Abstract: Various embodiments each include at least one of systems, methods, devices, and software for operating mobile devices as beacon devices. One embodiment in the form of a method includes retrieving data, from a backend system by a mobile device app that executes on a first mobile device, of an open bill associated in the backend system with a first customer account. This method further includes receiving a radio signal via a transceiver of the mobile device. The radio signal in such embodiments includes an identifier encoded therein. The method also includes transmitting the identifier encoded in the received radio signal to the backend system to associate a second customer account with the open bill in the backend system, the second customer account associated with the identifier.

Abstract: Techniques for automated employee management are provided. A clock action for an employee is acquired and analyzed based on rules. Next, a decision is made whether to automatically accept the clock action, automatically deny the clock action, or interactively request approval from a supervisor for the clock action. The decision is based on analysis of the rules.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to computers located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the business's computers communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to a point of sale computer located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the POS computer communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to computers located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the business's computers communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart defies to a point of sale computer located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the POS computer communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to a point of sale computer located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the POS computer communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: Various embodiments each include at least one of systems, methods, devices, and software for operating mobile devices as beacon devices. One embodiment in the form of a method includes retrieving data, from a backend system by a mobile device app that executes on a first mobile device, of an open bill associated in the backend system with a first customer account. This method further includes receiving a radio signal via a transceiver of the mobile device. The radio signal in such embodiments includes an identifier encoded therein. The method also includes transmitting the identifier encoded in the received radio signal to the backend system to associate a second customer account with the open bill in the backend system, the second customer account associated with the identifier.

Abstract: Various embodiments each include at least one of systems, methods, devices, and software for beacon device configuration and monitoring, such as with regard to BLUETOOTH® beacon devices. One example embodiment is a method that includes receiving, by a mobile device transceiver from a beacon device, a radio signal including encoded beacon device identifying data. The method then determines, on the mobile device within a mobile device app, whether the beacon device is configured in a backend system for a facility at which the beacon device is deployed. When the beacon device has not been configured, the method includes presenting a beacon device configuration interface within which configuration options are presented and configuration input is received to form configuration data that is stored to the backend system.

Abstract: Techniques for automated employee management are provided. A clock action for an employee is acquired and analyzed based on rules. Next, a decision is made whether to automatically accept the clock action, automatically deny the clock action, or interactively request approval from a supervisor for the clock action. The decision is based on analysis of the rules.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to a point of sale computer located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the POS computer communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to computers located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the business's computers communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to a point of sale computer located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the POS computer communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to computers located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the business's computers communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: Techniques for recommending a retailer, retail products, or retail services are provided. Retail preferences and preferences for specific products and services of a specific retail type are aggregated for a consumer. These preferences are analyzed and clustered with other consumers so that retailer, retail product, and retail service recommendations can be automatically and dynamically made to the consumer.