NCR Corp. has announced its acquisition of Campbell, Calif.-based DVDPlay, which operates approximately 1,300 DVD-rental kiosks in the United States and Canada. In a news release, NCR says it will convert the DVDPlay kiosks to add to its Blockbuster Express-branded line of kiosks and is revising its installation forecasts from 2,500 to 3,800 by the end of 2009. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Alex Camara, vice president and general manager of NCR Entertainment, says DVDPlay's presence in California, Colorado and Illinois will allow NCR to extend its DVD-rental reach to new markets, bolstering its efforts to compete with redbox.
Our acquisition of DVDPlay accelerates NCR’s growth in the DVD-rental business as we expand our operations, technology leadership and consumer experience in key markets with premium retail partners. Over the past six months, we’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm from consumers and retail partners for our DVD-rental kiosks. We’ve been able to deploy quickly and maintain high levels of availability. This further investment will help us bring our kiosks to even more consumers in even more locations around the United States, especially in major markets in California and other parts of the western U.S.
Coinstar Inc., whose redbox brand is NCR's primary competition in the DVD-rental kiosk market, today announced it has exceeded its forecast for 20,000 redbox kiosks installed by the end of the year.
Atlanta-based SoloHealth today announced an agreement with Kroger that will expand the SoloHealth EyeSite kiosk to 10 Kroger locations in the metro Atlanta area. The touchscreen EyeSite kiosk offers shoppers a free vision screening and risk assessment with a customized results report, as well as free eye health information and lists of local eye care providers.
Bart Foster, founder and CEO of SoloHealth, says many people neglect eye health without realizing the damages:
Eyes deteriorate so slowly that people often don't realize their vision is changing. The EyeSite kiosks are a great way for people to check their vision and get related eye-health information. Our goal is to get people to think about their eyes as part of their overall health and to take the appropriate steps to minimize eye health risks.
In recent months, the EyeSite kiosk also has expanded to 30 grocery locations in the St. Louis area and has been featured in a segment on the popular CBS talk show "The Doctors."
IER, a provider of self-service technology for the airline industry, has announced the launch of its Local Partner Program. The company says it will certify "Local Business & Service Providers" (LPs) to resell and service IER equipment, as well as "Local Service Providers" (LSPs) to focus strictly on servicing the company's equipment.
IER says that selecting skilled, customer-oriented specialists in countries where the company doesn't have a direct presence will allow it to deliver a higher level of expertise and innovation. Pascal Monserand, vice president of indirect channel sales for IER, says the company wanted to expand on its existing local partnerships by developing a dedicated program:
With the LPP, we wish to help partners continue to develop the in-depth technical expertise, market knowledge and highly specialized skill sets needed to implement, deploy and support the cutting-edge solutions expected by our end-customers. Over the years, local partnerships have proved successful, but today we are pleased to launch a dedicated and comprehensive indirect channel program, which will enable the industry to take full advantage of IER's innovations through unmatched worldwide local services and skills.
IER is sourcing localized providers to partner with and says information about the program can be found on its Web site.
At this week's KioskCom Self Service Expo, Esprida Corp., a provider of remote device-management products, showcased its enhanced Esprida Enterprise and Esprida LiveControl products.
The company says Esprida Enterprise is a Web-based remote-management solution that the user can host on its own network and configure to manage self-service devices and business applications. The product includes open application programmable interfaces (APIs) for integration and data exchange with third-party hardware and applications, and its features include asset management, dynamic grouping, device configuration, software and media updates, diagnostic testing, self-heal repairing, and automated maintenance and remote control, among others.
Esprida LiveControl is built on the Esprida Enterprise platform and shares many of the same features, but is available in a hosted and shared SaaS model.
Anila Jobanputra, president and founder of Esprida Corp., spoke about the updated platforms:
Esprida is continually evolving its products to ensure its clients are growing their businesses through substantial cost savings and improved management and performance of self-service deployments. Both Esprida Enterprise and Esprida LiveControl are optimally primed to do just this with newly enhanced platforms.
NEXTEP SYSTEMS has announced it will debut a self-check-in/checkout solution for hotels at next week's International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show, sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Hotel Association of New York City Inc. and the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association.
According to a news release from NEXTEP, the touchscreen kiosk solution is designed to simplify the guests' hotel stay and travel experience and offers guests the ability to:
Check in/out within 30 seconds
Encode room keys
Upgrade and change rooms
View, print and e-mail bills and receipts
Check in and print boarding passes for flights
Change credit cards
Scan passports and licenses
NEXTEP president and cofounder Tommy Woycik says the hotel solution underscored the company's experience in other segments of the hospitality vertical:
"This hotel solution has allowed us to further expand our offerings and bring to both guests and management an entirely new level of service. NEXTEP’s ability to deliver enjoyable guest experiences and provide seamlessly integrated management systems directly to hotel lobbies is a natural extension of our experience and success in the foodservice and hospitality industries. We look forward to showcasing our newest software product at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show."
The International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show will take place Nov. 8-10 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
NCR Corp. announced this morning that it has purchased the assets of Netkey, a digital signage and kiosk software provider based in East Haven , Conn. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Netkey’s software platform is used to manage digital signage networks as well as self-service applications like gift registry, guided selling, endless aisle and human resources functions.
Netkey has more than 75,000 kiosks and digital signs installed by more than 400 clients in the retail, finance, transportation and government sectors. Many of these customers also use NCR ’s kiosk, self-checkout or point-of-sale solutions.
NCR will combine Netkey’s software platform with its own software to create an enterprise software solution to accompany NCR’s hardware portfolio and suite of services. NCR will continue to provide multivendor hardware support with the Netkey solution.
Mike Webster, vice president and general manager for NCR ’s retail line of business, commented on the acquisition:
Consumers increasingly expect to interact with companies when and how they wish, and businesses are responding by offering their customers a seamless experience across the channel of their choice. This acquisition will enable NCR to help its customers across multiple industries with kiosk and digital signage solutions that deliver more effective transactions, promotions and information as part of a merged-channel strategy.
DVD-rental kiosk brand redbox today announced two-year distribution agreements with NCircle Entertainment, a children's entertainment distributor, and Summit Entertainment, a full-service, worldwide film studio.
Redbox says the deals will allow its customers increased access to NCircle and Summit titles at all of its locations nationwide. NCircle's titles have won Parent's Choice and Emmy awards and include brands such as The Jim Henson Company's ”Sid the Science Kid" and Dr. Seuss' "The Cat in The Hat Knows a Lot About That," among many others. Summit's titles include feature films such as the popular "Twilight" series and the hit film "Knowing."
Unlike some Hollywood movie studios, Summit will make its new release titles available to redbox customers on their street dates, says redbox president Mitch Lowe:
We are very pleased to enter into this agreement with Summit, as it underscores our commitment to creating winning relationships for our customers and studio partners. This agreement ensures that we will continue to deliver engaging and popular Summit movie titles to consumers at our kiosks when they are first released at an affordable price.
Debbie Ries, NCircle's senior vice president and general manager, believes the deal with redbox will help increase DVD sales for the company, a topic that also has been contentious in redbox' dealings with some major movie studios:
We will increase the visibility and reach of our titles nationwide through this two-year distribution agreement with redbox. Redbox rentals allow the consumer to try before they buy. We are confident that the positive rental experience at redbox, coupled with the quality and appeal of our content, will translate into increased DVD sales at retail. This agreement is an exciting opportunity for NCircle, redbox and the consumer.
Redbox did not disclose terms of either deal, but did say the Summit agreement will begin Jan. 1, 2010.
NEXTEP SYSTEMS, a provider of touchscreen ordering kiosks and digital menu board solutions, today announced the launch of its Casino Express self-order system at Boomer's Café in the Boomtown Casino Hotel in Bossier City, La.
Dan Condon, director of information technology for Boomtown Casino, says the facility chose to work with NEXTEP because of its experience in the casino space:
As we sought to adopt technology that would increase our efficiency, the expertise of NEXTEP SYSTEMS and the extent of its work with casino environments convinced us they were the right supplier for us. We believe NEXTEP will have a tremendous positive impact on both our revenue and customer satisfaction. With the system now in place, we expect our average order size to increase, customer wait times to decrease and that we will be able to provide better overall service to our guests during peak periods.
Using the Casino Express solution, restaurant customers can order meals directly from the touchscreen and pay for their selections using credit cards, debit cards or casino comp credit.
Roosevelt, N.Y.-based Parabit Systems Inc., a kiosk and digital signage provider, will partner with SelfServiceWorld.com to host a free webinar, "Communication through the Integration of Kiosks and Digital Signage," on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
During the webinar, Rob Leiponis, founder and president of Parabit, and Ralph Tragale, assistant director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will discuss their partnership to deploy "Welcome Centers" at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports. The Port Authority commissioned Parabit last year to develop, construct and install the Welcome Centers, which use interactive kiosks, digital signage and other technologies to provide information and airport services to travelers.
The presenters will share with attendees their strategies for integrating kiosk and digital signage solutions and how utilizing these technologies in the transportation vertical can help improve customer service, create new revenue opportunities and streamline operations.
Participants can register to attend the free webinar here.
Hercules Networks, a provider of cell phone-charging kiosks, today announced that its founder and CEO, Paul King, has been recognized as a finalist for BusinesWeek Magazine's "Top 25 U.S. Entrepreneurs under 25" list.
Hercules' cell phone-charging kiosks provide a rapid, ten-minute charge for most models of cell phones, smart phones, mp3 players and other mobile devices. The kiosks feature an LCD display that allows advertising partners to reach a captive audience while customers charge their mobile devices.
NCR Corp. has announced the release of the SelfServ Entertainment 2381, the company's first DVD-rental kiosk for outdoor deployment.
Alex Camara, vice president and general manager of NCR's entertainment solutions, says the rugged new kiosk model will allow the company to expand the deployment of its Blockbuster Express DVD-rental kiosks to different, more accessible locations:
Each day, consumers around the world conduct more than 60 million transactions on NCR devices, making us the global leader in self-service technology. We've used our knowledge of consumer self-service technology to make the SelfServ Entertainment 2381 the most secure and the highest capacity outdoor kiosk on the market. This new technology will enable us to work with even more partners as we roll out our Blockbuster Express-branded DVD-rental kiosks to new locations, including convenience stores and gas stations. Consumers will benefit from easier access to their favorite new releases and classic DVDs in accessible, 24-hour locations.
