms. At their core, these solutions help security detection and response teams maintain visibility into all aspects of the network, identify and analyze threats and, when possible, speed time to remediation through automation. Extending the breadth of these tools with deeper integration into the mobile security stack will open a number of possibilities in mobile threat intelligence and advance security automation.

    The move toward a Zero Trust security architecture signals a significant transformation in how we think about security, and especially how we extend protection to the endpoint. However, it is a challenge that agencies and their industry partners are prepared to meet, and many aspects of current mobile security and device management tools and platforms provide federal agencies with a solid foundation for success. Strengthening the integration between mobile security, endpoint management and enterprise security platforms under the principles of Zero Trust presents an immense opportunity to work together to positively impact the security of the digital infrastructure that powers the government and its missions.

    Learn more about Samsung’s secure, reliable and compliant government technology solutions.

    1NOTE this is on About Knox page with no additional citation: https://www.samsungknox.com/en/about-knox

    2For the full list of Knox certifications, please visit https://www.samsungknox.com/en/knox-platform/knox-certifications

    3Requires separate license

  • How digital transformation helps small businesses grow

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    It’s a vision that appeals to every small business owner — one in which the technology they choose works exactly as expected and achieves the intended goals. Software and hardware are perfectly integrated, functioning like a cohesive team. No sudden glitches or breakdowns bring business processes to a halt. Not only does the technology support the kind of customer experiences that keep people coming back, but it also makes staff feel empowered.

    The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to turn this vision into a reality. Most small businesses are figuring out those steps right now through digital transformation.

    For example, according to data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 81% of small businesses plan to increase their technology use in the coming year. More than three-quarters (77%) are specifically looking at emerging technologies. Best of all, 79% say technology has helped them avoid raising customer prices.

    One of the best ways to advance digital transformation is by getting hands-on with products that can have a tangible impact on the business. Samsung is making that easier than ever by holding a giveaway this month where the winner will get the easy-to-implement BED-H Series 4K Business Pro TV as part of its Celebrate Small Business event and Small Business Saturday.

    Pro TVs and displays are critical in bringing digital transformation to life. When used strategically, they enable you to:

    1. Draw traffic from the outside

    Once customers step inside your store or restaurant, there are ample opportunities to engage them with attractively designed product imagery and via employees who provide expert assistance. The challenge is often getting them to cross the threshold in the first place.

    How to plan and deploy direct view LED signage

    Everything you need to know about choosing your LED displays for optimal viewing indoors and out.
    Download Now

    Digital window displays provide an opportunity to go beyond static signage. They’re a means to combine photos, videos and text to turn customers’ heads and convince them to step in. This approach allows you to extend your messaging so that it’s inviting but informative, setting the stage for what they’ll experience when they visit.

    With dual-sided displays, you effectively double the potential to showcase your products, advertise special promotions and boost overall brand visibility indoors and out.

    2. Use content to inform, educate and convert

    The stories you tell using indoor signage can help people at every stage of the customer journey. This includes assisting them in discovering which products they should buy, teaching them about key features and anything else they need to know to feel confident about their purchases.

    Menu boards, for example, can outline what meals a restaurant has available and the ingredients behind them, nutritional information, and details about flavor. Other indoor signage displays can shine a bigger spotlight on your most glowing reviews and testimonials, capture what customers say about your brand on social media and introduce customers to your star employees.

    Of course, sales and special discounts will always draw customers’ eyes toward a digital display, as will content that gives them tips on using products and complementary items they could add to their orders.

    3. Simplify purchases

    When customers spend time with you, the bulk of it should be spent browsing products or enjoying a meal, not trying to track down hard-to-find items or standing in line to pay.

    This is why digital transformation often includes efforts to provide self-service capabilities. Customers can save time when they’re equipped with tools that let them look up products and pricing or place orders themselves rather than flagging down an employee.

    By setting up self-service kiosks, for example, small businesses empower customers with a simple but effective way to quickly pay for purchases with just a few taps on a touchscreen. More people are becoming familiar with the standard steps in paying through a kiosk daily, which means they will likely become a standard expectation among consumers.

    4. Manage it all in one place

    The technology small businesses use can be powerful, but digital transformation should be simple. In other words, you want solutions that are easy to use and can be set up in an easy, plug-and-play fashion.

