In the rapidly evolving landscape of retail and hospitality technology, the ability to transform passive shoppers into loyal brand advocates is the ultimate competitive advantage. At the center of this digital transformation is Como, a global leader in data-driven customer engagement and loyalty solutions. Formerly known as Conduit Mobile, Como has evolved from a pioneering mobile app creator into a sophisticated “Sense” platform that provides businesses with the tools to understand, reach, and reward their customers with surgical precision.
This article explores what Como is from a technological perspective, how its “Sense” ecosystem functions, and why it has become an indispensable tool for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of modern consumer behavior.
The Evolution of Como: From App Building to Data-Driven Intelligence
To understand what Como is today, one must first understand its history as a pioneer in the mobile technology space. Originally founded as part of the Conduit suite, the platform initially focused on democratizing mobile app development. In the early 2010s, it allowed small businesses to create their own mobile presence without the need for extensive coding knowledge. However, as the tech landscape shifted from “having an app” to “utilizing data,” the company underwent a massive strategic pivot.
The Transition from Conduit Mobile to Como Sense
The transition from a simple DIY app builder to the “Como Sense” platform marked a significant shift in technological focus. While the mobile app remains a visible touchpoint for the consumer, the true “engine” of Como moved to the backend. The platform evolved into a comprehensive Customer Engagement Management (CEM) system. This transition was driven by the realization that an app is only as valuable as the data it collects and the actions that data can trigger. Today, Como focuses on “Sense”—the ability of a business to perceive customer needs through data and respond in real-time.
Empowering the Mid-Market with Enterprise-Level Tech
Historically, high-level data analytics and automated loyalty programs were the exclusive domain of global giants like Starbucks or Amazon. Como’s technological mission has been to bridge this gap. By offering a cloud-based, scalable solution, Como provides mid-sized retailers and restaurant chains with the same level of technological sophistication as industry leaders. This includes integrated Point of Sale (POS) systems, machine learning algorithms for predictive behavior, and automated marketing funnels.
Core Features of the Como Sense Platform
Como Sense is not just a single piece of software; it is a holistic technological ecosystem designed to manage the entire customer lifecycle. The platform operates on the principle that every transaction contains a wealth of hidden information. By capturing this data, Como allows businesses to move away from “blanket marketing” and toward hyper-personalized interactions.
Data-Driven Personalization and Segmentation
The heart of the Como platform is its robust data engine. Unlike traditional loyalty programs that simply track points, Como tracks behavior. It gathers data on what a customer buys, how much they spend, which location they visit, and even the time of day they are most likely to make a purchase.
Using this data, the platform creates dynamic segments. For example, a business can automatically group “high-value customers who haven’t visited in 30 days” or “customers who only buy coffee on Tuesday mornings.” This level of segmentation allows for automated, highly relevant communication that feels personal to the consumer rather than intrusive.
Omnichannel Loyalty and Engagement
In the modern tech stack, “omnichannel” is more than a buzzword; it is a requirement. Como Sense integrates across all digital and physical touchpoints. Whether a customer is ordering through a mobile app, browsing an online store, or standing at a physical kiosk, their profile remains consistent.
The loyalty component of the platform is highly customizable. Businesses can implement “Punch Cards,” “Cash Back” rewards, or “Tiered Memberships.” Because the system is cloud-based, these rewards are updated in real-time across all platforms, ensuring that the customer experience is seamless and frictionless.
Seamless POS Integration: The Technical Backbone
Perhaps the most significant technological feat of Como is its deep integration with a wide variety of Point of Sale (POS) systems. For a customer engagement tool to be effective, it must “talk” to the hardware where transactions occur.
Como has established partnerships and API integrations with leading POS providers like NCR, Micros, Revel, and many others. This allows the software to pull real-time transaction data and push rewards directly to the register. This technical synergy eliminates the need for staff to manually enter codes or check physical cards, speeding up the checkout process and reducing human error.
Why Tech-Driven Customer Retention Matters in the Modern Market
The “What is Como” question is best answered by looking at the problem it solves: the rising cost of customer acquisition. In a world where digital advertising costs are skyrocketing, businesses are finding that it is significantly more cost-effective to retain an existing customer than to find a new one.
Moving Beyond Simple Reward Cards
The old model of loyalty—a paper card with ten stamps—is technologically obsolete. It provides no data, it can be easily lost, and it offers no way to communicate with the customer once they leave the store. Como replaces this “blind” loyalty with “intelligent” loyalty.
By using push notifications, geofencing (location-based alerts), and personalized SMS, Como allows a business to reach out to a customer at the exact moment they are most likely to convert. For instance, a bakery using Como tech can send a push notification with a 20% discount on croissants to a customer who is walking within 500 meters of the store during the breakfast rush.
The Power of Actionable Analytics
Data is useless if it cannot be acted upon. The Como Sense dashboard provides business owners with a “command center” where they can see the direct ROI of their campaigns. The tech allows users to see exactly how many people opened a notification, how many of those people visited the store, and exactly how much they spent during that visit. This level of transparency allows for constant optimization of marketing spend and operational strategy.
Implementing Como: A Strategic Guide for Businesses
Adopting a platform like Como is a strategic move that requires a clear understanding of a business’s digital infrastructure. It is not a “set it and forget it” tool, but rather a sophisticated engine that thrives on active management and clear objectives.
Integration and Setup Process
The implementation of Como begins with the technical integration of the POS system. Because Como is a cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) platform, the physical footprint is minimal. Once the API connection is established, the business can begin importing existing customer data and setting up the “Rules of Engagement.”
These rules define the triggers for automation—for example, sending a “Happy Birthday” gift or an “I Miss You” coupon. The setup process also involves designing the branded mobile app, which serves as the primary interface for the customer, housing their digital loyalty card, available rewards, and order history.
Measuring ROI and Success Metrics
To gauge the success of the Como platform, businesses typically look at several key performance indicators (KPIs). The most significant is the “Frequency of Visit.” By analyzing the data, Como users often see a 20-40% increase in how often a loyal customer returns compared to a non-member. Other metrics include “Average Transaction Value” (ATV) and “Churn Rate.” The technology is designed to identify “at-risk” customers before they stop visiting entirely, allowing the business to intervene with a targeted offer to win them back.
The Future of Como and AI in Retail Tech
As we look toward the future of the retail and hospitality sectors, the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning within platforms like Como will only grow. The goal is to move from reactive engagement to predictive engagement.
Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning
The next frontier for Como involves using machine learning to predict future behavior based on historical patterns. Instead of waiting for a customer to skip a visit, the AI will be able to identify subtle changes in purchasing habits that signal a decline in brand affinity. The system can then automatically adjust the rewards or communication style to re-engage that specific individual. This “hyper-personalization” is the future of the industry, where the technology understands the customer’s needs perhaps even before the customer does.
The Shift Toward Autonomous Marketing
As the Como platform becomes more intelligent, the need for manual campaign management will decrease. We are moving toward a state of “Autonomous Marketing,” where the platform’s algorithms handle the heavy lifting of segmentation, A/B testing, and offer distribution. For the business owner, this means more time to focus on product quality and customer service, while the tech platform ensures that the right message reaches the right person at the right time.
In conclusion, Como is far more than a loyalty app. It is a comprehensive technological framework that allows businesses to harness the power of data to create meaningful, profitable relationships with their customers. In an age where data is the new oil, Como provides the refinery and the engine to drive retail growth.
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