At the heart of any retail outlet is the checkout. In most cases, checkouts are equipped with electronic systems and are used by retailers to generate the information they need to control the logistics chain from sales to reordering.
At the same time, it is possible to integrate other automated solutions such as reverse vending and electronic shelf labeling. Automation guarantees process security and data integrity. Many international retailers have created global networks based on electronic point of sale (ePOS (Glossary) ) systems, branch servers and head office computer systems.
Retailers strive to improve the productivity and competitiveness of their branches. To this end, they are constantly increasing the level of branch automation by migrating to self-service systems (Glossary) . In response, Wincor Nixdorf has adapted its portfolio, built up over many years, with a particular emphasis on the needs of international retail groups. Our portfolio is based on standardized products such as our BEETLE/EPOS hardware and the TP Application Suite (Glossary) that controls the retail store’s entire range of systems.
Reducing Process Costs and Waiting Times at the Checkout.
The checkout process at retail outlets is labor- and cost-intensive and often involves an annoying wait. Wincor Nixdorf has a specialized portfolio of solutions that can be implemented to migrate product data capture and payment – either separately or in combination – to self-service (self-checkout (Glossary) ) or fully automated (automated checkout) systems.
Using self-checkout terminals, for example, consumers can scan their goods themselves and then pay using a self-service system; or, in the case of mobile shopping, they can use a mobile scanning device to capture the product data and then pay at a staffed or a self-service checkout. Our automated checkout concept goes one step further by incorporating a consultancy service that involves conducting an individual process analysis before developing possible scenarios and calculating their ROIs. We also project manage the introduction of these new technologies and provide appropriate training for staff.
As well as driving the automation of checkout processes in the Food / Non-Food segment, characterized by supermarkets and hypermarkets, we are increasingly integrating innovative checkout technologies in large DIY and electrical goods outlets.
Automating Time-consuming Processes
such as Cash Handling and Reverse Vending.
Wincor Nixdorf offers an innovative portfolio of solutions to optimize the processes linked to cash handling in the retail industry, from the point of receipt in the checkout area all the way through to the point at which cash is deposited at the bank. The aim of this portfolio is to reduce the costs associated with cash handling while simultaneously enhancing transparency and security. The main focus here is on employing the latest technology to perform those time-consuming tasks that are still carried out manually. Our systems allow retailers to automate the process of accepting cash and issuing change. There is a dedicated solution, too, for the cash office (Glossary) , in order to reduce the time and cost involved in manual cash handling, e.g., counting or packaging in preparation for collection by a secure transport firm. In addition, we can control the complete cash in transit (CiT) process and monitor the entire cash logistics chain.
Reverse vending also generates a considerable amount of work in the retail industry given the time-consuming nature of the handling process. Reliability is essential, faced with a large and increasing variety of beverage containers – as is transparency, given the highly complex nature of the offsetting involved (including between retailers). Wincor Nixdorf has developed an extensive portfolio of automated solutions for reverse vending. For retailers, this means lower operating costs for handling single-use or reusable empties and maximum protection against fraud. At the same time, their customers benefit from shorter waiting times when returning their used containers.
A Centralized Software Platform for Global Branch Management.
For global retail groups, standardized and internationally available software platforms are a top priority, as they provide the only way in which retailers can control all branch-related processes and allow direct interaction with the head office. Wincor Nixdorf’s TP Application Suite meets this demand. The TP Application Suite controls all systems at the branch level, including staffed checkouts and different self-service checkout solutions, mobile in-store applications and mobile checkouts in out-of-store sales environments. For decision-making purposes, analytical tools provide key information to the head office, e.g., on branch sales comparisons. The same information can then be accessed from anywhere via the Internet. The TP Application Suite can also be used with an additional module that acts as a flexible tool for promoting customer loyalty. This additional module allows retailers to address individual customer segments through campaigns and customer loyalty programs and gives immediate feedback on the level of success achieved. All the components of the TP Application Suite can be easily scaled to the various retail formats.
With a particular focus on tailoring checkout solutions to individual customers, the approach adopted by Wincor Nixdorf takes into account the entire process chain and specific features of each branch to develop and implement the most appropriate solutions. Our portfolio ranges from process and IT consulting (Glossary) and the implementation and integration of solutions into the customer’s IT landscape to software application control. We provide ongoing support to international customers from over thirty competence centers.
