[05/06/08]
A next-generation self-checkout solution from NCR Corporation provides consumers with an even more streamlined self-service experience and expands the convenience of self-checkout to other retail environments.
The latest NCR FastLane self-checkout is debuting this week at the 2008 Food Marketing Institute and MARKETECHNICS show in Las Vegas (booth # 2476).
"Since self-checkout was first deployed more than a decade ago, the way consumers prefer to shop has changed drastically," said Richard Arnold, NCR vice president, Retail Industry Marketing. "Now, more than ever, consumers are demanding self-service as a way to save valuable time and gain convenience. In fact, NCR estimates that 2.5 billion consumer transactions were performed via NCR FastLane self-checkout in 2007, with strong transaction growth expected for 2008 as more retailers install NCR FastLane and as more consumers use self-checkout when they shop.
"As the market share leader in self-checkout, NCR is pleased to introduce expanded functionality and flexibility to NCR FastLane. The enhanced design and added features embody NCR's commitment to innovation and growth," Arnold added.
NCR FastLane now features a more refined, compact design that allows the device to be deployed beyond high-volume retail and grocery environments into other formats, such as department stores, convenience stores, pharmacies and more. The solution allows consumers to scan, bag and pay for goods on their own using cash, debit or credit, including the increasingly popular contactless payment cards.
The latest design also provides enhanced ease of use for consumers. Cash inputs/outputs are arranged side by side to allow for user-friendly payment transactions, while "follow-me" lighting blinks at various points on the device to guide consumers through each step of the checkout process. In addition, NCR FastLane is now equipped with the NCR RealScan 78OFX bi-optic scanner/scale, which helps make self-checkout scanning even more quick and accessible for consumers. The eye-catching LED Scan Advisor on the top of the scanner provides intuitive visual feedback to the user, and is particularly helpful for hearing-impaired individuals.
The solution's enhanced design also provides operational efficiencies for retailers. NCR FastLane now supports standard integrated coin recycling, as well as the option for integrated bill recycling. Recycling allows the cash and coins consumers insert during a purchase to later be issued as change. This function enables retailers to invest fewer resources in cash management and requires less currency at the beginning of daily operation. It also provides consumers with the convenience of receiving cash back at the self-checkout without any additional cash replenishment burden for the retailer.
Finally, NCR FastLane includes a variety of features that support retailers' commitment to the environment. NCR Two-Sided Thermal Receipt Printing is now a standard feature in each unit. NCR Two-Sided Thermal Receipt Printing allows for simultaneous printing on both sides of a thermal paper receipt, reducing paper consumption by up to 40 percent. This can result in less energy being consumed during paper production and distribution, as well as reductions in waste disposal, air emissions and wastewater. In addition, NCR's self-checkout application supports reusable "green" bags by allowing shoppers to place their own bags in the bagging area without alerts. NCR FastLane also supports low-energy compact fluorescent bulbs in the lane lights.
The next-generation NCR FastLane will initially be available in the United States, United Kingdom and Euro zone countries. Phased deployment to approximately 20 additional countries will continue through 2009.
NCR FastLane is supported by a comprehensive suite of services designed to achieve a faster return on investment and increased customer satisfaction. Successful self-service implementations begin with proper installation followed by ongoing lifecycle support leveraging maintenance and help desk services that maximize system availability.
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation is a global technology company leading how the world connects, interacts and transacts with business. NCR's assisted- and self-service solutions and comprehensive support services address the needs of retail, financial, travel, healthcare, hospitality, gaming and public sector organizations in more than 100 countries. NCR (www.ncr.com) is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.
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