    You also want to ensure you have a content management system (CMS) that streamlines the process of changing or updating the content you feed to window displays, indoor signage, menu boards and kiosks. With Samsung VXT, for example, you can not only remotely manage signage but schedule content to be displayed — like a sale or a featured menu item — on a particular date and time. VXT also takes the effort out of creating content and synchronizing it across all your devices.

    Finally, technology should provide a clear line of sight into what’s happening in your small business, even when you or your team members can’t be out front all the time. Setting up monitors in back office areas can help you track what customers see, make adjustments and tap into internal applications.

    Small businesses that succeed with digital transformation can act with greater agility, be more responsive to customers, and are better able to support their employees. From there, the growth path becomes as clear as anything you’ll put on inside signage or a window display.

    Discover how Samsung’s Pro TV can help elevate your small business. And don’t miss the “Samsung Celebrates Big Ideas, Small Businesses” live Q&A session focused on empowering small businesses with the latest tech-driven solutions on Wednesday, November 20, and get your chance to win a Samsung Pro TV.

  • Under pressure? How tech can enhance employee wellness in financial services

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    To better navigate an increasingly competitive and experience-driven market, financial services companies seek to stand out by investing in their most valuable asset — their people. Employees foster organizational culture, forge lasting customer relationships and navigate the challenges of delivering modern financial services products. Their success drives business growth and fuels competitive advantage.

    However, banking and insurance companies face important workforce-related challenges. Competition for employees is expected to grow. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, over the next 15 years, 50% of the insurance workforce is forecasted to reach retirement age. In banking, employee retention is a significant challenge given the industry’s reputation for high-pressure environments and long hours. Frontline employees -– those in customer-facing roles such as branch tellers and contact center agents — are especially struggling with stress and burnout. According to Gartner, Inc., nearly 30% say they are actively looking for roles in other firms and nearly 40% say they are working too hard. To address these workforce challenges, financial services firms are expanding their efforts to empower, support and retain employees with innovative new programs focused on promoting employee wellness.

    A holistic approach to employee wellness

    While fitness and nutrition are often the first things people think about when they hear the term “wellness,” forward-thinking companies are taking a more holistic look at the overall employee experience. Amidst growing awareness around mental health and the developing understanding of the relationship between employee well-being and workplace success, companies are finding new ways to support their teams.

    As part of this effort, financial services companies are reexamining how they can use technology to streamline the delivery of wellness programs, increase employee engagement, and measure impact. Some examples of technology-focused wellness initiatives include fitness gamification, support for flexible working arrangements, and the growing adoption of assisted intelligence (AI) tools to enhance the workday experience.

    Fitness gamification sparks interest in wearables

    Fitness gamification continues to be a popular method for encouraging increased physical activity among staff. For example, team step count competitions promote participation and foster camaraderie. Individual challenges, especially those tied to rewards and incentives, are also popular among employees.

    To ensure these fitness-centered activities are inclusive, many companies provide employees with wearables, such as smartwatches, fitness rings and other fitness trackers. These devices help them monitor their progress, participate in challenges and connect with colleagues for further motivation and encouragement.

    Providing employees with wearables has advantages beyond step-tracking competitions. According to Deloitte’s Connected Consumer Survey 2023, 69% percent of those who own smartwatches and fitness trackers say the devices improve their fitness, and 64% say they improve their health. Wearables empower employees to take charge of their health both at work and at home by helping them track physical activity, sleep patterns and cardiovascular fitness, as well as gain an understanding of how these factors combine to impact their physical and mental readiness.

    Support flexible work arrangements with advanced mobility solutions

    Today’s workers are no longer bound to their desks and can do great work in or out of the office. They want convenience, comfort and the ability to support customers effectively in the field. Efforts to provide flexible working arrangements and enhance mobile fieldwork can promote work-life balance, reduce stress and foster a positive work environment. Advanced mobility solutions mobilize the workforce while fostering collaboration, productivity and positive outcomes for the business and its employees. Today’s enterprise mobility solutions provide the tools necessary to power remote work while also managing risk and meeting the compliance requirements of the highly regulated financial services environment.

    Productivity-enhancing technologies enhance employee satisfaction

    Rapid advancements in technology, including the development of assisted intelligence (AI) capabilities, are poised to have a profound impact on the way work gets done. According to McKinsey & Company, they have the potential to automate work activities that absorb 60% to 70% of employees’ time today. For example, today’s mobile devices can include on-device, intelligent assistance tools that help streamline time-consuming administrative tasks like web research, transcribing notes and creating meeting summaries. By reducing time spent on these types of tedious activities, employees can focus both their time and energy on more productive, collaborative and creative tasks while maintaining a positive work-life balance that supports their overall well-being.