The kiosk features a 19-inch, sunlight-readable touchscreen display and an optional 26-inch LCD digital signage topper for inventory promotion or brand advertising. The company says all of the SelfServ Entertainment 2381 units are equipped with an ATM-grade, anti-skimming magnetic stripe card reader to help prevent fraud.
NCR has said it expects to invest as much as $60 million in its DVD-rental kiosk operations and to deploy more than 2,500 of the Blockbuster Express kiosks this year. The company recently has announced Blockbuster Express deployments with Publix and Big Y, both grocery chains in the northeast United States, as well as with Tedeschi Food Shops, a U.S. convenience-store chain.
Cash-management solution and kiosk provider Corporate Safe Specialists has announced its inclusion on Inc. Magazine's top 5,000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States for the second consecutive year. In a news release, CSS says it was ranked 2,429th on the list overall and 42nd in the security industry.
Ed McGunn, CSS' president and chief executive, attributes the company's recognition as a leader to its innovation and customer service:
Corporate Safe's success can be attributed to our unyielding dedication to provide our customers innovative solutions to directly meet their cash-management needs in today's rapidly changing business environment. This, coupled with the leading customer service in the industry, is the fundamental force driving our growth and success.
Corporate Safe Specialists was founded in 1988 by McGunn, Rosemary Leonard and Lisa Marth.
Opinionmeter International, a maker of survey kiosks and other consumer survey technology, has announced a partnership with New York City's Metropolitan Hospital Center to deploy Opinionmeter's touchscreen tablets and kiosks. Metropolitan will use the technology to survey patient and staff members about their knowledge of patient safety.
According to a news release from Opinionmeter, Metropolitan obtained a grant from the HHC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corp., to fund the survey effort, which will help the institution promote the Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals, or NPSGs:
The purpose of the Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals is to promote improvements in patient safety, which would include improving the accuracy of patient identification, the effectiveness of communication among caregivers and the safety of using medications. In addition, they seek to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections, encourage patients' active involvement in their own care as a patient safety strategy and improve recognition and response to changes in (a) patient's condition.
Irene Quinones, associate director of patient safety and cultural competency for Metropolitan Hospital Center, says Opinionmeter's survey capabilities will help providers promote patient involvement, which it believes is a crucial part of the patient experience:
The Joint Commission has made patient involvement a priority by including the issue in its National Patient Safety Goals. We strongly believe in doing whatever we can to educate the patient and to involve them in their medical care. The Opinionmeter technology allows us to do this. We are delighted with the findings from our patient surveys, and we are expanding its inclusion to other areas.
Metropolitan also will use Opinionmeter's technology to obtain patient feedback about the provider experience at outpatient clinics, the release says.
Electronics manufacturer Flextronics last week released its earnings for the first quarter of fiscal year 2010.
The company, which designs and manufacturers kiosks and other electronic equipment, announced net sales of $5.8 billion, up 4 percent from $5.5 billion last quarter, which ended March 31. But the company's net sales year-over-year are down 31 percent. Flextronics posted record net sales of $8.4 billion in Q1 FY 2009.
Net income for the quarter came in at a loss of $154 million. In Q1 FY 2009, net income was $130 million.
During Flextronics' Q1 earnings call July 29, CEO Mike McNamara said an overall decrease in market demand adversely affected the company's earnings:
The overall demand climate has remained subdued, but we have made measurable strides to adjust to the current market positions and position ourselves for improving profitability. We have balanced these challenges with new business wins and successful executions. We will continue to act with speed and agility to adjust our operations, keep disciplined cost controls in place and optimally position Flextronics in the market.
Flextronics chief financial officer Paul Read's says the company's gains since last quarter are a reflection of efforts to cut costs and restructure after a disappointing quarter.
As discussed last quarter, we have quickly executed our restructuring plans to resize our business and are seeing the benefits in sequential margin expansion. As we continue to execute on our restructuring plans, we are confident that our activities will achieve their intended cost savings and contribute to further margin improvements.
Read said Flextronics has recognized $215 million in restructuring charges since restructuring plans were announced in March, and the company expects to recognize about $35 million more in those charges over the course of FY 2010.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Source Technologies, a maker of kiosks and secure print solutions, has introduced a global partner program for original equipment manufacturers, value-added resellers, independent software vendors and distributors. The program, designed to give participants a competitive advantage, is built around hardware, software and service solutions for the specific needs of vertical markets, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, government and banking.
“Our partners play an important role in our overall corporate strategy, so it’s time we formalized a program that substantiates our commitment to them,” said William Bouverie, chief executive of Source Technologies. “The program is an opportunity to work more closely with our partners. When we work together to create solid business plans, we bring a stronger message to our customers. Ultimately, the objective is to collectively uncover new opportunities and to increase technology offerings.”
According to a news release, the program’s infrastructure includes new products that enable participants to achieve attractive sales and profitability levels, a dedicated account-management team, and a plethora of clearly defined benefits.
“We’re exited to launch this program at a time when many organizations are looking to strengthen the value proposition they offer to their customers,” said Mimi Bartholomew, director of alliance partnerships of Source Technologies. “With Source Technologies’ full-breadth of products, channel-centric philosophy and dedication to customer satisfaction, our partners will enjoy an advantage in any economy.”
Participants in the new program will have access to:
• Comprehensive training and sales education
• Incentive funds
• Sales leads eligibility
• Evaluation unit program
• Service expansion opportunities
SEATTLE — MOD Systems Inc., a provider of digital media delivery systems for retailers, today announced that senior vice president of business development, Brad Gleeson, will participate in a session called “Digital Den” at the Entertainment Supply Chain Academy, or ESCA, in Los Angeles. Also speaking at the session will be executives from such companies as Yahoo! Connected TV, Edgecast, BuzzMedia, BluFocus and more.
The “Digital Den” session, hosted by Parks Associates, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at the Luxe Hotel in Los Angeles.
During this rapid-fire session, executives from eleven companies looking to monetize and find their footing in the emerging world of digital content delivery and home entertainment will offer brief individual presentations. Each presenter will describe the transition of content delivery from the traditional physical distribution model to where it stands today and how it may change in the future. Presentations will cover delivery models ranging from open source online video and interactive broadcasting to MOD Systems’ digital delivery in retail.
Gleeson currently serves as the senior vice president of business development for MOD Systems. Before joining the company, he founded and acted as managing partner of TargetPath LLC, a consulting company providing management, strategic planning and business development consulting to digital signage, specialty display and out-of-home media clients. Gleeson also has held senior positions with Planar Systems Inc., Active Light and CineLight, national value-added distributors that were among the first to sell plasma and large LCD monitors in the U.S.
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has announced it will work with global shipping leaders FedEx and DHL to help manage parts inventory for NCR Services in the Americas and Asia-Pacific markets.
According to a news release, under the new program in the Americas, parts will be stored at the FedEx Supply Chain Services Global Distribution Center located near the airport in Memphis, Tenn. When an NCR service technician needs a part not locally on-hand for a service call on an ATM, point-of-sale system, kiosk or other self-service technology, the location of that part near an airport hub and more frequent outbound flights will speed delivery to the technician. This will enable NCR to reduce repair time and enhance weekend parts availability.
A similar program will take place in the Asia-Pacific market. Until now, service parts replenishment for this region primarily has been supplied from locations in the U.S. and Europe. In partnership with DHL, NCR service parts now will be warehoused and distributed directly from the DHL logistics hub in Hong Kong, thus enhancing the service support NCR provides to customers in this fast-growing area.
“Service parts logistics is key to NCR’s ability to deliver the right part at the right time at the right place,” said Nancy Daniels, vice president of NCR Global Services Parts. “By putting the parts our customers need closer to the end of the runway, we can improve our speed of response, thus improving system availability for our customers.”
The transition from NCR’s existing parts distribution center to FedEx and DHL will begin immediately, and NCR expects the transition to be seamless for its customers.
NCR’s existing facility in Peachtree City, Ga., which houses parts operations functions such as inventory planning, parts call-center support and other parts-related functions such as depot services will be unaffected by this change. This facility will also continue to support lower usage parts warehousing and distribution. Similarly, the NCR parts facility in Maastricht, Netherlands, continues to provide regional support for customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
ARLINGTON, Va. — Information security has become an increasing concern in the military. Hackers attempt to crack into the Department of Defense global information grid daily.
While the active-duty military responds with new security measures, such as the requirement to log in to government computers with a common access card, traditional Guardmembers with no CAC reader find themselves locked out and unable to do their jobs.
Army National Guard officials began rectifying this situation last year by installing thousands of CAC-enabled kiosks at armories and reserve centers in all 54 states and territories.
More than $3.5 million has been allocated for about 8,400 kiosks around the country.
"These (kiosks) are spread across units in an armory that may only have one computer," said Lt. Col. Rodney Swann, chief of network engineering operations for the Army National Guard. "When you have units that are drilling in that armory, they have no capability to do their work."
As Internet access and e-mail become more important to the job specialties of more Guardmembers, these kiosks will serve a vital role.
The National Guard Bureau provides an integrated CAC reader and keyboard, Swann said. It also provides monitors for 75 percent of the kiosks fielded, and the states have extra monitors for the remaining 25 percent.
"Generally, it’s been received very positively by the (traditional) force that before didn’t have anything," said Col. Bret Slater, chief of information technology plans, programs and policy for the Army National Guard.
The kiosks also will be helpful during Soldier Readiness Processing drills. Guardmembers will be able to access Army and Guard Knowledge Online, as well as other Web sites to identify personnel issues before jumping into line. They can fill out periodic health assessments online to expedite the process of seeing a health provider.
"They know what issues they have and know what they need to do to get things working," Swann said.
The kiosks complement, not replace, the Distance Learning classrooms available in many armories.
"The Distance Learning computers are all personal computers that are put into a specific area that serves a different purpose," Swann said.
The main difference between the two, he says, is that the kiosks will not be equipped with word processing or spreadsheet programs. They are intended for use as an Internet portal.
Inside Self-Storage: OpenTech Alliance Inc., developer of the INSOMNIAC line of self-storage kiosks, has released 2008 kiosk-usage numbers, providing insight into consumer adoption of self-service. As of Jan. 1, 2008, 196 of the company's kiosks were in use across the country. Another 155 came online during the period ending Dec. 31. During 2008, consumers used the kiosks to rent 8,938 storage units, make 76,260 payments and purchase 5,014 locks, representing a total of $8,709,980 in self-service transactions.
