Transforming retail store operations with Adyen’s mPOS

Rabab Zehra, TECHx Executive Editor, spoke with Sander Maertens, Head of Middle East, Adyen, a Dutch payment company, about its Android POS terminal, which was launched in early 2022, and how it is seeing increased demand from Middle East businesses to simplify and consolidate as many hard and software suppliers as possible in order to improve customer and business journeys as much as possible.

TECHx: What is an Android mPOS? How does it help retail operations?

Sander: Android mPOS devices are all-in-one, smartphone-sized tools that can be used to replace multiple hardware devices complicating in-store payment processes. Many legacy software systems are infrastructure-heavy and not easily compatible with one another; they reduce efficiencies and place an operational burden on staff. During busy periods in stores or restaurants, it can be overwhelming for staff to juggle several different devices for business and payment functions on a daily basis.

With all-in-one Android systems, retailers can consolidate their store’s usual business hardware and software into one device. Integrated apps are used for the activities they already do, like taking orders, accepting payments, powering the cash register, managing inventory, checking previous orders and facilitating better staff communication.

TECHx: How is Adyen using Android to assist merchants process payments in their stores?

Sander: Adyen leverages Android to implement a standardized payment solution for merchants. It uses mPOS devices powered by an Android OS, which transforms daily operations, from orders and payments to staff and inventory management. These devices can help conduct a range of useful business tasks in a centralized way, by integrating the APIs from the manufacturers to read card data and securely communicate with its own platform for payment processing.

TECHx: How does this compare with other cash register and payments systems?

Sander: Existing mobile POS solutions typically involve multiple pieces of hardware and multiple software vendors. Adyen’s all-in-one Android terminals combine the flexibility of the Android platform with the security of a PCI-certified payment terminal. This helps merchants to provide a better experience for both staff and customers. Furthermore, it develops and adds features to its launcher application, keeping users within a secure environment.

Adyen is the first and only payment provider to offer a single-platform unified commerce solution in the UAE. Adyen provides both domestic and international businesses with an improved payment solution, allowing for higher authorization rates and improved shopper flows, with less friction.

TECHx: How does it impact merchant costs?

Sander: The need for separate cash registers, barcode scanners, and customer-facing displays is eliminated. The terminals come with an app management system, allowing merchants to upload and manage the apps they use every day, for inventory management, loyalty programs, returns and more. These multi-purpose terminals reduce the cost of having multiple hardware devices and help businesses free up budgets for other investments and innovations.

TECHx: What are the benefits for staff at a store?

Sander: With handheld terminals loaded with all the software needed, staff no longer have to move back and forth between tools, systems, and payment terminals, making it easier to serve customers and take payments. It also enables swifter staff training to work with new systems. When dealing with legacy hardware and systems, valuable time is spent teaching trainees the various quirks and requirements of each different tool. However, Android devices use intuitive systems, which makes staff training a breeze.

TECHx: How do customers benefit?

Sander: Android mPOS devices give customers the ability to make purchases anywhere inside or outside a store, resulting in a more seamless experience and quicker check-out time. This is why it is the payments platform of choice for many of the world’s leading companies because of the convenience and safety it offers, for both customers and merchants.

TECHx: What are some of the features of the Adyen mPOS devices?

Sander: By processing payments on a centralized platform like Adyen, retailers can also use the same software and end-to-end encryption anywhere in the world. It is a sophisticated means to cater to customers’ preferred payment methods, without causing any local acquiring headaches at the retailer’s end.

The latest devices come with the power of Android OS, plus some exciting additional features, which allow retailers to handle everyday business functions, and integrate payments. It allows them to install and run their own business applications, comply with the payment card industry data security standard, offer sleek, intuitive interfaces, connect systems and services via 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, offer extended memory, provide sufficient data storage, offer rear and front cameras and barcode scanners and TFT LCD capacitive touch screens, enabling PIN-on-glass.