[03/24/09]
The Integrated Technology Group (ITG), a division of Vernon Library Supplies, Inc., has joined with NCR Corporation, to develop and launch the next generation of self-service systems for library patrons.
The solution is designed to give library patrons the choice to check out library items without the assistance of library staff, reducing long waiting lines and providing better privacy during checkout. The innovative new self-checkout design from NCR and ITG aims to enable a friendlier, easier checkout transaction, helping to boost self-service adoption and patron confidence in the service.
Taking the technology to the next level, ITG worked in close collaboration with the NCR Customer Experience Consulting team - an NCR group dedicated to ensuring the best application of human factors engineering - to design a solution that would fit the unique needs of the library environment.
"NCR Customer Experience Consulting provided an enhanced visual design for the user interface including state-of-the-art instructional animations intended to make the library self-service kiosk attractive, easy to learn and easy to use," said Dr. Marcia Crosland, Director, Customer Experience Consulting, NCR Corporation.
Initial plans call for over 200 kiosks to be deployed in North America throughout 2009. Future plans also include deployments in Latin America.
"We already have the most powerful and user friendly software in the library industry," said Shai Robkin, president and chief executive officer, Integrated Technology Group. "But with the growth we have seen in our customer base and with our future expansion plans, we decided to seek out the ultimate in reliable and serviceable hardware and user interface solutions designed specifically for self-service. We chose a partner who would approach the customer experience with the same philosophy that we do so that library patrons can fully embrace and experience the benefits of self-checkout. NCR brings its leadership, innovation, experience and much more to the table."
The Apex XpressCheck Medallion Edition includes enhanced Apex XpressCheck library self-checkout software running on ultra-compact and reliable NCR EasyPointTM Advantage kiosk hardware. Bar code and RFID versions are now available, with an electromagnetic (EM) security version coming in the spring of 2009.
The NCR EasyPoint Advantage hardware is built to provide libraries with a versatile, yet ultra-compact, self-service kiosk solution. With its small footprint, flexibility and enhanced serviceability, the kiosk is designed for easy installation in a variety of configurations suited to virtually any library environment.
Apex XpressCheck patron self-service kiosks also include the NCR RealPOSTM Two-Sided Thermal Receipt Printer, which enables simultaneous printing on both sides of the receipt with dual print heads. By using NCR's two-sided printing technology, libraries can deliver additional information to patrons while keeping the length of receipts manageable - and reducing paper consumption by up to 45 percent. ITG is currently the only library self-service solution provider to offer this functionality.
"Our collaboration with NCR marries our expertise in the library industry with their market-leading expertise in self-service technology. The combination of our strengths has allowed us to deliver a library self-checkout solution unmatched by our competitors," added Robkin.
About Integrated Technology Group
Integrated Technology Group (www.integratedtek.com) develops, markets, and supports library automation technologies that empower librarians to make operations more efficient and better serve their patrons. ITG's products include patron self-checkout, RFID, and Automated Materials Handling (AMH) systems. With over 30 years experience in the library industry, ITG combines smart technology and progressive design to create standard solutions that can be easily customized to meet site-specific requirements. ITG, a division of Vernon Library Supplies, Inc., is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia.
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation is a global technology company and leader in automated teller machines, self-checkouts and other self- and assisted-service solutions, serving customers in more than 100 countries. NCR's software, hardware, consulting and support services help organizations in retail, financial, travel, healthcare and other industries interact with consumers across multiple channels.
|
