SOURCE: IBM
May 06, 2008 11:20 ET
IBM Raises the Self-Service Bar With New Kiosk-Like Self Checkout Retail System
Speedy New Self Checkout System Allows Consumers to Pay for Merchandise Anywhere in a Store
ARMONK, NY--(Marketwire - May 6, 2008) - IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced first-of-a-kind
self checkout technology that allows consumers to shop for and check out
purchases practically anywhere in a store. This new self checkout solution
raises the bar for consumer self-service options, giving retailers built-in
flexibility, improved customer service and a new tool for building customer
advocacy for their brands.
IBM also announced a new release of software to help speed the self
checkout process, a new state-of-the-art entry-level kiosk, and an
extension of its global self-service alliance program to reach new markets
and industries.
Designed for small businesses and large enterprise departments, the IBM
AnyPlace Checkout system is the next major step in self checkout
innovation. It combines the ultra-compact footprint of the market-leading
IBM AnyPlace Kiosk with the robust capabilities of IBM self checkout
software, giving clients the best of both worlds.
According to a recent customer purchasing survey*, 10 percent of shoppers
who left a store without making a purchase cited the wait to check out as a
factor in their decision not to buy. More importantly, when forced to wait
in line for more than four minutes, customer satisfaction levels fall below
80 percent.
Small to midsized retailers can now offer a fast, convenient checkout
system for small orders, including those in specialty, drug and convenience
store environments. Large retail operations can complement front-end self
checkout with stand-alone placement of these units within grocery areas
such as deli, floral or prepared foods, as well as departments of large
stores and hospitality retailers.
"Today's market environment is tough and competitive, and there is huge
pressure on retailers to transform and innovate, all driven by a need to
change the shopping experience for consumers," said Steve Ladwig, General
Manager, Retail Store Solutions, IBM System & Technology Group.
"The IBM AnyPlace Checkout allows us to help our clients serve their
customers in totally new ways, answering consumer demand for easy-to-use
self service in more places than ever before."
According to an IHL Group 2007 market study on self checkout**, 98 percent
of respondents have used self checkout, almost 50 percent have used it more
than five times in the previous years, and 72 percent have readily accepted
the technology in the marketplace. This study also reported that for 2008,
consumers will spend more than US $230.7 billion on self checkout
transactions at retail stores, up 28 percent over 2007.
"Self checkout not only continues to gain widespread acceptance with
consumers, but we are also seeing that self-service solutions are paying
off for retailers," said Greg Buzek, President, IHL Consulting Group. "Our
research shows that retailers that have embraced self-service technologies
are redeploying labor to key profit areas, improving customer service with
more lanes and improving profitability by increasing the number of
profitable transactions."
The IBM AnyPlace Checkout system expands the proven and successful IBM Self
Checkout family by extending the capability of when and where retailers can
offer self-service transactions. This first-of-its-kind unit is the second
major offering in an aggressive IBM consumer services campaign, and joins a
growing portfolio of IBM and Business Partner self-service offerings that
span multiple industries, including retail, hospitality, travel and
transportation.
IBM also announced today a new release of IBM Checkout Environment for
Consumer-Service (CHEC), self checkout software that delivers a robust
environment through a rich user experience, simple manageability and
reliable Point-of-Sale integration. The modular software platform also
allows for IBM Business Partners to tailor to a retailer's specific needs.
A completely new self checkout design, the IBM AnyPlace Checkout system
offers retailers new features and enhanced flexibility, making it easy for
consumers to scan and pay for their items quickly. This new self checkout
unit offers a variety of hardware and software enhancements that include:
-- Small Footprint: Designed with the IBM AnyPlace Kiosk at its core,
this unit offers one of the smallest self checkout footprints available,
making it attractive for grocers and other businesses that have limited
floor space.
-- Customized Enclosures: Offers flexibility to utilize a variety of
enclosures including customized designs by IBM Global Technology Services
or third party vendors that match a retailer's "look and feel."
-- Cashless: These units offer credit/debit payment options only, which
speeds transactions by eliminating the time it takes to accept and dispense
bills and coins, as well as lowers the chance of shoppers forgetting their
change.
-- Manageability: A component of IBM Store Integration Framework, the
Remote Management Agent (RMA) enables retailers to achieve end-to-end store
systems management of retail devices and applications along side
traditional IT deployment. Across the enterprise, retailers can configure
and monitor the system remotely, distribute software, track assets and
determine and diagnose problems.
New Entry-Level IBM AnyPlace Kiosk
IBM also introduced an entry-level AnyPlace Kiosk that can be used for a
variety of kiosk applications or as a compact point-of-sale. This newest
AnyPlace Kiosk 15" model allows small independent businesses to use
advanced kiosk technology previously only available to large enterprises at
a price they can afford. Additionally, the kiosk can be used by larger
businesses for a variety of kiosk applications including product locators,
price checkers and more. This entry-level kiosk unit comes with an
energy-efficient processor and built-in power management capabilities that
allow clients to reduce power consumption and run essential applications
quickly and reliably. It is geared toward specialty, food service, gas and
convenience retail businesses and is also tailored for use across multiple
industries such as travel and transportation, hospitality and healthcare.
IBM Business Partner Alliance Program Momentum
IBM also announced that approximately 100 Business Partners have joined its
Self-Service Alliance Program. Since its introduction last September in
conjunction with the IBM Consumer Services Initiative, Business Partners
representing 11 industries, 18 solution areas and 17 countries have signed
up to help develop, market and distribute IBM self-service solutions
worldwide, helping extend IBM leadership in self service across multiple
industries. In just eight months, the IBM Self-Service Alliance program has
grown into one of the largest business partner ecosystem focused on
self-service for multiple industries, including pharmacy, banking,
government and manufacturing. The program represents nine new countries,
including Israel, Malaysia, Romania and Guatemala.
Pricing and Availability
The IBM AnyPlace Checkout will be available May 23 and is approximately
half the price of a traditional self checkout system.
* Source: Measure, March 2007, National In-Store and M/A/R/C Research
** Source: IHL Group 2007 Self Checkout Study
About IBM Retail Store Solutions:
For more information, go to www.ibm.com/retail