MEDFIELD, Ma. -- Comark Corp., a designer and manufacturer of kiosk
Comark's 15-inch "Rugged Kiosk."
and digital signage solutions, has unveiled its new 15-inch Rugged Kiosk.
According to a news release, the portrait mode, wall-mountable kiosk features a "virtually indestructable" metallic enclosure, as well as a touchscreen and wireless capability.
"The kiosk is a compact, rugged solution for self-service applications in a touch environment, such as warehouse stores or back room applications," said Paul Laracy, director of sales at Comark Corp.
The kiosk is configured with a VESA mounting pattern, which allows for multiple mounting options in addition to wall mounting. The internal computer is available with a range of processors and memory options and is capable of running Windows- or Linux-based applications. Storage options include hard drive and/or compact flash, available up to 120GB and 32GB respectively.
CINCINNATI — Electronic Art, an agency that focuses on customized hardware and software for interactive kiosks, digital signage and integrated Web sites, has deployed digital signage for Gardner Publications in Newtown, Ohio.
Founded in Cincinnati in 1928, Gardner Publications specializes in magazine publication and Web site construction for industrial clients. The company's focus on the manufacturing industry has led to its production of publications including "Modern Machine Shop," "Production Machining," "Plastics Technology," "Products Finishing," "Moldmaking Technology," "Automotive Design & Production," "Composites Technology and High Performance Composites" and "Time Compression."
"Gardner's new visuals will really impact how they are seen by everyone who visits their facility," said Tim Burke, president of Electronic Art. "We provided a state-of-the-art look and feel that is flexible and will provide the information visitors need. We also created a content management tool to allow the receptionist to change the messaging on-screen as often as needed."
TOKYO - OKI Electric Industry Co. Ltd. has launched SUKIT, a kiosk terminal that will be offered in markets in Japan and overseas, according to a news release.
The terminal is compact with a common platform and basic devices, and it enables customers to add optional units such as 2D barcode readers and document readers. This flexibility enables customers to configure settings according to the usage, such as information search, appointment reservation, membership registration, award points management, etc. By including an A4-size printer as a standard feature, SUKIT can print high-resolution documents with a large amount of information.
By combining SUKIT with the Internet, mobile terminals or IC cards, companies can provide non-face-to-face services safely and reliably, 24/7.
"OKI's SUKIT was developed based on our know-how as the leader in the industry and our strong track records in ATMs, self-check-in terminals for airline companies and ticket reservation and issuing systems for railroad companies," said Hisao Suzuki, executive officer and general manager of the Enterprise Business Division at OKI. "We developed SUKIT with a commitment to offering a user-friendly terminal that anyone, even a first-time user, can easily use. As an example, all necessary devices for operation are placed in the front, and a blinking light on the device can guide users through successive steps."
The first SUKIT will be operated at a large-scale general hospital in a Berlin suburb in Germany.
BELMONT, Calif. — Microtech Systems has announced the launch of the X100 Robot, a kiosk that automates digital content burning onto popular consumer media, including CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs, according to a news release. It also prints photo quality artwork onto the disc surface.
The X100 robots are targeted at retailers looking to increase their revenues by offering more titles to their customers without inventory carrying costs.
"This is an exciting time for content publishers. Consumers now have access to virtually unlimited choices in entertainment titles," said Microtech's Jon Hodges, vice president of sales.
The X100 was released earlier this year for on demand disc production of video DVD titles. The X100 is a perfect digital delivery platform, that when properly configured, can provide access to hundreds of thousands of DVD titles. Content providers and retailers finally have a solution that provides virtually unlimited content choices to consumers.
The X100 has key features that make it the perfect choice for on-demand entertainment fulfillment in a retail environment.
Industry standard copy protection for DVD video titles — The X100 can be equipped with disc recorders capable of producing industry standard CSS (copy scramble system) copy protected DVD discs.
Interactivity — The touchscreen enabled X100 can be used for consumers to make product selections directly from the production machine. Alternatively, the X100 can be installed back counter and accept order fulfillment requests from industry-leading retail kiosk partners.
Integration with the market leaders — Microtech Systems partners with all the major content and technology leaders, providing access to the long tail of content to consumers, satisfying demand for more entertainment choices, and increasing profits at the same time.
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Vision Point of Sale Inc., a provider of products and services that support the point-of-sale marketplace, is proud to announce its partnership with NCR Corp. as a member of the NCR RealPartner program, according to a news release.
As an NCR RealPartner, Vision is a preferred reseller of NCR POS products to the markets and customers it serves.
"I am pleased that we have taken this important step in growing our relationship with NCR. We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with NCR over the years and we look forward to continued success with this important business partner," said Jeff Nixon, president and chief operating officer of Vision. "With NCR, we are well-positioned to create additional value for our current customers through the continued availability of high quality NCR POS products supported by Vision's extensive service network."
Vision will work closely with NCR to market its NCR POS equipment and technology throughout the United States, as well as to work collaboratively on the development of specific solutions for Vision's customers.
RICHARDSON, Texas — Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. introduced the Hypermarket U-Scan Genesis Payment Station, which combines in-person customer service with self-service convenience.
The concept joins the U-Scan Genesis Payment Station with Fujitsu’s iPAD handheld mobile computer, along with any standard checkout conveyor belt, to separate customer transactions into two components — scanning and payment.
The capability lets customers unload items from their carts onto the cashier-operated conveyor; the cashier then scans items using an iPAD or an integrated Metrologic scanner/scale; and the items are passed to a collection area for bagging. Concurrently, the customer tenders payment at the U-Scan Genesis Payment Station, thus allowing the next customer to unload his or her items.
"Already deployed in Hypermarkets across Europe, the Fujitsu U-Scan Genesis Payment Station concept moves customers through the checkout at a faster rate, thus reducing queues. When customers spend less idle time waiting in line and can get to the conveyor belt to unload items, the perceived time spent waiting in line is dramatically reduced, which improves customer satisfaction," said Marc Janssens, vice president of international sales at Fujitsu Transaction Solutions. "This innovative combination of self-service technology, mobile handheld devices and traditional checkout conveyor belts offers a unique hybrid approach that maintains face-to-face cashier customer interaction, while fully automating the tendering portion of the transaction."
Cashiers do not have to manage tills, thus eliminating common cash overages/shortages, till counting and downtime associated when additional lanes are opened by back-up cashiers. Also, with the cashier focusing more on the itemization process and the customer, both on-hand inventory accuracy and customer service are positively affected.
In addition, this concept allows retailers to deploy fewer checkout lanes overall, and when complemented by U-Scan self-checkout systems for small- to medium-sized baskets, it offers increased self–service quality, high throughput and faster recovery times.
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has announced a partnership with Integrated Technology Group to offer a library self-checkout solution in North America.
ITG, an NCR RealPartner, will offer its Apex XpressCheck library self-checkout software on NCR EasyPoint kiosk hardware equipped with an integrated barcode scanner and printer. ITG selected NCR EasyPoint kiosk hardware for its reliability, serviceability and versatile mounting options.
The solution will be demonstrated at ITG’s booth #1872 at the 2008 American Library Association show, being held June 26 through July 2 in Anaheim, Calif.
"Ever expanding their services to include Internet access, DVDs and other interactive options, libraries are increasingly looking toward technology solutions to help make simpler tasks — like checking out books and other materials — an automated process," said Shai Robkin, president and chief executive of Integrated Technology Group. "By offering a self-checkout experience to help accomplish basic transactions, library employees can be readily available to assist visitors with more personalized customer service."
In a typical transaction using the library self-checkout solution, patrons first scan their library card to pull up account information on the kiosk screen. Patrons then scan the items for check out using the kiosk barcode scanner. A receipt prints from the kiosk to complete the transaction.
Future plans include integrating the NCR EasyPoint kiosks with ITG's radio frequency identification-enabled self-checkout software.
"NCR is pleased to partner with ITG to offer this best-in-class library self-checkout solution," said Richard Arnold, NCR vice president, Retail Industry Marketing. "As a company driven toward self-service innovation and growth, we look forward to working together to explore how technology can empower librarians to improve operational efficiencies and better serve their patrons."
Bank Systems & Technology: The phrase virtual teller may bring to mind a mechanical gypsy at an amusement arcade, but today's virtual teller solutions are nothing to laugh at. According to experts, the benefits of teller-assisted kiosks for banks range from improved staffing efficiencies to stronger security. In March, IBM Corp. unveiled its Interactive IBM Bank Kiosk. According to Luigi Di Pace, leader of the IBM Innovation Lab in Bari, Italy, IBM is in negotiations with three Italian banks, which he declines to name, to launch pilot programs with the new system.
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — PeopleCube, provider of intelligent workplace, resource and energy management technology, has announced an alliance partnership with KIOSK Information Systems, a designer and manufacturer of indoor and outdoor kiosks, public Internet stations and other electronic self-service informational terminals, according to a news release. This partnership allows both companies to meet the needs of organizations large and small to reduce real estate and energy costs by implementing an on-site shared workspace and room reservation solution.
Resource Scheduler is the leading Web-based workspace, resource and energy management solution that allows users to quickly and easily schedule and manage flexible workspace and other shared resources with just a few simple clicks. KIOSK Information Systems is an established leader in the design and manufacturing of self-service kiosks, having produced thousands of kiosks for more than 15 years. Through this complementary relationship, PeopleCube is able to recommend a leading vendor in kiosk technology to customers in need of an on-site reservation kiosk system. Conversely, KIOSK Information Systems can suggest Resource Scheduler to kiosk customers looking to maximize shared workspace utilization by implementing an office hoteling work environment. Using a KIOSK Information System reservation kiosk and Resource Scheduler, mobile and remote workers are able to check in and out of existing reservations, or search for and reserve available shared workspace upon entering the building using the self-service kiosk.
"Reducing real estate and related costs is becoming increasingly important, especially in a time of economic uncertainty. As a result, many companies are turning to flexible workspace programs as a way to save money and attract top talent because it allows them to maximize workspace utilization and provide much-desired flexibility to their mobile workforce," said Abe Zelkin, vice president of business development at PeopleCube. "By partnering with KIOSK Information Systems, customers are able to leverage the expertise of two leading vendors to implement a complete on-site workspace management solution, helping them to achieve both their economic and talent retention goals."
