Through extensive partner collaboration , we deployed an innovative technology solution that supports our strategy , Leading Together , while delivering our promise of a better place to shop .”
INNOVATION TRANSFORMS THE CHECKOUT EXPERIENCE AT AHOLD DELHAIZE USA BRAND STORES
Retail Business Services , an Ahold Delhaize USA company , is a leader in the supermarket industry and well known for its eye toward innovation , passion for great food and dedication to delivering value to its customers . Retail Business Services had a goal from its local brand partners - to increase throughput , front-end lane utilization and improve the customer ’ s experience . Based on long-term relationships and proven capabilities , Retail Business Services turned to Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions and Getronics , plus other key partners to achieve their goals and vision for its stores . The result : a unique convertible lane that transforms checkout .
All lanes open , all the time . Retail Business Services came to its partners with a clear vision : all lanes open , all the time .
With convertible dual-use checkout lanes , Retail Business Services was able to provide a technology solution to its brand partners to make the most of the square footage in stores by replacing attended lanes that were only used some of the time , with lanes that could be used 100 % of the time for either self-service or cashier-led experiences . Through this solution , the stores can reduce lines during checkout and give customers the ability to choose the way they experience checkout ; whether they want the personal touch of a cashier-attended lane , or the convenience and privacy of a self-checkout lane – all while preserving the speed and full function of their existing attended lanes .
“ Our partnership together goes back many years , but this project exemplifies our relationship as trusted partners and leaders in the industry . Our commitment was not only to project success , but also positive impact on store operations and bottom line results ,” said Bill Campbell , VP , Head of Americas at Toshiba .
Leading Together To achieve this , Toshiba leveraged their extensive retail store knowledge to contribute software development and hardware engineering expertise , Getronics acted as the Systems Integrator providing project management , engineering and software testing capability , and another existing partner designed the customized cabinet .
The challenge ? Create software functionality that allowed store associates to switch modes from Toshiba ’ s Checkout Environment for Consumer Service ( CHEC ), a software application designed to optimize self-checkout , to their Toshiba POS Application . To ensure cashier-led transactions continued at full speed , Toshiba modified existing software application functionality to suit unique specifications . Toshiba leveraged its TCx™ Elevate digital platform ensuring a seamless end-to-end solution to power the front-end allows cash tender during both transaction types . Toshiba customized communications to create a unique solution with multiple applications and hardware devices .
Close collaboration among the teams was the key to the successful design , development and deployment .
“ We are delighted to have contributed to the teamwork , integration and collaboration that supported Retail Business Services vision for helping their store brand partners transform their front-end ,” said Aaron Hagler , Getronics ’ Vice President of Software and Retail Solutions .
To perfect the solution , Retail Business Services conducted prototype , lab , and in-store pilots , and gathered feedback from shoppers and associates . With this valuable insight in hand , the team refined functions to reduce operational risk in the rollout and prove value to the business .
Through extensive partner collaboration , we deployed an innovative technology solution that supports our strategy , Leading Together , while delivering our promise of a better place to shop .”
Paul Scorza , EVP , Information Technology and CIO for Retail Business Services .
When the rollout began , Retail Business Services ordered approximately 40 lanes . Less than a year later , they have placed over 435 dual-use lanes in 175 stores across Ahold Delhaize USA ’ s local brands , including Giant Martins ( Carlisle , Penn .), Giant Food ( Landover , Md .) and Stop & Shop .
These convertible lanes have been met with glowing reviews from shoppers and cashiers alike . Shoppers have reported they appreciate the ability to choose their checkout method and skip the line while using the input belt to load large orders . Cashiers can scan a shopper ’ s cart quickly , with the added security and accuracy of cash recyclers for cash tender eliminating the complexity and time required to manage cash .
In the end , Toshiba and Getronics stepped up as trusted partners and industry leaders to collaborate with Retail Business Services and partners to create a solution that exceeded expectations and delivered meaningful business value to the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA .