Retailers have been using mobile devices in stores for years, but the capabilities that mobile devices provide today are rapidly expanding.

As consumers, we are used to replacing our personal phones every two or three years, and that cycle is shrinking every time a new phone is released. With those releases, we evaluate the new features and functions to justify whether or not the upgrades are worth it. Retailers should be making the same assessments about the value of features their associates should have on their devices.

My phone does far more for me today than the phone I purchased six or seven years ago. It will tell me the last time I was at a particular restaurant or store and remind me to take an umbrella because the forecast calls for rain. My phone will look at my calendar, check traffic, and tell me when to leave to make my next appointment on time.

Retailers will benefit from associates knowing when a particular customer last shopped in the store. Managers and associates can make better decisions based on knowing the weather forecast, traffic conditions, or information about other events happening around the store.

The capabilities we all have come to rely on as consumers are ripe for use in a retail environment. Even more exciting opportunities are the ones that combine the capabilities of associate devices with information provided by customers