"As an innovation leader in the self-service kiosk marketplace, it is essential that we partner with proven winners in their respective industries to support the needs of our customers," explained Tom Weaver, chief marketing officer of KIOSK Information Systems. "We’re very excited about partnering with PeopleCube, as they have been at the forefront of office hoteling technology and are well-versed in how it can help our customers offset the soaring prices of gas and corporate real estate."
PADERBORN, Germany — By integrating cash recycling technology in the newest generation of self-checkout systems, Wincor Nixdorf helps retail businesses reduce the work and costs of cash handling and increase system availability. The new "Tower Line 150," which is part of the BEETLE/iSCAN product family, will be presented at the 2008 Retail Solutions trade fair in London. This system rounds out the company’s extensive portfolio of modular automated check-out solutions.
Effective immediately, Wincor Nixdorf, a supplier of IT solutions and services for banks and retailers, will offer its customers the choice of a next-generation self-checkout system with integrated recycling for banknotes and coins.
The use of cash recycling means that cash deposited in a POS system can be made available for dispensing after it has been authenticated by the system. This drastically reduces the high expenses associated with counting, sorting and transporting cash. Furthermore, stores will be able to cut the volume of change held in storage for replenishment purposes and the frequency of change replenishment. Streamlined cash handling — from point-of-sale operations to cash collection by security companies — translates into reduced waiting times at the checkout, greater customer satisfaction and considerable operational savings.
In addition to the cash recycling function, the new Tower Line 150 features a host of other benefits: The new design and modular structure of the self-checkout system make it suitable for a wide range of applications in supermarkets, specialist retail outlets, cash-and-carry wholesale chains and department stores alike.
The system covers every possible aspect of check-out operations. It can be configured as an express self-checkout with one-, two- or three-bag solutions, as a specialized DIY store system or as a scan or pay tower, allowing retailers to select the configuration that best suits their needs and delivers the most attractive return on investment.
Another key benefit is that associated with shopper convenience: All components have been designed for intuitive use. Additionally, shoppers are guided by an on-screen graphical user interface. The system can be equipped with a scanner module that includes either a vertical or a bi-optical scan unit for the purpose of barcode reading, while the payment process is covered by a module for banknotes and coins. Other modules include units for card-based payments, coupon management and receipt printing. The new system also is suitable for shoppers with physical impairments or disabilities, since it is fully compliant with ADA II (Americans with Disabilities Act II).
Tower Line 150 is operated by TPiSCAN, a hardware-independent software that controls all the modules incorporated in the self-checkout system. The software, which is based on programming standards, has been designed for fast and efficient integration into existing IT landscapes at retail level, regardless of which hardware and software structures are in place. As an exhibitor at Retail Solutions, Wincor Nixdorf will unveil a number of recently developed software features, such as central software distribution and administration.
"Tower Line 150 is a cutting-edge solution in the field of automated check-outs, combining exceptional customer value and superior productivity with streamlined process costs in the area of cash handling," said Joachim Pinhammer, marketing director of the retail division at Wincor Nixdorf.
The first pilot installation has been scheduled for the near future.
PALO ALTO, Calif. — Based on its recent analysis of the remote patient monitoring market, Frost & Sullivan awarded Computerized Screening Inc. (CSI) with the 2008 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Leadership in recognition of "its leadership and vision in the remote monitoring kiosks for community-based or population health disease management applications," according to a news release.
The release states that CSI's years of "leading the public kiosk space has given the company vital experience in this model of vital signs monitoring. By entering the dynamic health and disease management space with the Genesis Managed Health unattended clinic and remote medication management system, CSI is leveraging its expertise to capitalize on unique market conditions and end-user needs."
"Health kiosks provide a vital avenue to tap the right remote monitoring payer groups, which is crucial for higher revenues from remote monitoring services," said Zachary Bujnoch, research analyst for Frost & Sullivan. "Exploring avenues such as this show the market really beginning to establish itself and move toward its grand, billion-dollar potential."
"Convincing payers that a product or service is going to save them money is of critical importance in the remote monitoring market. Therefore the design of a system with the right payer group in mind is essential," said Bujnoch. "Recognizing the potential appeal of its kiosk model, CSI developed a unique system for the remote healthcare and disease management market."
The Genesis Managed Health System appeals to many untapped potential payer groups. For instance, in the emergency room setting, this kiosk can create Personal Health Records (PHR's) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) by itself, reducing paperwork in the admissions process.
In the corporate world, companies can reduce medical expenses by employing such a system for their employees on site. In remote areas this system can work independently as part of a clinic or pharmacy, greatly reducing the need for the long trip to a medical center.
AUSTIN, Texas — NCR Corp. has announced its newly designed NCR XpressPort, a modular hotel check-in kiosk designed to meet consumer demand for self-service convenience in a high-touch environment.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts is among the first premier hotel chains to deploy the new NCR XpressPort kiosks as part of its overall lobby redesign moving forward.
"Hyatt guest usage grew to 30 percent within the first two weeks of implementing NCR self-service kiosks," said Lance Marrin, corporate director of rooms for Hyatt Hotels Corp. "Since then we’ve seen a direct correlation between our properties with multiple kiosks and guest service scores. Clearly the growing consumer expectation for self-service options, combined with the integrated design, has proved to be a winning combination for Hyatt."
On display this week at the 2008 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) in Austin, Texas, the NCR XpressPort kiosk is part of NCR Xpress Hotel, a self-service solution that allows guests to perform a number of tasks, such as check in and out, print room keys, locate and modify reservations and view and print messages. To make it easier for guests to locate amenities around a hotel property, such as identifying the best route to a guest room, pool, hotel restaurant or other services, NCR Xpress Hotel also features optional interactive wayfinding functionality.
The sleek and flexible NCR XpressPort features a 17-inch touchscreen interface as well as a signature capture module to facilitate transactions during a guest’s stay. Its simple-to-use, modular design can be either freestanding or configured to complement any hotel lobby layout.
DALLAS — TableTop Media LLC has announced a wireless, interactive tabletop device with next-generation pay-on-demand capabilities. The company plans to display the device in the Microsoft Booth at FS/TEC, an international trade show focused on technology for the foodservice industry.
TableTop Media’s device has three main features: split check, touch tip and email or print receipt capabilities.
Using the solution, the company says restaurant operators will receive key benefits.
Dynamic Content Delivery – Increase consumer interaction via digital promotions at relevant times with measurable results.
Real-Time Feedback – Boost customer loyalty by empowering guests and alerting managers if certain conditions are met.
Infotainment – Engage and entertain guests while enhancing the overall dining experience with information, movie trailers and ticket purchasing.
TableTop Media’s solution has been installed at Cozymel’s Mexican Grill in its Grapevine, Texas, location for the past three months.
TROY, Mich. — NEXTEP SYSTEMS, a provider of automated ordering solutions, has announced record sales growth for its self-order kiosk and online ordering solutions. First quarter 2008 results were up 300 percent when compared to first quarter 2007. With a month yet to go, 2008 second quarter results have already doubled second quarter results for 2007.
NEXTEP also recently announced self-order projects with Little River Casino Resort, Silver Diner, Randazzo's Fresh Markets, Citizens Bank Park, and Berry Chill.
"After years of successful pilots, we are now seeing the start of full-scale adoption of self-order kiosks for high volume food and beverage operations." NEXTEP president Tommy Woycik said.
Marketing Daily: Macy's, which has been testing vending kiosks that dispense consumer electronics, says it's rolling its e-Spot automated shops into more than 400 stores. E-Spots sell such brands as Sony, Canon, Apple, Bang and Olufsen and MyVu, with prices ranging from $14.99 to $349.99. The company says it has been testing them with ZoomSystems for two years.
DENVER, Colo. — Pendum Inc., an independent provider of cash automation and armored transport solutions, has announced that it has launched sales and service of a self-service kiosk designed specifically for credit unions through CO-OP Shared Branching and Financial Service Centers Cooperative Inc. (FSCC).
The NCR 3800 Shared Branch Kiosk gives credit unions a powerful new tool to serve members and "guest" shared branching members conveniently and inexpensively. And Pendum, NCR's top reseller, now offers a single-source solution for the 3800 kiosk including hardware, installation, first- and second-line maintenance, cash replenishment, and cash and check deposit pick-up.
"We have already fulfilled and installed more orders for this kiosk than anyone in the industry," said Robert Malik, Pendum EVP. "By matching this ground-breaking product with our complete line of nationwide services, we're able to provide a superior value to credit unions."
Powered by a Web-based engine from Ensenta, the NCR 3800 allows end-users to conduct a wide range of financial transactions, whether at their own credit union or a shared location. Credit unions can install the kiosks in locations most convenient to their members, including branch locations, retail stores, or credit union-sponsored employer offices.
"The NCR 3800 helps credit unions to truly realize the benefits of the shared branching concept," said Jim Ballagh, Ensenta vice president of business development, "and Pendum's one-stop approach to sales and service makes the kiosk simple to implement and maintain."
For credit unions, using the NCR 3800 to expand their presence is far less expensive than opening an additional brick-and-mortar branch.
"Ensenta kiosks have enhanced the way we serve credit union members within the shared branching network," said Kelly Valencia, manager of First Tech Credit Union based in Portland, Ore. "These machines are also a viable Check 21 solution. The kiosks are very user-friendly, and our back office finds the EZ Admin System for processing to be just as easy to use. This system lets us view shared branching transactions made by our members and non-members at all Ensenta and 7-Eleven Vcom units."
This service is currently available to more than 35 million credit union members nationwide.
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The first major installation of Pan-Oston’s Utopia self-service checkout solution is underway in the 30-outlet Chicago-area grocery chain Strack and Van Til. According to a news release, Utopia, developed by Pan-Oston, is simple to install, manage and update. The unit also is scalable, PCI compliant, and integrates with any POS software.
"It’s as if they designed it just for us," said Henry Bykerk, director of information systems for Strack & Van Til. "The installation of our Utopia solution was as simple as Pan-Oston promised. Within three hours of delivery we scanned our first item."
e-Health Insider: A new touchscreen kiosk is to be launched in Europe by self-service specialist NCR, designed to simplify the checking in and out procedures for patients. MediKiosk, a self-service machine which interfaces with hospital information systems and collects clinical information from patients prior to an appointment, is to be piloted by an NHS foundation trust, and one practice in England later this year.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Ready Credit Corp., a provider of self-service pre-paid products and services for the financially underserved, has partnered with CheckFreePay, to add a new bill pay feature to its self-service ReadySTATION Cash Service Centers. Consumers will now be able to pay more than 11,000 bills with cash at the ReadySTATION.
