Portfolio geared to the store processes of internationally operating enterprises
Consumers complain about long waiting times at the checkout and retailers about high process costs. Intelligent self-service systems can be used to improve these processes for both groups Cash handling at the checkout and in the backoffice generates substantial costs and creates a security risk. The streamlining and automation of cash movements offer potential savings and greater security.
At the heart of any retail outlet such as a supermarket is the checkout, where retailers generate the information they need to control the logistics chain from sales to reordering. At the same time, it is possible to integrate other IT-based branch systems such as reverse vending and electronic shelf labeling to assure process security and data integrity. Many international retailers have created global networks based on electronic point of sale (ePOS) systems, branch servers and head office computer systems.
Wincor Nixdorf can draw on many years of experience in the retail industry and is now applying this know-how not only to the checkout, but increasingly to other branch processes. These are based on standardized products such as our ePOS Beetle hardware and a uniform software platform that not only controls the supermarket’s entire systems but can also, wherever necessary, be integrated simply into central systems and adapted, for instance, to meet specific country requirements without incurring major costs.
Retailers constantly strive to improve the competitiveness of their branch operations. To this end, they are also looking to increase the level of automation of their branch processes by migrating to self-service systems and optimizing business processes from the branch all the way through to the head office. Accordingly, Wincor Nixdorf has adapted its portfolio to take the needs of international retail groups into account.
Wincor Nixdorf has a complete portfolio of solutions that can be implemented to shift product data capture, payment and thus the entire checkout process, either completely or partially, to self-service systems. Using self-checkout terminals, for example, customers can scan and pay for their goods themselves or use a mobile scanning device to capture the product data and then pay at a staffed or a self-checkout. Our automated checkout concept also incorporates a consulting service that involves conducting an individual process analysis before developing possible scenarios, calculating their ROIs, managing the introduction of the new technologies involved and providing training for staff.
Retailers can benefit from Wincor Nixdorf’s comprehensive portfolio of solutions to restructure cash processes from the checkout area all the way through to the point at which cash is deposited at the bank. The aim is to reduce cash handling costs and to improve security. Systems in our iCash family allow retailers to automate the process of accepting cash and issuing change. We also offer a back-office solution to reduce the costs involved in counting cash, for instance, at the end of a shift. In addition, we can control the complete cash in transit (CiT) process and monitor the entire logistics chain.
Retailers are looking increasingly to automated solutions to improve customer service and operational efficiency. New media offer an individual approach to advertising. The aim is to generate additional sales and provide simpler, more cost-efficient customer support.
Faced with such a wide range of beverage containers including bottles and cans, the task of accepting returned single-use or reusable empties presents a huge challenge for retailers. Our reverse vending systems offer another means of automating routine tasks and help avoid waiting times, reduce labor costs and minimize the possibility of fraud. As a way of providing targeted advertising and increasing customer loyalty, we have developed an innovative in-store marketing system. We help our customers plan, install and
operate kiosk systems, mobile shopping advisers, electronic displays, shelf labeling and digital signs and giant screens. As part of an in-store marketing project, we can integrate these systems into a customer’s existing IT landscape and incorporate shopping card and loyalty programs.
The purpose of centralized branch management is to make targeted use of information. Data must flow smoothly at the head office and branch level and between the two.
Global retail groups demand standardized and internationally available software platforms that control all branch-related processes and allow direct interaction with the head office. Wincor Nixdorf’s TP Application Suite meets this demand. The software controls all systems at the branch level, including conventional checkouts and different self-service checkout solutions, mobile checkout solutions and reverse vending systems. Analytical tools provide key information, such as branch sales comparisons for decision-making purposes. A further module enables users to manage and target campaigns. The components of this software family can be easily scaled to the various retail formats.
