MERKUR to deploy NCR FastLane SelfServ™ Checkout solutions in 45 of
its supermarkets in 2016, making it the first supermarket chain in the
region to fully embrace self-checkout technology
AUGSBURG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2016--
NCR
Corporation (NYSE: NCR), the global leader in consumer transaction
technologies, announced today that MERKUR,
a leading Austrian supermarket chain that is part of the German REWE
Group, will deploy 100 innovative NCR self-checkout solutions with
associated NCR self-checkout software in about 45 stores in the course
of 2016. Based on positive feedback in eight high volume stores earlier
in 2015, NCR self-checkouts have now become an integral part of MERKUR’s
store strategy. The technology enables a modern shopping experience and
reduces waiting times at checkout, helping to improve customer service
and build loyalty.
MERKUR is the first supermarket chain in Austria, as well as the greater
DACH region, to implement a full-scale self-checkout strategy. This
strategy reflects growing customer demand for self-checkout solutions, a
trend that was recently highlighted in a survey
commissioned by the German Retail Association, EHI. The findings
revealed that 92 percent of customers use self-checkout to reduce
waiting time when they check out, while 50 percent use it because they
like to experience the latest technology.
"As innovative Austrian grocer we continuously expand our services to
deliver a pleasant shopping experience for our customers," said Manfred
Denner, member of the MERKUR executive board. "The acceptance of the
systems has been very good. 40 percent of customers in our flagship
store in Vienna are using the self-checkouts. We now want to offer this
flexibility to customers in further stores.”
After comprehensive usability testing, NCR customized the software of
its self-checkouts to the specific requirements of MERKUR and adapted
the user interface to reflect the company’s branding. Since MERKUR has a
strong focus on fresh produce in its in-store market-place, the fast and
accurate identification of more than 600 different fresh fruit and
vegetables is especially important. The new NCR RealScan™ 79 Bi-optic
Imager, used in the latest generation of NCR self-checkouts, enables the
desired levels of identification by capturing images of products as well
as being able to scan 1D, 2D and mobile bar codes from six different
angles.
“Based on our leadership and experience in rolling out retail solutions
for customers around the world, we are able to provide a seamless
experience, including software modification, to quickly and efficiently
meet our customers’ needs,” said Stefan Clemens, Area Sales Leader for
Germany, Austria and Switzerland at NCR Retail Solutions. “However, it
is not enough to install new technology. To ensure that investment in
self-checkout technology is successful for retailers, such as MERKUR, we
have created an extensive business model that assesses the neighborhood,
demographics, product range and other local specifics for each store.
This enables us to identify and implement the right solution for our
retail customers and deliver on the objectives they wish to achieve.”
Careful and accurate planning prior to the actual deployment provided a
smooth integration of NCR self-checkouts with MERKUR’s existing
point-of-sale (POS) infrastructure. Employees have been able to
familiarize themselves with the new self-checkouts during dedicated
training sessions that continue to contribute to the success and
effective roll out of the technology. MERKUR looks forward to continuing
to reduce the amount of time spent in queues and expects their customers
to embrace the new technology as they did in the initial deployment.
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is the global leader in consumer transaction
technologies, turning everyday interactions with businesses into
exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware, and portfolio of
services, NCR enables more than 550 million transactions daily across
retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology, and
small business. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make
your life easier.
NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia with over 30,000 employees and
does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in
the United States and other countries.
Web site: www.ncr.com
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@NCRCorporation
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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160203005145/en/
Source: NCR Corporation
NCR Public Relations
Ortrud Wenzel, +49 821 405 8191
ortrud.wenzel@ncr.com