The ReadySTATION, currently deployed at 55 retail locations in six states, allows consumers to purchase an instantly issued, ready-to-use ReadyCARD Prepaid MasterCard. The ReadyCARD can be used anywhere that accepts MasterCard.
Bill payments made at a ReadySTATION can be processed the next business day for $2.50, or through standard three-business-day processing for $1.50. Stores already featuring the ReadySTATION Cash Service Center include Dollar Tree in Atlanta and Houston, Save-A-Lot in Milwaukee, selected stores in the SUPERVALU network and convenience stores in Minneapolis/St. Paul and El Paso.
ABERDEEM, N.C. — Meridian Kiosks has announced the latest addition to its outdoor kiosk line.
The Titan kiosk has watertight construction and a NEMA 4 rating. Heating and cooling units on the kiosk maintain a preset temperature to ensure that electronic devices function properly.
Standard configurations for the Titan include a UV rated weather-resistant powder coat finish, industrial PC, high-bright display with thru-glass touch technology and climate control. The Titan design can also integrate other peripherals such as a receipt printer, keyboard and card readers. Meridian also offers different powder coat options and full-color graphic wraps.
The Titan kiosk is already deployed at marketing agencies, car manufacturers and motorsport teams for current lead generation, product information and consumer feedback applications. The Titan is also ideal for QSR drive thru, ticketing and wayfinding.
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has released the financial results of the first quarter of 2008, ending March 31.
The company reported net income of $48 million, 27 cents per share, up 41 percent from the $34 million, 19 per share, in net income it reported for 1Q 2007.
NCR attributes some of the increase to the sale of its Canadian manufacturing facility, which created a $16 million pre-tax gain recorded as income.
NCR reported revenue of $1.18 billion, up 19 percent from 1Q '07.
Revenue growth in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa was the strongest, coming in 30 percent higher than the same period last year. In the Americas, revenue was up 15 percent; in Asia-Pacific, it was up 7 percent.
NCR did not release net-income breakdowns for those regions.
"The new NCR has started 2008 on a positive note, delivering strong revenue growth, margin expansion and much-improved cash flow," said Bill Nuti, chairman and chief executive of NCR. "Our vision for the new NCR is to lead how the world connects, interacts and transacts with business; and early in 2008 we're seeing increased traction for our newer self-service offerings as well as continued solid demand for core solutions and services across our geographic regions. Throughout the year and going forward, we are focused on implementing our strategies of generating profitable revenue growth, building a leading cost structure, and improving our working capital. We have significant work ahead on each of these initiatives, but the progress exhibited by our first-quarter results indicates we are on the right path."
LOUISVILLE, Colo. — KIOSK Information Systems has taken an aggressive stance in doing business internationally in 2008, tripling its list of authorized kiosk distributors, according to a news release.
According to Dan Stewart, KIOSK’s international sales director, “Adding qualified distributors to compliment our pre-existing network and increase our representation on a global basis has been a top priority in 2007 and 2008. KIOSK’s reputation for quality and expertise in the self-service market has grown well beyond the U.S. market. By expanding our international distributor base, we’re significantly impacting the ease of implementing international deployments.”
Stewart added, “KIOSK’s proven expertise in such a vast array of vertical markets holds universal appeal to customers as they enter into their self-service projects. By providing quality KIOSK representation with distributors who add regional business culture expertise, we’ve been able to seamlessly implement every aspect of an international deployment — from financing and hardware design to application development and field services.”
KIOSK’s authorized distributor list has grown to currently include:
Brazil- Ideas2Go
Caribbean, Central, South America – Boxtite Systems Technology
Columbia- Xchange Agent, Inc.
Mexico– NBVO
Venezuela– Harps / Go2 Pay
Canada– Luge Promotions
UAE - Aptec
UAE - MXN
Jordan – GESCO
Kuwait- KTS
U.K.- Kiosk Manufacturing, Ltd.
U.K.- Amatica
Ghana– Hubble Security Systems
Nigeria– Cirrus Nigeria, Ltd.
South Africa– Kiosk Africa
KIOSK has consistently been experiencing double-digit growth rates, and is coming off the strongest sales year in its 15 year history. In addition to natural market growth and demand, KIOSK attributes competitive pricing, international service capability and current exchange rates as strong contributors to international sales demand.
For more on KIOSK Information Systems' growth, check out SelfService.org's coverage of their KioskCom booth.
LAS VEGAS — Flextronics, a $30 billion global electronics company, has announced a new venture to help speed the deployment of self-service applications. The program, called “Jumpstart,” offers companies a set of software plug-ins and hardware components preconfigured for faster, more effective rollouts.
Flextronics introduced its “Jumpstart” initiative on day one of KioskCom Self Service Expo in Las Vegas.
“We want to bring to market a product that will help jumpstart businesses,” said Andrew Block, senior director of Flextronics’ Self Service Solutions Group. “And we hope to jumpstart not just the product, but the industry as well.”
Block said that the self-service industry is confronting a quality problem. Not only are kiosks with poor usability being misused to premature deaths, manufacturing processes are not cranking out reliable machines. And when users encounter down kiosks, the whole industry suffers. One remedy, Block said, is to bring some consistency to the design and building of machines.
Block said that since acquiring WebRaiser Technologies and Solectron, Flextronics has benefited from the unification of self-service resources, thus becoming a major player in the industry. The acquisition made Flextronics the world’s second-largest electronics manufacturing and self-service powerhouse, trailing only Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. in terms of annual sales, according to Forbes.
Headquartered in Singapore, with 20,000 employees in dozens of locations around the world, Flextronics helps customers design, build, ship and service electronics products, including kiosks, through a network of facilities in 30 countries on four continents.
CINCINNATI, Ohio — Electronic Art, an interactive agency specializing in custom kiosk software, kiosk hardware and integrated Web sites, has launched its new Web site focusing on custom-designed interactive kiosks and digital signage for all industries. The company will celebrate the official unveiling of its new Web site while exhibiting at KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show in Las Vegas April 16–17, Booth #521.
Also making its debut at KioskCom will be EA’s new EasyShip XL Kiosk. The EasyShip XL Kiosk’s full-size cabinet allows integration of components, such as full-size printers or PCs. Providing an alternative to using an all-in-one kiosk, the EasyShip XL’s larger cabinet also provides customers space for applied signage or other branding. And the kiosk’s oval base allows for a smaller footprint and 20 percent more stability than previous models. The kiosk also features an overhead signage option, which allows space for printed or digital signage.
Additionally, Electronic Art has announced its partnership with Ripley Metalworks as EA’s new fabrication partner, giving EA a broader range of custom metal enclosure options, lower cost, greater capacity for large orders, and more options for color and powder coating finishes.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Source Technologies, a provider of transactional and interactive kiosks, is demonstrating its full line of self-service solutions for bill payments, services, retail, hospitality and financial services industries at this week’s KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show.
Source Technologies will also showcase products currently used by Alltel and Swanson Services Corp. Alltel's BillPay Kiosk and Swanson's tamper-resistant Cobra Kiosk have both been selected as finalists for the KioskCom Award. Source Technologies' clients have received the award for three consecutive years.
ORLANDO, Fla. — SeePoint Technology, a provider of interactive self-service solutions and touchscreen systems, debuted its KioHealth health-care solutions at the HIMSS health-care technology show in Orlando, Feb. 24-28. SeePoint’s KioHealth Division was created a few years ago to meet the needs of the health-care industry, seeking to contain costs while maintaining and improving operations and patient satisfaction.
The KioHealth solutions include touchscreen kiosks with HIPAA privacy screen filters to protect patient information, and antimicrobial treatment to protect patients from cross contamination of a wide variety of bacteria and fungi. In addition, KioHealth solutions include software applications that facilitate patient self check-in, facility wayfinding, patient surveys/testing, emergency room triage and many other h
ORLANDO, Fla. — SeePoint Technology, a provider of interactive self-service solutions and touchscreen systems, debuted its KioHealth health-care solutions at the HIMSS health-care technology show in Orlando, Feb. 24-28. SeePoint’s KioHealth Division was created a few years ago to meet the needs of the health-care industry, seeking to contain costs while maintaining and improving operations and patient satisfaction.
The KioHealth solutions include touchscreen kiosks with HIPAA privacy screen filters to protect patient information, and antimicrobial treatment to protect patients from cross contamination of a wide variety of bacteria and fungi. In addition, KioHealth solutions include software applications that facilitate patient self check-in, facility wayfinding, patient surveys/testing, emergency room triage and many other healthcare-specific functions.
Thaindian News: City-based Technology Frontiers has announced it is targeting growing malls and retail chains for its digital kiosks. The touchscreen digital kiosk allows users to book airline and cinema tickets and also does online banking, mobile phone recharge and gaming.
KNOXVILLE, Md. — KMYAmerica’s Mike James has announced an expansion in kiosk production capabilities. KMY’s previously separate metalworking plant and systems integration facility have moved into a single larger shared space.
The new plant has a production area of about 15,000 square meters (161,500 square feet), which doubles the size of its previous factories combined.
“Our initial target is to produce about 1,000 kiosks per month,” said KMY spokeswoman Zhou Jing. “The new space will accommodate over 500 employees with offices, dining rooms and sports facilities.”
For more information, contact Mike James at and visit www.kmyamerica.com.
CINCINNATI, Ohio —Electronic Art, an interactive agency specializing in custom kiosk software, kiosk hardware and integrated Web sites, has announced it is providing kiosks and custom-designed software to support the “Passage to Freedom” program, a series of kiosks to be placed at or near Ohio Underground Railroad sites. The kiosks feature a new Web site created to showcase Ohio’s Underground Railroad sites and aid visitors in their travels. The campaign is the result of a collaboration between The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Ohio Department of Development’s Division of Tourism and American Express.
The program, the first of its kind covering an entire state, features the “Passage to Freedom” Web site, where visitors can access detailed information about Ohio Underground Railroad sites and other local attractions. The Web site will link to a network of interactive kiosks that will be located in former Underground Railroad communities around the state to provide visitors with regional travel information.
The first three kiosks will be located in Oberlin, Zanesville and Ripley, Ohio — each with several important Underground Railroad sites in their immediate vicinity. Kiosks will be placed at three additional sites later in the year.
