720329An Innovative Multi-Channel Platform for Digital Applications in the Retail SectorClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKThe retail sector contributes over £300 billion per year to the UK economy and employs approximately 10% of the total number of people employed in all industries and services in the UK. Digital innovation is having a significant impact on the physical retail environment. Technology is driving change in our shopping styles even faster with smartphones and tablets. Online and mobile channels will be key to future growth, with more and more retailers now introducing digital applications to reach out to their customers. Despite this, the integration of multiple channels remains an issue (IMRG 2012). Current technology systems remain the biggest barrier for retailers to achieve their multichannel vision and therefore multichannel system replacement is still a key investment priority for the majority of retailers in 2013. Building on existing relationships within the retail sector, Mason Digital Limited look to develop an innovative multi-channel platform that can run & connect in-store, mobile & social applications in a far more speedy & cost effective manner than currently possible. The team will develop a highly configurable software platform on which to link existing clients’ technologies with a number of multi-channel applications. In addition to this, a range of prototype applications will be developed in order to trial the platform with end users. These applications, including in-store interactive tablets & digital changing room assistants, will run out of the box but be highly configurable to create bespoke applications with the minimum of effort. This will be a strategic requirement of the small to mid sized retailers who have most need for these new digital systems, these are currently out or reach for this segment due to their lack of infrastructure and the cost of implementation. If successful, the prototype platform with a number of demonstration applications will be used to stimulate market interest with market entry 6 months from project end.