    As more banking and insurance firms explore ways to empower their workforces to thrive in today’s modern financial service landscape, corporate wellness programs are expected to grow more holistic and expansive. Advanced mobile technology solutions will be essential in helping corporate wellness initiatives become more practical, engaging, measurable and inclusive to positively impact employees and the business.

    Would you like to learn more about how Samsung can help you with your corporate wellness initiatives? Contact one of our team members today.

  • 4 reasons small businesses should invest in a Pro TV

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    Most small businesses rely on the same standard equipment. You might buy tables and chairs for customers to sit, for example, and desks for those working in the back office. A point of sale (POS) system is essential for handling purchases, and mobile devices keep team members connected and productive. It’s the small business owners investing in a Pro TV, however, who truly see the big picture.

    Whether you place them in a lobby, breakout room or throughout a restaurant, the easy-to-implement Pro TVs offer a fast, consistent way to convey critical information to customers and employees alike. This includes details about your products, services and content that informs, educates and inspires them.

    As part of its Celebrate Small Business event and Small Business Saturday, Samsung is holding a “Samsung Celebrates Big Ideas, Small Businesses” Live with Sukhmani Mohta and Ramon Ray.

    These are just a few examples of how Pro TVs like the BED-H Series can help you achieve some of the most common small business goals:

    1. Increase revenue

    Customers often come into a retail store knowing what they want, but they might not know everything else you can provide them.

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    While browsing store aisles or waiting to be seated at a restaurant, a Pro TV is an ideal touchpoint to promote other products, featured meals and complementary items they could add to their order. It’s an easy way to cross-sell and upsell that feels natural and helpful to customers.

    A Pro TV can also deliver greater results for marketing campaigns based on special promotions. Everyone likes to save money, and all it takes is a glance at a nearby screen to see opportunities where customers can get a discount or participate in a flash sale.

    Running ads from third parties on a Pro TV, meanwhile, is one way to drive additional revenue. Many small businesses have partners or non-competitive firms in their industry ecosystem that value the reach they can get through your TV screens.

    2. Save time

    Your focus should always be on growing your business, not getting mired in the minutia of installing and managing the equipment you operate within it. Every hour spent browsing manuals and looking up tutorial videos to set up a TV, for instance, is an hour you could be spending providing more value to your customers.

    Fortunately, Pro TVs such as Samsung’s BED-H Series are easy to set up and deploy in stores, restaurants and other small business environments, even if you don’t have an IT background. Once up and running, Pro TVs are also easy and intuitive to use. Samsung’s VXT content management system (CMS) allows you to schedule content in advance, leaving you free to invest more time toward other items on your to-do list.

    When you need to update promotions, store details, restaurant menus or other content on the fly, VXT allows you to do so instantly.

    3. Promote customer loyalty

    When customers have a positive experience, they keep coming back. Think of a fitness center with Pro TVs offering helpful videos of exercise routines or a store selling kitchen products with Pro TVs showing the meals customers can prepare with the products they’re considering.

    Setting up a TV in office waiting areas can allow customers to catch up on the news or some casual entertainment. Many pubs have long used TVs to showcase sports programming that aligns with their customers’ interests.

    Small businesses can create an even more direct connection between TVs and customer loyalty by educating customers on the perks of joining a rewards program. This can include breaking down point redemptions or announcing special shopping events and first-look opportunities only available to loyalty club members.

    4. Cut costs

    Too many printed flyers wind up in the recycling bin before customers can even look through them. Static signage in stores and offices, meanwhile, can become so familiar that customers look straight past them. Yet both printed marketing materials and signage come with considerable costs.

    Pro TVs create a compelling alternative in both scenarios. Customers are more likely to notice digital signage that changes continuously, and those devices can convey promotional information that would have previously gone to a printer.

    By reducing these expenses, Pro TV helps pay for itself and leaves you in a better position to allocate resources toward other growth opportunities.

    Why the Pro TV is great for small businesses

    Companies that invest in Pro TVs like the BED-H Series enjoy ultra high-definition (UHD) picture quality, providing customers with an ideal viewing experience. This is further enhanced through a powerful Crystal processor with upscaling, which means it can deliver content in up to 4K resolution.