The interactive kiosks at selected Ohio Underground Railroad sites will enable visitors to access detailed information about the site and its history using a touchscreen interface. Customized maps printed from the kiosk will enable travelers to seek out interesting, yet often overlooked regional attractions, as well as nearby restaurants, hotel accommodations, churches and other essential information.
Each kiosk will be linked to the Web site and constantly updated with the latest information about local and regional events, such as fairs, arts and cultural festivities and children’s activities. The kiosks will also offer details about other Underground Railroad locations within driving distance.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Boddie-Noell Enterprises, the largest Hardee’s franchise operator in the United States with 345 restaurants in four states, and EMN8, a provider of self-service systems for quick-service restaurants, has announced the introduction of EMN8 kiosks in BNE Hardee’s locations.
According to a news release, a three restaurant pilot is underway that will test the level of guest adoption of the technology and improvement in speed of customer service. EMN8’s self-service software features a user-friendly interface that allows Hardee’s customers to order their food quickly and easily. The menu presents products, suggestions and options in such a manner as to influence customers’ decisions at the point of purchase, increasing average ticket and menu awareness.
DAYTON, Ohio — Self-service check-in kiosks from NCR Corp. have been added to 13 airports throughout Latin America. The units will serve those customers flying on Continental Airlines.
Continental has installed the NCR kiosks in Acapulco, Mexico; Bogota, Colombia; Cali, Colombia; Mexico City; Guadalajara, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Monterrey, Mexico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Belize, Belize; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; Panama City, Panama; and Managua, Nicaragua.
NCR self-check-in kiosks utilize Common Use Self-Service technology, which allows different airline applications to run concurrently on a single self-service device. The kiosks also feature an integrated bar code imager, to help enable customer identification, as well as an integrated passport reader to cater to international travelers. NCR will also provide preventive and hardware maintenance services to help ensure consistent service delivery and product uptime throughout Continental’s locations.
LOS ANGELES — Using a new interactive wine-retailing solution from runtriz, and touchscreen technology from SeePoint Technology, wine shops, tasting rooms and bars can expand their offerings. Wine by runtriz, a touchscreen kiosk, allows consumers to learn about different regions, get recommendations, view ratings and order.
The interactive system allows consumers to order and checkout without requiring any additional retailer staff or personnel. Not only can customers view wine listings by variety, vintage year or price, the runtriz solution also lets consumers search the world by region. The kiosk uses 3D animated graphics- developed by designers from the National Geographic Channel. Just touch anywhere on the map and the system will take you to that country’s wine regions while pulling retailer’s stock right on the screen. Customers looking for a Bordeaux can simply touch France on the map or scroll through Australia for a new Syrah, for example.
Wine by runtriz is certified to run on all of SeePoint’s kiosk systems. The solution can be housed in a free-standing model, on a countertop or the All-in-One VESA mounting kiosk system. All SeePoint systems are secure kiosk systems with integrated processing unit and touchscreen monitor. Their small footprint units can be mounted in various locations, including poles, wall-mounted or desktop.
PADERBORN, Germany — SKF, one of the world’s leading suppliers of products, solutions and services in the area of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems, has awarded Wincor Nixdorf a contract to install 50 kiosk terminals at company locations across Germany. Via the terminal solution, commercial employees without PCs will be able to access information and other corporate processes.
The terminals will be used for the first time this month when the annual employee survey is conducted online for the first time at SKF sites in Germany. The necessary infrastructure was implemented within a relatively short six-month period at the following locations: SKF GmbH in Schweinfurt, Lüchow and Mühlheim; SKF Sealing Solutions GmbH in Leverkusen; SKF Linearsysteme GmbH in Schweinfurt and Meckesheim; and Willy Vogel AG in Berlin and Hockenheim.
Access to information and knowledge for all employees underscores SKF’s commitment as a knowledge engineering company to deploy innovative and modern systems across the company.
In a further step, the SKF service portal will be developed into a full-fledged employee self-services system. In the future, employees will be able to use a number of services directly at the kiosk terminal, including access to both generally available and password-protected information from the human resources department. They will be able to manage a number of routine processes themselves, such as changing master data and bank account data, printing forms and processing vacation requests. The employee self-service solution will help SKF optimize its HR processes and reduce administration.
Initially, all 6,500 employees at SKF locations in Germany will receive access to the information terminals. Worldwide, SKF employs around 43,000 people at sites in more than 130 countries.
SKF selected the Wincor Nixdorf system because of its ergonomic, easy-to-use design. An additional feature of the system is the printer with an integrated blackening unit that makes confidential information visible. Furthermore, the Wincor Nixdorf solution is specially designed to operate in a manufacturing environment; it is robust and offers a high level of protection against environmental influences.
As part of the tender process, Wincor Nixdorf was also able to show a number of reference manufacturing customers and decades of experience in international rollouts in the banking and retails sectors.
Wincor Nixdorf is a global market leader for the setting of complete solutions in the area of employee self-service.
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold Inc. announced this afternoon that its board of directors has unanimously rejected United Technologies Corp.’s unsolicited proposal to acquire Diebold.
According to a statement released by Diebold, the company’s board of directors has recommended that shareholders take no action at this time with respect to the proposal.
Diebold’s board recently completed a detailed strategic review of the company and its prospects. At least three times in the last month, including this morning, the board met to discuss UTC's interest in a potential business combination with the company.
Given that Diebold has not filed financial statements since its quarter ending March 31, 2007, and since the company is working to become current in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the board believes that now is not the right time to pursue discussions with UTC.
“The board strongly believes that UTC's proposal significantly undervalues the company and fails to reflect Diebold's strengths and significant upside potential," said John N. Lauer, non-executive chairman of the board for Diebold. "UTC's proposal is an opportunistic attempt to buy Diebold at a time when shareholders do not have sufficient data to evaluate the offer, and as such the board believes that it would be irresponsible to engage in discussions with UTC at this time.”
Goldman, Sachs & Co. is financial advisor to Diebold, Jones Day is legal advisor, and Sard Verbinnen & Co. is media and investor-relations counsel.
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has announced revenue of $1.52 billion for fourth-quarter 2007 from continuing operations which increased 13 percent over the fourth quarter of 2006 and included five percentage points of benefit from foreign currency translation.
Due to the spin-off of the Teradata data warehousing business to shareholders at the end of the third quarter of 2007, NCR's results from continuing operations for all periods exclude the results of Teradata, which is presented as discontinued operations.
NCR fourth-quarter income fell to $86 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, compared to $95 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2006. Earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2007 included $9 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, of costs from items related to NCR's manufacturing realignment, the Fox River environmental matter and a realignment in Japan. Excluding these items, non-GAAP earnings from continuing operations were $0.52 per diluted share, which compares to $0.52 per diluted share in the prior-year period.
“NCR delivered a strong performance in its first quarter following the Teradata spin off,” said Bill Nuti, chairman and chief executive officer of NCR. “More balanced execution in the quarter helped us maintain progress in each of our strategic focus areas: driving profitable revenue growth, increasing our productivity and using our strong balance sheet for the benefit of long-term shareholder return. Looking ahead, NCR enjoys an outstanding opportunity to claim leadership in an expanding addressable market for self-service solutions. To that end, we expect our product development investments in 2007 will make 2008 the biggest new product launch year since the company's spin off from AT&T.”
NCR's financial self-service segment generated fourth-quarter revenue of $537 million, an increase of 14 percent from the fourth quarter of 2006, driven by strong growth in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region as well as in the Americas. The fourth-quarter year-over-year revenue comparison included 5 percentage points of benefit from currency translation.
Operating income of $79 million was impacted by an adverse geographic and deal mix of revenue in the quarter and compared to $84 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Expenses increased from the previous year due to higher revenues, foreign currency impact, and an increase in investment in research and development and sales in targeted high-growth areas.
The retail segment reported revenue of $331 million, up 28 percent from the fourth quarter of 2006. The year-over-year revenue comparison included four percentage points of benefit from currency translation. Revenue growth was driven by traditional point-of-sale rollouts in the quarter with continued momentum in self-service solutions.
Operating income of $22 million was flat when compared with the prior-year period. The operating income increase relating to higher revenues was offset by $5 million for the write off of radio frequency identification assets in the quarter. The higher percentage of assisted point-of-sale business in the quarter impacted the profit margin; and expenses increased due to higher revenue, foreign currency impact, and increased investment in sales and research and development related to our self-service initiatives.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Symstream Technology Group Ltd. has named Mike Hudson vice president and managing director of Symstream Americas.
Hudson most recently served as general manager of NCR EasyPoint LLC, formerly Tidel Engineering Inc. Hudson also served as the chief executive of Money Quik, a 1,000-unit independent ATM network in California, and was division manager for 7-Eleven Inc. convenience stores in New York and Washington, D.C.
Hudson serves on the board and executive committees of the ATM Industry Association and the Electronic Funds Transfer Association.
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. says it has released a new kind of ATM — one that addresses today’s most critical banking issues.
The NCR SelfServ line is a new family of ATMs with first-of-its-kind self-healing technology, NCR says. NCR SelfServ ATMs offer greater availability and enhanced manageability tools to provide consistent service. Changes to the servicing and operational functionalities available in this new ATM family are expected to help NCR customers streamline their business processes and create new efficiencies.
NCR SelfServ also helps drive deposit and revenue growth by delivering a range of transaction services, such as bulk-check deposit, bill-payment or local-governmental fine-processing, while at the same time making the device consumer-friendly.
Offered in both cash-dispensing and full-function lines, NCR SelfServ is available as a cash dispenser or a full-function ATM. And because the new line requires less human intervention, staffs gain time for serving and satisfying the end customer.
“NCR SelfServ is a key tenet in our strategy to connect the consumer experience across the ATM, the Internet and mobility,” said Bob Tramontano, vice president of marketing for NCR. “Today’s technology innovations can better meet changing consumer expectations and habits. By deploying an ATM with unparalleled efficiency and operational gains, NCR customers can sharpen their focus on the business of banking and customer service interaction, and focus less on whether their ATM channel is up and running.”
KNOXVILLE, Maryland — Kiosk Group Inc and Shenzhen KaiMingYang Technology Co. Ltd. have announced a partnership, under the name KMYAmerica, to promote KMY’s line of kiosks in the Western Hemisphere.
