You might think of mobile payment card reading technology as a relatively cheap and simple way for small and medium-sized businesses to accept another form of payment. But Jerry McNerney, Senior Director of Enterprise Marketing, North America at Motorola Solutions, argues we should be thinking bigger.

According to MS’ research “” the firm recently completed its “Future of Retail” study for 2012 “” three out of every four merchants says improving the in-store shopping experience through added personalization is a “business critical” point of strategy. One way to do that: give sales associates on the floor access to consumer data, inventory information, shipping options and more as they roam the room looking to engage with customers. In other words, even with a fully functional cash register sitting steps away, McNerney says mobile payments could deliver a significant upgrade to the brick-and-mortar shopping experience, both for buyers (personalization features) and sellers (efficiency, upsell opportunities).

We asked McNerney to tell us what surprised him about Motorola’s study; what merchants need to do to stay on the cutting edge; and how payments companies can take advantage.

You might think of mobile payment card reading technology as a relatively cheap and simple way for small and medium-sized businesses to accept another form of payment. But Jerry McNerney, Senior Director of Enterprise Marketing, North America at Motorola Solutions, argues we should be thinking bigger.

According to MS’ research — the firm recently completed its “Future of Retail” study for 2012 — three out of every four merchants says improving the in-store shopping experience through added personalization is a “business critical” point of strategy. One way to do that: give sales associates on the floor access to consumer data, inventory information, shipping options and more as they roam the room looking to engage with customers. In other words, even with a fully functional cash register sitting steps away, McNerney says mobile payments could deliver a significant upgrade to the brick-and-mortar shopping experience, both for buyers (personalization features) and sellers (efficiency, upsell opportunities).

We asked McNerney to tell us what surprised him about Motorola’s study; what merchants need to do to stay on the cutting edge; and how payments companies can take advantage.

Listen to the audio interview here.

Jerry McNerney 
Senior Director – Enterprise Marketing for North America
Motorola Solutions Inc.

Jerry McNerney is responsible for marketing to the enterprise markets within North America for Motorola.

He takes this role after successfully leading Mobile Computing Product Management, Enterprise Strategy & Business Development as well as the transportation, distribution and logistics industry markets globally for Motorola and the former Symbol Technologies.

Before joining Motorola, Jerry was with AMR Research where he was the Senior Analyst, Supply Chain Service.

Jerry speaks frequently at industry trade conferences, user group meetings, and executive conferences. He has appeared on CNBC and CNN and is widely quoted in leading business and industry trade publications on the benefits of mobility in the enterprise.

Jerry received his B.S. degree from the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler and M.B.A. degree from St. John’s University.