DAYTON, Ohio — The next-generation self-checkout solution from NCR Corp. provides consumers with an even more streamlined self-service experience and expands the convenience of self-checkout to other retail environments.
The latest NCR FastLane self-checkout debuts this week at the 2008 Food Marketing Institute and MARKETECHNICS show in Las Vegas.
NCR FastLane now features a more refined, compact design that allows the device to be deployed beyond high-volume retail and grocery environments into other formats, such as department stores, convenience stores, pharmacies and more. The solution allows consumers to scan, bag and pay for goods on their own using cash, debit, credit or contactless payment cards.
In the latest desing, cash inputs/outputs are arranged side by side to allow user-friendly payment transactions, while "follow-me" lighting blinks at various points on the device to guide consumers through each step of the check-out process. In addition, NCR FastLane is equipped with the NCR RealScan 78OFX bi-optic scanner/scale. The LED Scan Advisor on the top of the scanner provides visual feedback to the user, and is helpful for hearing-impaired individuals.
The solution's design also provides operational efficiencies for retailers. NCR FastLane now supports standard integrated coin recycling, as well as the option for integrated bill recycling. Recycling allows the cash and coins consumers insert during a purchase to be issued later as change. This function enables retailers to invest fewer resources in cash management and requires less currency at the beginning of daily operation. It also provides consumers with the convenience of receiving cash back at the self-checkout without additional cash replenishment burden for the retailer.
Finally, NCR FastLane includes a variety of features that support retailers' commitment to the environment. NCR's two-sided thermal receipt printer now is a standard feature in each unit. This process allows for simultaneous printing on both sides of a thermal paper receipt, reducing paper consumption by up to 40 percent. This can result in less energy being consumed during paper production and distribution, as well as reductions in waste disposal, air emissions and wastewater. In addition, NCR's self-checkout application supports reusable bags by allowing shoppers to place their own bags in the bagging area without alerts. NCR FastLane also supports low-energy compact fluorescent bulbs in the lane lights.
The next-generation NCR FastLane initially will be available in the United States, United Kingdom and Euro zone countries. Phased deployment to approximately 20 additional countries will continue through 2009.