KMY, manufacturer and integrator of kiosks throughout Asia, Africa and the Middle East, develops banking, phone, parking system, ticketing and photo kiosks. Yang Lingxiang, head of KMY’s engineering department, also designed and developed Kodak photo kiosks.
NEW YORK — VeriFone Holdings Inc. has announced the MX800 Series Price Checker, a multifunctional customer interaction kiosk that can deliver multimedia promotions, double as a gift card registry or loyalty program enrollment kiosk or enable a variety of other customer-facing applications. The MX800 Series Price Checker will be available in the second quarter of 2008.
The Verifone device combines with MX800 payment systems to deliver a PCI PED-approved price checker, one that is capable of accepting secure payments from consumers.
Integrated with VeriFone's MX870 or other MX800 Series payment system, the MX800 Series Price Checker will increase customer interaction by offering self-service customer applications and multimedia promotions anywhere throughout a store. The system can provide consumers with services including price checking, product locator, product information, gift card lookup or reload, gift card purchases and bill payments.
BEAVERTON, Ore. — Planar Systems Inc. has announced shipments of the new Planar iS40 integrated digital signage and DS15 integrated kiosk.
“More businesses large and small across different industries, including financial services, gaming, retail and transportation, are recognizing how effective digital signage is at capturing customers’ attention and engaging audiences,” said Brad Gleeson, Planar’s vice president of business development.
As a fully integrated digital-signage system, the Planar iS40 combines a 40-inch LCD, CoolSign iS software, Windows XP processing, optional Wi-Fi features, and all the networking components needed for integrators to set up digital signs throughout multiple locations. The “plug-and-play” appliance only requires AC power and an Ethernet connection for set-up.
Featuring CoolSign, Planar’s digital signage software solution, the iS40 allows users to create, display and centrally manage digital signage content being displayed in multiple locations.
The new DS15 offers a kiosk solution that combines hardware and software, and can be placed anywhere there is an electrical outlet. It combines a heat-tempered, scratch-resistant IR touchscreen and high-bright 550 nits display with an operating system and software suite that enables businesses to incorporate their creative assets such as JPG, HTML, Flash, Shockwave and QuickTime content.
MEBANE, N.C. — ArcaTech Systems, a supplier of transaction automation solutions, has introduced a solution for the control and remote capture of cash in retail environments.
Both currency and coin recycling devices are used in the Arca8000D, an integrated cash-control system that allows retailers to control the cash-handling process and obtain provisional credit for cash that remains secured within store locations. Designed specifically for retail cash management, this system dispenses and reconciles cashier tills, sorts and counts deposits and enables remote cash capture, the electronic deposit of cash values.
The Arca8000D is a cash recycler and high-volume, bulk storage system for banknotes. A bulk coin recycling and bulk storage device also can be added for till management and coin handling.
Remote cash capture systems allow funds to be electronically deposited to retailer-specified accounts. Cash can be transported to the financial institution at a later time.
"Retailers know that more employees handling cash means more mistakes and discrepancies," said Jim Halpin, ArcaTech's Retail Solutions Director. "Our automated cash control system will eliminate human error and reduce shortages and deposit variances."
NEW YORK — Source Technologies, a provider of integrated solutions for managing financial transactions and other secure business processes, has announced the availability of TreoSystems' interactive iPAL product locator system for large-format retail stores on their new interactive kiosk. The new kiosk was on display at the National Retail Federation Annual Show & Expo.
"Today's consumers are very open to using self-service applications when they realize how it benefits them," said Robert Johnson, TreoSystems' co-founder and chief executive officer. "We designed iPAL with this in mind, offering an extremely powerful yet simple-to-use tool for not only customers, but employees as well. Source Technologies offers a wide range of interactive, self-service kiosks that are a perfect platform for our system. We are pleased to partner with them to help retailers provide the highest level of service and convenience for their customers."
Source Technologies' interactive kiosks feature an open, Windows Embedded operating system that supports a virtually unlimited number of applications, maximizing the value and usability for retailers. TreoSystems' iPAL product locator system is an integrated set of software tools developed specifically to help both customers and store staff find items faster and easier in large retail operations, such as discount superstores, home centers, department stores, supermarkets and other specialty stores.
"Customers are increasingly familiar with self-service kiosks to speed their retail shopping experience. By integrating our kiosk hardware with TreoSystems' product locator application, retailers can offer customers the option of locating products quickly using an interactive kiosk display," said William Bouverie, CEO of Source Technologies. "Using the iPAL product locator, a customer entering a large store can quickly locate a specific product on the sales floor. The customer finds what they are looking for faster which makes their visit to the store more enjoyable, eliminates frustration and increases their likelihood to return again."
NEW YORK — Micro Industries, a company specializing in interactive retail computers, has announced the Touch&Go Messenger 65, a 65-inch addition to its line of 32- and 46-inch high-definition computers. The new device was displayed at the National Retail Federation’s annual Show & Expo Monday and Tuesday.
"The Messenger 65 provides a large-format, all-in-one computer system to retailers for direct-to-consumer, in-store, interactive marketing applications," said Michael Curran, Micro Industries' chief executive officer. "It's big enough for use in open retail environments ranging from huge airport complexes to large stores and malls."
Manufactured in the company's Westerville, Ohio, plant with Advanced Retail Technology, the new Messenger 65 is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The computer is retail-ready for interactive consumer applications, digital signage, store maps, advertising, messaging, product information and demonstrations.
Grocery Retail Online: For shoppers in thousands of stores worldwide, the ability to scan, bag and pay for items has become synonymous with NCR's FastLane — today's version of the self-checkout solution that NCR Corp. introduced 10 years ago. Though the concept of self-checkout had been toyed with since the late 1980s, it was 1998 when Ball's Food Stores, based in Kansas City, Kan., first installed NCR's self-checkout solution.
DAYTON, Ohio — A recent NCR Corp. survey showed that 64 percent of consumers consider the ease of returns as somewhat or very important. Now NCR’s new self-service solution, NCR FastLane Self-Return, enables retailers to provide more convenience to their customers during the often time-consuming and frustrating merchandise-return process.
Deployed by a major European retailer, NCR FastLane Self-Return will be demonstrated Janl. 13-16 at the 2008 National Retail Federation Convention & Expo in NCR’s booth.
“The ease of returning products is a significant factor in a consumer’s purchasing decision. Our research finds that over half of consumers would prefer to shop at stores that offer a self-service solution to help speed returns,” said Mike Webster, vice president of NCR's self-service solutions. “The first solution of its kind, NCR FastLane Self-Return provides retailers with a new vehicle for enhancing the consumer experience and building customer loyalty, while also improving staffing and operational efficiencies.”
In a typical retail environment, the solution allows shoppers to return goods for a refund on their own by first scanning the item(s) and entering relevant product information. Next, the item is inspected by a store associate who can approve the return. A reimbursement is then issued in the manner the item was originally purchased — debit, credit, cash or gift card.
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. says it expects 2007 earnings from continuing operations to exceed previous guidance. On Thursday, the company said earnings per share for the fourth quarter are expected to fall between 87 cents and 92 cents per share for 2007. Full-year EPS for 2007 is expected to be between $1.35 and $1.40, rather than the $1.20 to $1.25 per share previously expected.
NCR says it also expects to report full-year revenue growth of approximately 8 percent, and strong-than-anticipated profitability in the customer services, financial self-service and retail-store automation divisions.
DAYTON, Ohio — Gift cards have become one of the easiest and most appreciated forms of gift-giving, although standing in a long line of shoppers to purchase one may take some of the joy out of giving. But thanks to a self-service offer from NCR Corp., gift card purchases may soon be more convenient for consumers.
NCR Xpress Gift Card, which allows retailers to extend their gift card programs to self-service kiosks, will be demonstrated Jan. 13-16 in the NCR booth at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & Expo.
“Gift cards are increasingly becoming one the most popular gifts throughout the year, providing flexibility to both the gift giver and receiver. However, shoppers find they still have to wait in the same long lines to purchase and load the cards,” said Mike Webster, NCR vice-president for Self-Service Solutions. “By offering a self-service approach to purchasing gift cards, retailers can provide their customers with quick and convenient service while also freeing sales associates to assist with more complex or revenue-generating activities.”
In an NCR survey conducted by Opinion Research Corp., two-thirds of consumers said they expected to purchase at least one gift card during the holiday season. Those who purchase at least one gift card will buy, on average, more than seven gift cards per year.
NCR Xpress Gift Card can work with any NCR EasyPoint kiosk and can be integrated with any point-of-sale system. NCR’s Professional Services and Human Factors Engineering groups work with each retailer to customize a gift card program tailored to fit its specific business needs.
BOSTON — Modiv Media has announced a technology, sales and marketing partnership with Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. As part of the agreement, the two companies will jointly market and sell Modiv’s DeliVision, a deli kiosk that features self-service ordering and coordinated media. An interactive demo of Modiv’s DeliVision will be at the Fujitsu booth at the National Retail Federation’s 97th Annual Convention & Expo on Jan. 14-15, 2008, in New York City.
Modiv’s DeliVision provides coordinated queue management, self-service kiosk ordering, operations analysis and targeted promotions delivery. The coordinated offers and advertisements are located on the touchscreen self-service kiosk, the deli department's overhead electronic display monitor as well as on the printed-coupon tickets from the kiosk and the queue ticket dispenser. Modiv DeliVision relies on Modiv MediaHub, a campaign management and analytics engine, to coordinate the timing and delivery of the offers and advertisements across these touchpoints.
As part of the solution, shoppers enter their deli orders via the touchscreen on the Fujitsu U-Serv kiosk. Retailers can opt for multiple wireless U-Serv kiosks around the deli or throughout the store to increase visibility and usage. Shoppers can select a specific category, such as turkey or cheese; item, including store or other well-known brands; weight and cut, such as thick, medium or thin. The associate-facing Fujitsu TeamPoS 3000 terminals automatically guide deli associates to fill both counter and kiosk requests in the proper order.
Modiv DeliVision is being used by several grocers, including select stores at Stop & Shop and Giant Landover, and has now processed more than 8 million orders since it was first deployed in 2006.
DAYTON, Ohio — Consumers who hate to wait may soon be able to check out faster thanks to NCR’s RealScan 78OFX scanner. The scanner, included in NCR’s FastLane self-checkout solutions, will be on display at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & Expo, Jan. 13-16, in New York.
