Exploring SafeRetail by 1GLOBAL: the failover solution for in-store transactions

In-store shopping is still an integral part of modern life. After decades of predictions that online retail would signal the end of physical stores, more people than ever are shopping in person. It seems for many, nothing beats the personal experience. 

Despite this trend, many retail establishments still rely on outdated and often unreliable Point of Sale (POS) terminals. In recent years, businesses large and small have adopted new POS systems to increase the flexibility of their teams and improve the customer experience. 

New, portable systems offer new opportunities – for them to add value, however, they also need a reliable and fast mobile connection. In this industry shift, how can retail companies best improve their in-store transaction processes and ensure constant connectivity? Addressing these challenges an eSIM-based solution from 1GLOBAL: SafeRetail POS connectivity 

The current challenges faced by retailers

As the retail environment continues to evolve at pace, the shortcomings of legacy POS systems and cash registers are becoming more apparent.

1. Having all registers connected to a single Wi-Fi source comes with an inherent risk of network failure, downtime, and needlessly lost revenue. 

2. When a network outage or drop in signal causes systems to fail, businesses can be left facing severe costs.  

3. This can also increase customer wait time, create longer queues, and erode brand trust over time.

4. Installing and maintaining fixed POS terminals is costlier than smaller, portable alternatives like iPads.

Increased wait times have a noticeable impact on business too - a 2023 study by Waitwhile found that nearly 70% of US customers will leave a store queue if it's taking too long.

An industry shift

The above concerns have led established retail chains and independent vendors to explore other POS systems, including eSIM-based iOS and tablet services. Replacing a fixed cash register with the flexibility and cloud-based capabilities of a mobile POS system, like an iPad, is an increasingly common decision for both established chains and independent vendors.  

For businesses of all scales, from regional to global enterprises, the cloud-based capabilities of these systems make it easy to stay ahead of the curve as software upgrades and security fixes can be instantly and remotely installed. In order to harness these developments and provide a new level of convenience for retailers and customers, the international telecommunications provider 1GLOBAL developed the SafeRetail service.

SafeRetail: the progressive approach to in-store transactions

SafeRetail by 1GLOBAL is a service that connects all POS systems in a company to the worldwide 1GLOBAL mobile network.

Retailers can utilize SafeRetail in two ways:

• As a primary connection for their POS systems

• As an "always-ready" failover connection, providing backup connectivity if the store's regular network connection fails.

In both cases, a POS terminal enabled with SafeRetail will enjoy high-speed, uninterrupted connection to the worldwide 1GLOBAL mobile network, comprising over 600 local partners in 190+ countries.  

In the event of a Wi-Fi or local network failure, SafeRetail POS systems will automatically connect to the 1GLOBAL network and continue to function as normal, eliminating any lost revenue caused by network outages.  

The competitive nature of the physical retail space means there is always room for innovation. SafeRetail POS sconnectivity is a significant development that allows retailers to make use of flexible, cloud-based POS technology while ensuring they remain continuously globally connected, maximize revenue, and minimize customer waiting times.  

Thanks to 1GLOBAL's industry-leading eSIM expertise, the SafeRetail service makes in-store transactions more agile than ever.

SafeRetail: key features explained

Businesses that utilize 1GLOBAL's SafeRetail product can embrace the flexibility and speed of portable cloud-based POS systems, without risking signal outages. In the event of pop-ups, temporary stores, or other off-site uses, SafeRetail provides a reliable source of connectivity. Even when POS systems are connected to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks, the SafeRetail service means they always have failover access to high-speed and secure mobile internet. 

• 1GLOBAL's SafeRetail product helps businesses increase the flexibility and speed of their in-store operations while protecting against any lost connections or system crashes. 

• Patented multi-IMSI technology allows devices running 1GLOBAL systems to automatically connect to the best available local network from over 600 carriers.

• SafeRetail integrates with existing mobile device management (MDM) networks. This zero-touch deployment makes it easy to install, even for the largest retail chains.

Case study: using SafeRetail to deliver a 1-on-1 customer experience

In 2024, 1GLOBAL partnered with an international fashion retailer renowned for their highly attentive customer service. By working with 1GLOBAL, they were able to deploy and manage eSIM-enabled iOS POS systems to over 1000 employees across multiple countries.  

These devices functioned as pocket-sized points of sale, allowing customers to make purchases directly with store staff, eliminating the traditional cash register queue.  

The retailer can now deliver a truly personalized in-store experience from the moment the customer walks in the door.  

What sets SafeRetail apart?

1GLOBAL is not just an eSIM supplier. With end-to-end control of our entire ecosystem, we enable international businesses to utilize zero-touch eSIM deployment across borders and device types.

• Reliable: A global connection to over 600 networks means that SafeRetail-enabled POS systems aren’t simply connected to a fallback connection in the event of a network failure: they’re connected to the best available network, ensuring reliable signal and negating any drop-off in processing time.

• Scalable: Whether it’s a 1000+ employee multinational or a single store, SafeRetail offers instant and reliable POS connections that grow with your business. This simplifies the billing process too: even in multinational organizations, all eSIMs are managed on one single contract. 

• Secure: A cloud-based connection ensures access to regular security and software upgrades, while eSIMs that integrate into existing MDM systems make it easy to manage all devices company-wide

The SafeRetail POS connectivity service from 1GLOBAL is an essential tool for this new generation of POS systems, with a growing number of multinational clients. Get in touch with our team to learn more about using SafeRetail in your stores.