Equipment

Big Y Foods Inc. has introduced automated deli ordering kiosks from NCR in 18 of its stores throughout New England. Each kiosk uses the NCR Netkey deli ordering application, and several run on NCR EasyPoint Advantage kiosk hardware. All future rollouts will feature the combined NCR kiosk software and hardware solution.

To activate the kiosks, shoppers swipe their Big Y Express Savings card. The touchscreen enables customers to place and customize meat or cheese orders from the in-store deli. NCR’s software determines the best time for the customer to return to the deli counter to pick up her order, which is then printed at the bottom of the receipt. An in-store announcement also tells customers when their order is ready. Customers can also check the price of all in-store merchandise at the kiosks.

“The self-service kiosks extend even more choices to our shoppers as part of our commitment to deliver the best possible shopping experience,” said Bill Classen, deli sales manager at Springfield, Mass.-based Big Y, which operates a total of 56 stores. “Our customers appreciate the option to place their deli orders without waiting in line, and the extra convenience the kiosks provide.”

According to Duluth, Ga.-based NCR, its Netkey management software is the first to bring together in-store digital advertising and self-service kiosks under a single platform, allowing retailers to leverage rich multimedia content across digital signs and kiosks. For instance, a retailer can use digital advertising to promote its frequent shopper program, and then make it easy for shoppers to enroll at self-service kiosks.

“The deli is often one of the highest profit centers for grocers, but it can also be the most frustrating and delay-filled part of the customer’s shopping experience,” noted Dusty Lutz, general manager, NCR Netkey kiosk and digital signage solutions. “Grocers can use the NCR Netkey deli ordering application as part of an integrated loyalty program, in a converged retailing -- or ‘c-tailing’ -- manner, to deliver targeted offers to consumers and simplify ordering for loyalty card members based on their previous purchases, saving valuable time and improving the shopping experience.”

NCR Netkey is one of NCR’s c-tailing solutions, a set of software and services enabling retailers to offer consumers greater personalization and consistency across such channels as the Internet, mobile devices, social media and in the store. As a result, retailers can differentiate themselves, lower operating costs and attract consumers.