A 360° Revolution

Printer-friendly version

Wincor Nixdorf has developed a completely new automatic checkout solution for ICA, one of the biggest retail chains in Sweden. The new checkout, dubbed the 360 Scan Portal, combines traditional shopping and a fast checkout, making it easier for the customer and at the same time offering a new positive shopping experience.

The first compact and flexible 360 Scan Portal worldwide has been developed in a partnership between Wincor Nixdorf and Datalogic. The unique benefit of this solution comes from the synergy effect of both partners – Datalogic is a leading provider of best-in-class scanner technology and Wincor Nixdorf is Europe’s leading supplier and integrator of multiple checkout solutions. The knowledge of both companies guarantees the success of the solution, which is designed to meet retailer’s process requirements – such as ICA’s.
 
The expectations of this project are high: customers will be able to shop as usual, but checkout is faster and easier. A first pilot system has been installed at the ICA MAXI in Botkyrka south of Stockholm, Sweden. “For us, it is natural to work with the customer in a project like this so that we understand the project’s requirements precisely and can set clear objectives,” says Gunnar Melin, Account Manager at Wincor Nixdorf.
 
At the ICA store in Botkyrka customers place their groceries on the belt as usual, but article scanning takes place automatically. What makes this possible is improved scanner technology and a completely new quality in the system scan rate, which aims for 98% with a top processing speed of around 60 items per minute. “The staff can stand on the same side of the belt as the customer and help customers in a completely new way,” says Gunnar Melin.

The solution also particularly lends itself to solo self checkout situations, enabling the customer to load the conveyor with their items then switch to the end of the belt to start packing, leaving the 360 Scan Portal to automatically scan their purchases.