    Thanks to a sleek, three-sided, bezel-less design, a Pro TV can blend in naturally to store interiors and other small business environments. You can even set them up outdoors with a Terrace edition.

    Other standout features to consider include:

    • Full control through your smartphone: The Samsung TV app allows you to create content remotely and then display and update it with ease.
    • Smooth configuration and management: The Tizen Enterprise Platform helps you handle everything from deploying a Pro TV to maintaining it, even running multiple devices.
    • Simple but strong security: Avoid tampering with the screen via a PIN lock that gives you peace of mind that your devices only display what you intended at all times.
    • Enhanced guest experiences: Samsung’s partnership with digital art platform Niio means a Pro TV can be transformed into a gallery, with an extensive choice of creative works to display on your device. This can create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for customers.

    Using a Pro TV in a small business is more than giving your customers something to watch. You’re also providing them with updates, advice, entertainment and other reasons to give your small business a second look.

    Prepare for your digital signage deployment by exploring Samsung’s full line of professional display solutions.

  • Smartphones lead festive sales surge driven by premiumisation

    In this festive season, smartphones emerged as the top-grossing category on e-commerce platforms, with online purchases accounting for nearly 65 per cent of all smartphone sales, according to data from Datum Intelligence.

    Walmart-owned Flipkart and Amazon also point to smartphones as the top grossing category.

    Amazon noted that 5G smartphones in the budget segment (< ₹10K) claimed over a third of the market volume due to a wide selection from top brands like Realme, iQOO, Xiaomi, and others. Meanwhile, the premium smartphone segment (> ₹30K) saw the highest year-over-year (Y-o-Y) growth (among all price segments, in volume) driven by a wide range of selections, great deals, and payment options. Tier 2 & beyond cities contributed to more than 70 per cent of the premium smartphone sales, said Amazon in its statement.

    Similarly, for Flipkart, premium and mid-premium android smartphones saw ‘robust growth’ with high interest in the AI-led features. Samsung dominated sales volume, capturing a 20 per cent market share, followed closely by Apple at 16 per cent during the initial phase from September 26 to October 6.

    Commenting on Samsung’s performance, Abhilash Kumar, Industry Analyst at TechInsights said “Samsung had fantastic numbers in the first wave of festive season sales. This is driven by attractive deals and price cuts on products across price bands pertaining to the Galaxy A, M, and S, series.”

    “The iPhone 15 was also very well received, clocking over a million units in sales, largely thanks to pure players offering competitive prices along with card discounts.” He further noted strong performances from brands outside the top five, mentioning Motorola’s double-digit growth driven by the success of its Edge 50 Fusion, G45, and G85 models.

    E-commerce platforms collectively recorded total sales of nearly ₹1 lakh crore during the month-long festive season that concluded last week. Nearly half of the demand emerged in the first week alone, with goods worth ₹55,000 crore sold during Flipkart’s Big Billion Days and Amazon’s Great Indian Festival.  Kumar noted that Samsung’s robust phone sales received a further boost due to the brand’s sponsorship of these flagship sales events on Flipkart and Amazon.

    Premiumisation

    Beyond smartphones, other product categories like grocery, beauty, and personal care products, home and kitchen items, comprised a significant portion of festive season sales, with a noticeable shift towards premiumization as more customers opted for top brands, experts noted. This trend towards premiumisation, coupled with easier access to credit, particularly no-cost EMI options, played a major role in driving sales. “No-cost EMI offered by financial institutions was pivotal during the festive season, as a substantial number of flagship phones were purchased on EMI through platforms like Flipkart and Amazon,” explained Kumar.

    Flipkart witnessed a rise in demand of 17 per cent Y-o-Y with users opting for top brands. “Demand for premium large appliances grew by 30 per cent over last year, while the fashion and beauty premium portfolio saw an over 400 per cent spike vs business-as-usual (BAU) in categories like watches, fragrance, K-beauty, jewellery, handbags, sportswear, luggage, and kids-wear,” Amazon said in a statement.

  • 4 tips for shaking off the insurance agent “seller” stereotype

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    Consumers have long viewed the insurance industry as purely transactional.

    According to PwC, consumers trust financial services companies, including insurers, considerably less than those in other industries. An IDC infographic sponsored by Samsung, Shaping the Future of the Insurance Agent From Order Taker to Caregiver1, notes that 38% of consumers perceive insurance agents solely as sellers, saying they lack proactive support in post-deal closures, especially during pivotal moments such as claims assistance. Combined with a lack of access to financial services in some communities and limited financial education, these perceptions have made customers less likely to buy insurance.

