Metro expands self-checkout technology
of new retail technology, running a so-called Future Store
Initiative to trial features such as RFID tagging and
self-scanning.
Several of these initiatives are now being rolled out across the group - radio frequency identification technology, for example, will be rolled out over the course of this year - and the latest one to make the move from Future Store to superstore is the self-checkout.
The company began trialling self-checkout technology last year in two German stores and was clearly pleased with the results. The technology, created by US-based NCR Corporation, will now be rolled out to 50 Real hypermarkets and Extra supermarkets throughout 2004.
"In the Metro group Future Store Initiative we test innovative technologies, together with over 40 strong partners, including IBM, Intel, SAP and NCR. In doing this we drive forward the modernisation of our business on a worldwide level," said Zygmunt Mierdorf, chief information officer for the German company.
The NCR FastLane self checkout is a fast, and therefore popular, alternative to traditional tills, Mierdorf said, and was particularly appreciated by customers buying a small number of products. "It also provides relief to our cashiers during peak business hours," he added.
More than 50 retailers in Europe, North America and Asia have already installed NCR self-checkouts, including Marks & Spencer and Tesco in the UK , Auchan/Rinascente in Italy and Aeon in Japan.
"NCR FastLane leads the self-checkout market in Europe, with a high level of consumer acceptance, and is quickly gaining a foothold in Asia," said Mike Webster, vice president and general manager at the US-based group.
As well as RFID and self-checkout technology, the Future Store Initiative is also trialling self-scanning devices (already popular in many stores in the UK and the US), and Personal Shopping Assistants which help consumers to find products and provide in-depth information. Employees can also benefit from similar technology, with small hand-held computers with a bar code scanner and other functions called Mobile Assistant allowing them to check store and warehouse inventories.
The FastLane self-checkout system is modular, and can be adapted to the requirements of each retailer or indeed each outlet. It can accommodate two bags, three bags or a conveyor belt system, and can be adjusted to allow customers to unload hand baskets or an entire trolley. It comes with a 'virtual' cashier and remote technical support.
