Automating the Checkout Zone

The Right System is Essential.

For sure, if automated checkout technology is to succeed in the retail industry, companies need to choose a solution that best meets their individual needs. For the self-checkout (Glossary)  or partially supported checkout, Wincor Nixdorf offers not only modular and scalable solutions covering all imaginable customer scenarios but also accompanies and advises retailers with their “change management” process. This process extends from the initial idea to the selection of the appropriate system and the operation of the solution. We analyze current checkout processes, store formats and layouts, recommend the optimal automated checkout scenario and show which improvements and cost savings can be achieved. In a pilot situation, we walk retailers through the test phase and pilot installation right up

to the final rollout (Glossary) . In addition to numerous implementation services (Glossary) , we help customers integrate new solutions (Glossary)  into their existing infrastructure and customize these to meet the requirements of their individual processes and systems. Moreover, as part of our service, we can take over part or all of a company’s self-service operations.

With this customized approach and implementation, retailers can not only reduce their personal costs but also grow sales in an optimal way. They can also increase customer satisfaction, especially through the use of special marketing instruments, such as personalized shopping with the help of mobile devices as well as up-selling and cross-selling. Moreover, self-service cash components that automatically accept and dispense cash help reduce inventory differences. These differences can account for up to 1% of sales, according to a study by the EHI-Retail Institute. Employees account for 27% of these differences of which half of them occur at checkout.

Less Cash, More Security.

The retail industry can achieve still further benefits by integrating, for instance, cash-recycling (Glossary)  components at the checkout. Cycled cash in companies can be reduced and security holes plugged in the closed cash cycles, further protecting not only banknotes but also employees against robberies. Wincor Nixdorf offers customized solutions for handling cash.

Not only companies but also consumers benefit from our innovative payment systems. The benefits include swift, convenient payment, more control and transparency of the sale and the amount, greater privacy and, with mobile self-scanning, personalized offers, as well as future services like downloadable shopping lists and individual product information. Consumers like self-service payment as their usage underscores. At Britain’s Anglia Coop, for instance, the share of transactions at self-service terminals is nearly 45% – and rising. As the rollout of ATMs in the past has shown, the greater the number of users, the greater the acceptance.