    For the industry to reverse these trends, agents need to shake off the “seller” stereotype. Here are four insurance agent tips to help dismantle this perception and better serve customers.

    1. Focus on financial education

    A lack of financial literacy can lead to individuals getting policies that don’t align with their needs. This is largely because consumers don’t fully understand insurance contracts. Limited cost transparency also makes it harder for consumers to choose the right insurance coverage.

    Agents can eliminate the seller stereotype by focusing on financial education in every client interaction. After asking a few questions about a customer’s needs, they can succinctly explain different types of insurance that may be suitable, focusing on benefits, the specific risks each policy covers, monthly or annual premium costs, and potential riders or endorsements an individual can add to further customize their coverage. These efforts can complement an insurer’s formal financial education program and may include educational materials and on-demand webinars that guide consumers through the insurance selection process.

    Clients who feel more informed about their choices are more likely to trust an insurance agent’s guidance, so this is one way agents can position themselves as a valuable resource.

    2. Communicate proactively

    As the IDC-Samsung survey shows, consumers often view insurance agents as sellers because they get limited support once they sign up for a policy. This suggests agents are really attentive when they are trying to win a consumer’s business, but less attentive afterward, which is counterintuitive since customers may need even more help when they have a policy question or need to file a claim.

    A survey by McKinsey & Company found that customers usually interact with their insurance agent only once or twice a year. This is a big difference compared to other financial service industries, such as banking, where interactions occur 10 to 20 times more frequently, noted the source. It’s hard to shake a stereotype if you are limited in the interactions you have with a policyholder — not to mention when those interactions are predominantly sales focused or claims submissions.

    Proactive communication can address this issue. Agents should reach out to policyholders to review their coverage on a semi-annual or annual basis, inform them of new products, and offer tips that focus on the post-purchase experience, such as a step-by-step guide for filing a claim or advice for minimizing their insurance risks. Creating opportunities for regular touchpoints with consumers can help agents foster an ongoing relationship that increases insurance customer satisfaction.

    3. Lead with empathy

    Despite the higher cost associated with serving through agents, they only marginally outperform online and mobile applications in customer satisfaction: 39% of insurance consumers express dissatisfaction when interacting with insurance agents, which is slightly less than the 40% who report dissatisfaction with online and mobile applications, the IDC-Samsung survey found. Customers may not be satisfied because agents aren’t offering them personalized solutions — 34% doubt agents and brokers offer the most competitive options and believe agents are biased toward carriers with the best commission rates or the least burdensome submission and quote producer portals.

    Agents can overcome these beliefs by demonstrating empathy for clients and actively listening to a customer’s concerns. They can showcase this in their email follow-ups with supportive words, acknowledgment of their unique challenges, and tailored guidance.

    4. Leverage technology for better service

    Insurers can use technology to enhance the customer experience, making it easier for agents to deliver better service. Cloud-based contact centers give agents secure access to customer profiles from anywhere and allow them to see the most up-to-date information about a customer’s previous interactions. This way, they can have a more informed conversation with customers and avoid repeating the same details. Interactive solutions like live chat, policy comparison, and virtual consultation tools, as well as questionnaires that identify coverage gaps, can help agents deliver more useful information to customers in real time.

    When using online and offline tools, it’s important to provide a seamless omni-channel customer experience to ensure high-quality engagement every time. According to the McKinsey survey, approximately 1 in 6 customers reported receiving no follow-up from insurers after an initial financial advice discussion. Among those who did receive follow-up, 40% interacted with two or more people, which can result in a fragmented experience. Insurers need to do what they can to address these gaps and ensure that customer interactions transition smoothly between all channels.

    Moving from seller to trusted advisor

    Finding the right insurance shouldn’t be a complex process, but it often is. Perceptions that insurance agents are more focused on commissions rather than a consumer’s best interests only add to this complexity and create a significant trust gap. Agents can defy the “seller” stereotype with solid financial education and proactive communication by demonstrating empathy and leaning on technology to enable their work. This will show consumers they are with them at every stage in their insurance journey.

    Talk to the Samsung team about our solutions for the insurance industry.

    1IDC Infographic, sponsored by Samsung, Shaping the Future of the Insurance Agent: From Order Taker to Caregiver, #US51998324, April 2024