IBM’s Modular Self Service

Druckversion

 

We were introduced to IBM's  completely modular self checkout system at this year's Euroshop.
 
 
 
Built for flexibility, its modular design gives retailers the ability to deploy a single system or separate scanning, payment and bagging units to suit any size retail environment. It also allows retailers to accommodate mobile shoppers using hand-held devices such as mobile phones or personal shopper units.
 
 
According to a 2011 IBM Institute of Business Value study on capitalizing on the smarter consumer, "retailers need to empower customers by making it as easy as possible for them to complete the shopping process, which includes providing the right services and letting consumers choose how they interact". The study stated that 40% of shoppers want to check prices wherever they are and get promotions based on the items they scan, while 50% are willing to use their mobile phone to avoid checkout lanes.
 
 
Flexibility is the name of the game here – retailers can choose to set up a totally integrated system, separate scanning from payment, or deploy distinct pay stations to complement cashless lanes, which allows them to provide shoppers a choice in how they complete the shopping process. Also modules are not ‘pre-built’ in as standard, all components can be chosen freely from a preferred supplier.
 
 
"Our customers are looking for a pleasant and convenient checkout experience, and many look toward our self checkout lanes to find that," said Russ Ross, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at American supermarket chain Giant Eagle. "We continually evaluate opportunities to improve the shopping experience for our customers, and look forward to piloting System 6. We rely on proven retail technology providers like IBM to continually innovate and deliver products like System 6 that are capable of helping differentiate us in the supermarket space."
 
 
IBM Self Checkout System 6's design offers retailers the shortest scan to bag distance of any existing self-checkout solution, which helps make the checkout experience not only faster but easier for the shopper as well.
 
 
"I am convinced that in today's market, modular self checkout solutions have become the new black. Tough economic times make it even more imperative that we deploy reliable, sustainable front-end technology that is flexible, and capable of providing the greatest possible return on investment," said Mr. Heinz Hermann Cassens, CIO at Metro Real in Germany. "IBM has taken great pains to design new self checkout systems with the customer in mind, enabling us to start slow and grow fast - from cashless to cash, and to any other future option, at our pace, without having to rip out our entire initial investment."
 
 
Smaller footprint for optimized store space
 
These modular units were designed to enhance the customer experience while taking up less floor space, an important factor for retailers looking to offer a self checkout option in smaller locations such as convenience, independent grocery and specialty stores. The smaller design can also free up valuable floor space for revenue-generating front-end merchandising. In addition, due to the innovative modularity, retailers now have the ability to offer a cashless scanning system without the payment module, taking up less space, reducing unnecessary costs, and streamlining the self-checkout experience.
 
 
Improved Cash Management and Security
 
The modularly-designed System 6 also offers choice for cash recycling and greater security, as well as the ability for retailers to do real-time cash tracking and reporting. Cash continues to be an attractive payment choice globally, so the need to offer a cash payment choice is critical.  System 6 now offers the option of cash recycling for bills/notes and coins as an effective way to minimize cash management operational costs.Regardless of whether you recycle cash or not, the design provides retailers with greater control over cash access. With the payment module, retailers can have separate key access to cash, ensuring greater security and lowering cash shrink.
 
 
The Self Checkout System 6 is also integrated with the POS GK/Retail standard software solution from GK Software. Both partners combined their key competence in the retail industry, designing a self checkout that is completely integrated into the IT infrastructure at the store and eliminates the needs for isolated checkout solutions. This solution is one of the first partnership-based solutions worldwide that is fully integrated on the new IBM Self Checkout System 6.
 
 
IBM and GK Software have worked together in the retail industry for many years. Both partners developed a standardised and completely integrated self checkout solution, preventing the need for isolated and expensive solutions whilst significantly reducing the complexity of the systems.