IBM launches new self-checkout system

IBM this week announced self-checkout technology that allows consumers to shop for and check out purchases practically anywhere in a store. IBM also announced a new release of software to help speed the self checkout process, a new entry-level kiosk and an extension of its global self service alliance programme to reach new markets and industries.

Designed for small businesses and large enterprise departments, the IBM AnyPlace Checkout system combines the ultra-compact footprint of their AnyPlace Kiosk with the capabilities of IBM self checkout software.

According to a recent customer purchasing survey, 10 percent of shoppers who left a store without making a purchase cited the wait to check out as a factor in their decision not to buy. More importantly, when forced to wait in line for more than four minutes, customer satisfaction levels fall below 80 percent.

"Today's market environment is tough and competitive, and there is huge pressure on retailers to transform and innovate, all driven by a need to change the shopping experience for consumers," said Steve Ladwig, general manager, Retail Store Solutions, IBM System & Technology Group.

"The IBM AnyPlace Checkout allows us to help our clients serve their customers in totally new ways, answering consumer demand for easy-to-use self service in more places than ever before."

"Self checkout not only continues to gain widespread acceptance with consumers, but we are also seeing that self-service solutions are paying off for retailers," said Greg Buzek, President, IHL Consulting Group. "Our research shows that retailers that have embraced self-service technologies are redeploying labour to key profit areas, improving customer service with more lanes and improving profitability by increasing the number of profitable transactions."

www.ibm.com/retail

Pavers implements intelligent register

Leading footwear retailer Pavers, have implemented a new EPoS solution featuring Epson's Intelligent Register - the IR-700 and software from Eurostop.

"System reliability and poor performance was a stumbling block to achieving high levels of customer service; high availability, quality and performance were key criteria when selecting new tills," explained Jon Dodsworth, business systems manager at Pavers. "We wanted a system that was efficient, user-friendly, aesthetically appealing, compact and of course, cost-effective."

After a careful evaluation of alternative solutions, Pavers opted for Epson's IR-700. Featuring an LCD touch screen, the IR-700 is the smallest integrated system in its class. Featuring an ergonomic design, the system is also Chip & PIN compatible and has an in-built smart cable management system to keep the point of service uncluttered and also minimise the risk of accidental disconnection.

"The IR-700's sleek and contemporary design complements our in-store ambience, and because it is so compact it saves us valuable counter space. What's more, the reasonable price only adds to the winning combination of functionality and aesthetics," commented Dodsworth.

He added: "The new solution meets all our expectations, in our opinion it is best in class. The IR-700 will certainly form a part of our expansion plans and remains our preferred choice for existing and future installations."

www.pos.epson.co.uk

MFI partners with CIBER Novasoft

UK homewares retailer, MFI, has met its business turnaround goals following the selection of international systems integration consultancy, CIBER and SAP retail systems specialist, CIBER Novasoft, which together have built an end to end solution for implementation, data centre services, systems support, and application outsourcing.

CIBER Novasoft is implementing SAP-based Merchandising, Logistics, Customer Fulfilment and Finance, enabling MFI to move from being a vertically integrated manufacturing operation to a global source product supply chain business. The combined SAP and managed services/hosting solution will enable CIBER to deliver a platform for MFI Retail that will enhance the range of products MFI is able to offer its customers through its 200 stores and drive out costs.

A full project team headed by CIBER Novasoft was mobilised and on-site by the end of November 2006 and work started in earnest. The first stage went live in May 2007, followed by the second stage in September. The third and final stage is currently in test and on target to go live in May 2008.

Applications are developed and managed offshore as part of a five-year contract by CIBER Inc. in Staten Island, New York, and Phoenix, Arizona, US. The contract to provide IT hosting and application support covers a broad and complex blend of IT solutions. Data centre services include technology strategy consulting, server consolidation, database support, network management, help desk and desktop services, and application support, and the project is led by a 300 person development and support team in London, New York and Bangalore.

MFI IT director, Chris Mangham, said, "CIBER's end-to-end managed service offer has enabled MFI to reduce IT risk and free MFI IT staff to focus on its core business."

www.ciber-novasoft.com/uk

New 'Delivery Promise tool' for e-tailers from Royal Mail

Royal Mail has launched a new consultancy tool to help online retailers offer consumers the best possible experience and reduce shopping basket abandonment.

The internet based 'Delivery Promise Tool' can analyse any e-retail website, monitoring the quality and availability of delivery information such as cost, time, tracking, delivery options and contact details. It produces a report which includes recommendations on how each website can improve its service.

Royal Mail created the tool after its Delivery Experience research revealed the importance that consumers place on having access to clear delivery information before placing an order online.

The research revealed that 19 in 20 online shoppers have abandoned a shopping basket, 37 per cent regularly, and that four in ten (42 per cent) did so because of the delivery charge.

Val Walker, head of multi-channel retail at Royal Mail, said: "Our Delivery Experience research showed that delivery details and options are a primary influence on consumers' choice of online retailer. "

"We developed the Delivery Promise Tool to ensure that e-retailers are aware of what they need to be doing to provide consumers with the best shopping experience online. This means companies must be upfront with their delivery promise and make sure all information relating to delivery is very clear and easily accessible on their website."

James Roper, chief executive of IMRG (Interactive Media in Retail Group), said: "We are delighted that Royal Mail has developed the Delivery Promise Tool which gives great practical and immediate help to the entire e-retail community in its bid to improve the quality for home delivery services provided for consumers."

www.royalmail.com