OCS Kiosk Integration Software

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Whilst organisations are reaping the benefits of self-service, a challenge remains: how to mitigate the exposure of hardware dependence. A fully operable, robust and effective hardware estate with high uptime is a significant investment, especially since the hardware estate should also be able to adapt to meet new criteria set by continuing technology innovations.
 
The customer experience delivered online carries over to the self-service channel, where dynamic, multi-dimensional, multi-channelled applications and services are expected. The potential for upgrading the hardware estate is often limited as it is reliant on hardware vendors providing a complete solution, including the integration of devices and applications.
 
The key to integration is software- based, but often the software is overlooked or developed through limits set by the hardware. There is little evidence to suggest that relying on the hardware vendors for the quality of the integration is best practice. Integration software is about the business applications and the estate’s hardware rather than any specific hardware device or even manufacturer.

Of course, providing adaptable, efficient and robust self-service solutions requires quality from the hardware, business application and data as well as the integration software. Separating the integration software from hardware brings a greater capacity to deliver broader self-service solutions.
 
Opportunities are increasingly pursued for automated cash management solution, both at the front of store checkout areas and in the back-office, where the benefits of better quality cash processes are significant, as retailers are able to operate their cash with increased intelligence, less wastage and reduced administration. Cash management means that cash can be replenished, recycled and redistributed within stores. Effective cash management solutions, like self-service solutions, depend on an effective integration of the hardware and the applications using integration software.
 
A self-service integration framework for business applications that can be readily interfaced with hardware is required. Plug ‘n’ play functionality means that a user can reuse or share devices as well as extend old platforms with new devices. A self-service integration framework provides: responsiveness, in terms of a shorter rollout schedule for new and upgraded business applications, including making use of hardware in new ways and extending hardware life; autonomy, greater flexibility in hardware choice, including operating mixed hardware estates; connectivity, in increased ability to integrate multiple channels; and savings from a longer hardware life and simpler application integration and support.
 
Since 2002, OCS SSA Solutions has been developing its self-service integration software, which is captured in their SSA frameworks. These frameworks enable large retail kiosk estates to operate a diverse suite of hardware devices, whilst delivering high frequency, innovative business solutions. An extended suite of SSA frameworks ensures that a leading global logistics company carries out a range of automated solutions for the handling of cash within retail environments. OCS also enables a consumer service provider to continue to enhance the operation of vending equipment beyond the hardware lifecycle.