“NCR led the industry with the introduction of its NCR RealScan 78OFX bi-optic scanner, setting a new standard for scanning performance in assisted-service lanes,” said Mike Webster, NCR vice president for Self-Service Solutions. “Advanced scanning technology is critical to providing a user-friendly self-checkout experience. This enhancement to NCR FastLane will help make self-checkout quicker and even more convenient for consumers.”
The NCR RealScan 78OFX provides technology to equip retailers with enhanced investment protection and operational efficiencies. The scanner offers NCR’s Optical Effects Technology, which sets a new standard for scan pattern density — a key factor in scanning performance — by generating more scan lines at greater lengths.
Assisted-service customers are citing improved speed and convenience at traditional checkouts with the NCR RealScan 78OFX. Foodstuffs Wellington Co-Operative Society Ltd., a New Zealand grocery company, deployed the NCR RealScan 78OFX in October 2007.
“By replacing our legacy scanners with the NCR RealScan 78OFX, we have experienced a significant improvement in first-time read rate and speed,” said Alistair Garvie, retail systems manager for Foodstuffs Wellington. “We have been thrilled with its performance.”
The NCR RealScan 78OFX provides features designed to make self-checkout scanning more accessible for consumers. For example, the LED “scan adviser” on the top of the scanner provides visual feedback to the user. The scan adviser, which also serves as a diagnostics tool, is particularly helpful for hearing-impaired users.
NCR RealScan 78OFX is available as an option on new NCR FastLane self-checkouts or as a field upgrade for existing units.
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. and Experticity, provider of live, video-assisted customer support solutions, are collaborating to offer Experticity’s customer-service platform with NCR EasyPoint self-service kiosks.
Experticity is the only retail-specific solution that engages shoppers at the point of service with high-quality, live video customer support. Remote expert service agents — supplied by the retailer, consumer goods manufacturer or a third party — can be accessed by the consumer according to language and skill, giving retailers a new vehicle for ensuring customers receive face-to-face service when and where they need it. This self-service support technology also allows retailers to improve staffing efficiencies by optimizing store associates between peak and slow hours.
The companies expect to demonstrate Experticity’s latest software platform with the NCR EasyPoint 42 kiosk Jan. 13-16 in NCR’s booth at the 2008 National Retail Federation Convention & Expo in New York.
LOS ANGELES — Olea Inc., a designer and manufacturer of self-service kiosks, has announced plans to debut its “green” kiosk, which is made from organic-waste material, Jan. 13-16 at the 97th Annual National Retail Federation Convention & Expo in New York.
The kiosk's main structure is made from an engineered panel from Sorghum plant. Sorghum plant is grown around the world for food production. The plant stalks are dried and heat pressed using a non-toxic adhesive to form the board product. The stalks of the plant are not used in food production and would otherwise be thrown away.
While Olea has no current plans to put the kiosk into production, it is hoping to spark an interest in the self-service industry to start thinking green.
“We feel that this new kiosk is a very innovative step in the right direction showing retailers and other companies that it is possible to go high-tech green,” said Frank Olea, vice president of Olea Inc.
The kiosk can be seen at IBM’s booth in the Green Pavilion at NRF.
DAYTON, Ohio — Retailers who have deployed NCR Corp.'s FastLane self-checkout kiosks can extend FastLane's capabilities to shoppers in other parts of the store, thanks to a new solution from NCR called NCR FastLane Order and Pay.
According to a news release, FastLane Order and Pay is designed to address a variety of self-service opportunities within a store — such as a deli or bakery section or an in-store food-service operation. In addition to food stores, it also can be deployed in general merchandise, convenience or other retail formats.
"With this solution, retailers can leverage their NCR FastLane investment by migrating additional transactions to self-service," said Mike Webster, NCR vice president for self-service solutions. "Because their customers will already be familiar with NCR self-checkout, they can use NCR FastLane Order and Pay with ease and confidence."
Introduced initially in Europe, NCR FastLane Order and Pay has been deployed in Italy by leading retailer Auchan, which operates supermarkets and hypermarkets across Europe. It also has been installed by one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America.
NCR FastLane Order and Pay features the familiar NCR FastLane interface without the scan and bag functionality. The touchscreen presents shoppers with a pre-set menu appropriate to its location in the store.
After entering choices, a consumer can use NCR FastLane Order and Pay to pay with cash, debit card or credit card and receive a receipt that he hands to a store associate before picking up his purchase.
NCR FastLane Order and Pay makes its North American trade show debut Jan. 13-16 at the National Retail Federation's Annual Convention & Expo in New York.
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp., in partnership with ViVOtech, has introduced a suite of contactless payment terminals for the point of sale. These solutions enable mobile and contactless payment at a variety of customer touch points, including retail checkout, restaurant drive-thru and the diner’s table.
Demonstrations of the new technology will take place Jan. 13-16 during the National Retail Foundation's Annual Convention & Expo in New York.
“NCR’s unparalleled experience in payment transactions, combined with ViVOtech’s expertise in contactless technology, provides retailers with the latest contactless payment options and a platform for future near field communication applications,” said Greg Egan, NCR vice president for Retail Assisted Service Solutions. “This line of NCR RealPOS contactless readers is designed to help merchants achieve a successful contactless and mobile payments program, and provide a new level of service to their customers.”
Epaynews: Superquinn, an Irish supermarket chain, has signed a contract to deploy NCR Corp.'s FastLane self-checkout terminals in 19 of its stores by March 2007. Superquinn is expected to install the terminals predominantly in Dublin and its suburbs.
MELVILLE, N.Y. & MINNEAPOLIS, (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) and Logic Product Development (Logic) today announced a distribution agreement.
This distribution agreement expands Arrow's ability to provide low-cost development platforms and product-ready embedded computing solutions based on AMD Geode(TM), Freescale ColdFire(R), Intel XScale(R), Sharp ARM(R), and Renesas SuperH(R) microprocessors.
Logic is a leading embedded computing products provider and world-class product development services company. Logic partners with customers to integrate these off-the-shelf embedded computing boards directly into their final product or leverage the design to develop a custom board. The embedded computing products are ideal for a variety of applications, such as medical equipment, industrial test and measurement, gaming systems, cameras, and point-of-sale terminals.
"Arrow possesses the technical knowledge and logistical reach necessary to ensure that our customers have the right tools to be successful," said Danny Cunagin, president, Logic. "With Arrow, we offer solutions that allow our OEM customers to create more products with lower Non Recurring Engineering costs and fewer internal resources."
Logic's product-ready hardware and software platforms enable OEMs to dramatically accelerate product development cycles and increase levels of product innovation. Furthermore, Logic's platforms will enable Arrow's OEM customers to focus on developing their core competencies, which create greater customer value and broaden competitive differentiation in today's global marketplace.
"Logic's extensive experience developing embedded technologies will enable our OEM customers to reduce the time and resources required to bring new products to market," said David Doherty, vice president, Supplier Services Group Marketing, Arrow NAC. "In essence, Logic's product-ready platforms will provide our OEM customers the ability to snap in critical pieces of product development rather than build these embedded system requirements from scratch. This allows our OEM customers to stay focused on their core competencies and deliver innovative and high quality products to market faster."
About the North American Components group of Arrow Electronics
The North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductors and passive, electromechanical, and connector products, services, and supply chain solutions tailored to serve distinct customer segments with dedicated sales teams. Three primary, customer-focused NAC groups serve these market segments: The Arrow/Zeus Electronics Group targets the aerospace and military markets; the Arrow Electronics Components Group serves local OEM and contract manufacturing customers; and the Arrow Alliance Group focuses on large customers with complex needs.
Arrow Electronics, Inc. is a major global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products. www.arrow.com
About Logic Product Development
Logic Product Development, founded in 1960 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a world-class embedded computing products and product development services provider with more than forty years of experience helping customers get new products to market faster. Logic provides a family of embedded computing solutions that reduce product development time, risk, and cost by utilizing off-the-shelf proven hardware and software solutions. Logic's Product Development Services group offers a comprehensive array of capabilities from initial product concept and design to volume production and fulfillment.
For more information, visit Logic's Web site at www.logicpd.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Danish based kiosk manufacturer Concept Kiosk in December 2005, appointed Euro Touch Kiosks Inc. as their main agent for distribution of their kiosks in North America. The agreement includes the sales of the complete line of Concept Kiosk aluminum and stainless steel kiosk enclosures.
"We at Concept Kiosk realize the importance of expanding our market area to North America. We see this region to be the fastest growing for kiosk systems. Concept Kiosk was specifically interested in partnering with Euro Touch Kiosks. Their business model makes them an ideal representatives for us. The IT and corporate sales backgrounds of their ownership group were a perfect fit for achieving our long range expansion goals. We feel that this part of the world is now ready for our line of quality aluminum and stainless steel kiosks. We hope to mirror the success that we are now achieving throughout the rest of the world.
Euro Touch Kiosks Comments on agreement: "Euro Touch is proud to enter into this agreement with Concept Kiosk. The Concept Kiosk products are made of the durable anodized aluminum and stainless steel. Manufacturers of better quality kitchen appliances have gone with this look, and are having great success. We will be providing their classic European styling, with only slight customization to meet American accessibility guidelines. Our goal at Euro Touch is to provide upscale kiosks that organizations will be proud to put their name on. Concept Kiosks are not made in typical injection molding plants, or by 16 gage powder coated steel fabricators. We think a great looking kiosk makes a lot of sense, especially if the price right. Their outdoor kiosk is especially exciting to us. It requires no overhead shelter, and is both weatherproof and vandal proof. If kicked, it kicks back!"
Many new enclosures are being launched worldwide. Concept Kiosk is timeless in it's design looks better and last longer when placed in a public area.
Concept Kiosk - is a Danish based manufacturer of kiosk enclosures, the company has installations in many exciting locations worldwide. We will continue are expansions into 2006 and beyond.
Euro Touch Kiosks - Established in 2005 by two veterans of the ECM (Enterprise Content Management) and Electronic Document Management sectors. With experience in vertical market sales to major companies they began looking to the future. Having a proven track record in providing solutions which saved their customers time and money. This new venture is an exciting way to continue the process.
"I joined the Digital Screenmedia Association because everything is changing so rapidly with this medium that you need to have as much access to information as you can get. I have met many vendors and users, and enjoy the opportunity to share our 'war stories' and use our experiences to help each other with ideas that support successful networks."
Margot Myers
Director, Gobal Marketing & Communications
Platt Retail Institute
oor kiosk line.
