AUGSBURG, Germany -- METRO Group will deploy NCR FastLane self-checkout systems in 50 of its Real hypermarkets and Extra supermarkets in Germany by the beginning of 2005. The decision follows successful initial installations in 2003 at METRO Group locations in Rheinberg and Ratingen, Germany.
"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 modernization of our business on a worldwide level," said Zygmunt Mierdorf, chief information officer and member of the management board of METRO Group, in a news release.
"With the rollout of NCR FastLane we bring the first technology into an ongoing practical use, less than one year after founding the Future Store Initiative. Self-checkout is a fast and therefore popular alternative, especially for customers buying a small number of products. It also provides relief to our cashiers during peak business hours."
More than 50 retailers in Europe, North America and Asia have installed NCR self-checkout.
"In addition to its success in the United States, 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, NCR FastLane, in the release. "NCR understands the marketplace and has the global support network in place to ensure retailer success."
