ACS 6.0 Delivers Measurable ROI Through Increased Productivity, Reduced Training Costs and Improved Customer Retention
Offering an alternative to costly proprietary systems, NCR Corporation (NYSE:NCR) today launched version 6.0 of its proven Advanced Checkout Solution (ACS) software - a flexible, feature-rich solution for national and regional chains with high-volume checkout operations."Many retailers feel locked in to high-priced legacy software that limits their ability to add new features as the business changes," said NCR Vice President of Checkout Solutions Greg Egan. "ACS, on the other hand, while feature rich and ready to install, is a highly customizable solution offering retailers a powerful, open system that addresses their real-world needs."
ACS runs on the latest Microsoft Windows(R) operating systems, including Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP Embedded for terminals, enabling retailers to meet their unique requirements by adding specialized applications from many leading independent software providers. ACS is developed using Microsoft .NET technologies, which further speed and enhance the ability of ACS to interface to other subsystems. With Windows XP Embedded and compact flash disk, ACS does not require a conventional hard drive or other rotating media in the point-of-sale (POS) terminal.
"The NCR ACS solution is an example of how Microsoft operating systems deliver flexibility and adaptability in a retail-hardened environment," said Brian Scott, general manager, Retail and Hospitality Industry Solutions group at Microsoft. "And, for example, the ability to deliver a diskless environment using Windows XP Embedded is a big plus for retailers in reducing the total cost of ownership for POS systems."
Integrated features offer competitive edge
ACS version 6.0 has built-in features, such as a wireless Mobile Retail Manager, that offer opportunities for improving store sales and profitability. Mobile Retail Manager gives ACS users interactive access to back-office applications via a low-cost handheld terminal. A security add-on package provides for remote authorization, cost-effective cashier monitoring and system alerts.
"With the industry's most extensive set of functions, Mobile Retail Manager allows managers to maintain price lookup files, review major operational reports and handle other back-office tasks - all without leaving the store floor," Egan said.
ACS 6.0 also includes NCR's innovative Consumer Marketing module, which can be used to implement powerful promotional pricing programs with or without a shopper loyalty card. The Consumer Marketing module does not limit the user to predefined promotions. Instead a Windows-based tool is used to configure simple building blocks into virtually unlimited combinations.
"We believe ACS has one of the most versatile promotion creation and delivery modules available with a checkout solution," said Charles Owen, director of database marketing for Balls Food Stores, which operates 28 supermarkets in the Kansas City area. "It allows us to create more powerful promotions, more quickly and less expensively than any other solution that we've seen."
ACS 6.0 is the first checkout application from a leading software vendor to support reduced space symbology (RSS) bar code scanning. Retailers can start reaping the substantial benefits offered by RSS today while future-proofing their systems for tomorrow.
A key advantage of the Microsoft .NET initiative in retail is the use of XML to integrate applications, both in-store and from the store to the enterprise. ACS uses XML interfaces for both its pharmacy and fully integrated fuel modules. However, if a retailer already has a preferred fuel or pharmacy application, the XML interface allows for rapid development and integration of that solution.
ACS 6.0 was built with investment protection in mind, to make upgrading an evolution rather than a revolution. For existing NCR customers, ACS 6.0 can run in a mixed mode environment with all previous versions of ACS as well as with legacy hardware from other vendors. To assist in the transition to ACS, NCR services consultants are available to help retailers migrate their legacy systems and extend the life of legacy POS hardware, while retaining existing back-office systems.
Studies show exceptional value proposition
NCR financial models, based on retailer interviews and industry research data, show that ACS 6.0 can provide a significant payback compared to legacy text-based checkout solutions.
For example, with ACS 6.0 and the graphical NCR DynaKey operator interface, stores commonly see a 40 to 60 percent reduction in training costs and a 17 to 20 percent improvement in cashier productivity.
The ACS Mobile Retail Manager function, together with NCR's graphical back-office interface, is projected to provide increased back-office productivity with considerable savings. Additionally, Mobile Retail Manager lets the store manager stay on the store floor to address customer service and other store issues.
Use of the ACS Consumer Marketing module can improve customer retention with an estimated profitability increase of between 1 and 2.5 percent for retailers with existing card-based loyalty programs. Profitability increases may be even greater for retailers implementing a loyalty program for the first time.
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leading global technology company helping businesses build stronger relationships with their customers. NCR's ATMs, retail systems, Teradata(R) data warehouses and IT services provide Relationship Technology(TM) solutions that maximize the value of customer interactions. Based in Dayton, Ohio, NCR (www.ncr.com) employs approximately 30,100 people worldwide.
NCR, NCR EasyPoint, NCR FastLane, NCR RealPOS, NCR RealPrice, NCR RealScan, NCR RealSolutions and Teradata are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.
CONTACT: NCR Corporation
Robert (Kelly) Kramer, 770/623-7215
kelly.kramer@ncr.com
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