Emerging technologies for eCommerce

Do you want to accelerate your eCommerce growth? Then this is emerging tech you need to know

D
Diya Bag
Senior Content Writer, commercetools
Published 28 July 2023
Estimated reading time minutes

In this fast-paced digital landscape, businesses that can ride the waves of emerging technologies are destined to soar above the competition. With each stride forward in technological advancement, new avenues open up, paving the way for an extraordinary transformation in customer interactions and online shopping experiences. So, get ready as we delve into the latest game-changing technologies that have the potential to redefine the way you do business and deliver incredible growth for your eCommerce enterprise.

Emerging technologies for eCommerce

Biometric payment systems

Imagine walking into a store, selecting your items and completing the entire payment process with just a wave of your hand. Amazon's pay-by-palm technology, known as Amazon One, has transformed this vision into reality. Amazon One is a free identity service that utilizes biometric technology, allowing customers to pay at a store using just their palm.

The technology works by scanning and securely storing the unique palm signature of users, linked to their payment information. This not only streamlines the checkout process but also enhances security and prevents unauthorized transactions. Amazon has already installed this technology in various venues and locations, making it more accessible to consumers.

While some shoppers might be hesitant to scan their palm and relinquish more personal data, it seems many aren’t shy to the idea — Amazon One already has 3 million users. If the tech proves more convenient than physical cards, or digital payment apps, Amazon could convince even the most data-conscious consumers to give it a try.
Amazon’s Pay-By-Palm Tech Takeover

On The Money

By adopting biometric payment systems like Amazon One, eCommerce businesses can provide a frictionless and secure shopping experience for their customers, thereby driving customer loyalty and retention. The convenience of contactless payments combined with advanced security measures can set businesses apart in a competitive market.

Unleashing the power of intelligent automation and personalization

Artificial Intelligence has become a transformative force across industries, and eCommerce is no exception. Applied AI, including machine learning and predictive analytics, empowers businesses to automate tasks, gain valuable insights from data and offer personalized shopping experiences.

Machine learning algorithms analyze customer behavior, preferences and historical data to create tailored product recommendations, ultimately increasing the likelihood of conversion. Chatbots equipped with natural language processing capabilities can handle customer inquiries, improving customer service efficiency and responsiveness.

Moreover, AI-powered demand forecasting enables businesses to optimize inventory management, reducing storage costs and minimizing the risk of stockouts or overstocking. This technology empowers eCommerce businesses to make data-driven decisions, improve operational efficiency and offer personalized experiences to their customers, thereby fostering brand loyalty and growth.

Unlocking creativity and content generation

Generative AI is revolutionizing content creation by enabling machines to produce unique and creative outputs, such as text, images, videos and more. Through deep learning techniques, generative AI can analyze vast datasets and generate novel content that aligns with specific user preferences.

For eCommerce businesses, generative AI offers tremendous potential to create engaging and personalized content, such as product descriptions, social media posts and marketing materials. This technology enables businesses to experiment with diverse content strategies, cater to different audience segments and maintain a consistent brand voice across platforms.

Additionally, generative AI can be applied to the design process, allowing businesses to develop unique and customizable products based on customer preferences. This level of personalization can enhance shopper satisfaction and drive word-of-mouth marketing, contributing to increased sales and brand recognition.

Web3 and the rise of decentralization

Web3 represents a fundamental shift towards a decentralized internet, where open standards and protocols prioritize user ownership of data and foster trust between businesses and consumers. This transformative movement extends beyond cryptocurrency investments and encompasses a new way of designing software and conducting online transactions.

By embracing Web3 technologies, eCommerce businesses can empower customers with greater control over their personal data, fostering transparency and strengthening brand trust. Additionally, blockchain-based smart contracts can facilitate secure and transparent transactions, eliminating intermediaries and reducing transaction costs.

With the global Web3 market poised to grow from $6.8 billion in 2020 to $48.3 billion by 2025, its greater involvement in online retail operations is imperative.
Web3.0 in e-commerce: How the technology will transform online retail

Financial Express

Moreover, Web3 enables innovative business models such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) that can revolutionize how digital assets, collectibles and limited edition products are bought and sold online. As Web3 gains mainstream adoption, integrating blockchain technology into your eCommerce platform can offer unique opportunities for growth and customer engagement.

Immersive realities transform the customer experience

Immersive reality technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are redefining the way customers interact with products in the digital space. AR allows customers to visualize products in their real-world environment using their smartphones or wearable devices, while VR creates a fully immersive experience in a virtual environment.

eCommerce businesses can leverage AR to enable virtual try-ons for apparel and accessories, allowing customers to make confident purchase decisions. In the home furnishing sector, AR applications enable customers to preview furniture in their living spaces, reducing the likelihood of returns and enhancing customer satisfaction.

VR, on the other hand, is being explored by innovative eCommerce businesses to create interactive virtual shopping experiences. Customers can virtually browse through stores, interact with products and even attend virtual events or conferences.

By embracing immersive realities, eCommerce businesses can foster a deeper emotional connection with their customers, increase engagement and ultimately drive conversions. These technologies have the potential to elevate the eCommerce experience from a transactional process to an immersive journey.

The power of autonomous solutions in mobility

The future of mobility is not just about transportation but also involves the delivery of goods and services to customers in a seamless and sustainable manner. Emerging technologies in this space, such as autonomous vehicles and drones, are disrupting traditional delivery methods.

eCommerce businesses can capitalize on these advancements by investing in autonomous delivery solutions, which offer faster and more efficient order fulfillment. Additionally, electric and sustainable transportation options can align with environmentally conscious customer values, contributing to a positive brand image.

By integrating autonomous solutions into their supply chain, eCommerce businesses can reduce delivery times, cut operational costs and provide a superior customer experience. As the adoption of future mobility technologies grows, early adopters can gain a significant competitive advantage in the eCommerce landscape.

Embrace the future of eCommerce growth

The future of eCommerce is brimming with transformative technologies that can propel your business to unprecedented heights. By embracing emerging channels, such as biometric payment systems, applied AI, generative AI, Web3, immersive realities and future mobility solutions, your eCommerce business can gain a competitive edge, enhance customer engagement and drive exponential growth.

However, it's essential to approach these technologies with a customer-centric mindset, understanding their preferences and pain points to tailor the experience effectively. As you explore the untapped potential of tech-driven retail, remember that the journey may be challenging, but the rewards for embracing these emerging technologies can be truly remarkable.

To learn what technology you need under the hood to embrace emerging technologies in your eCommerce platform, read The Omnichannel Playbook: Leveraging Composable Commerce for Omnichannel Experiences.

D
Diya Bag
Senior Content Writer, commercetools

Diya Bag is a Senior Content Writer at commercetools. Previously, she has worked as a Copywriter in advertising for a wide range of brands, as well as an Editorial Manager in publishing for magazines and both fiction and nonfiction books.

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