Press releases
Juni 2010Globus Hypermarket in Prague Installs Self-Checkouts
AWEK Integrates First Self-Checkout Systems of Wincor Nixdorf in the Czech Market
In early April 2010 the Czech Globus hypermarket in Prague has opened the first four self-checkout systems for operation. As an alternative to the existing serviced POS systems customers can now scan and pay their purchases at self-serviced checkouts. The development of the POS application and integration in the market system was done by AWEK, full service provider of POS systems. The self-checkout hardware and system software supplied Wincor Nixdorf.
The Czech Globus hypermarket in Prague now offers its customers a new service. On four self-checkout systems customers can scan their goods and pay for them all by themselves. The systems operate on the "Scan and Bag" principle. The customer scans the items and places them in a bag on the safety scale. Payment takes place either with cash, or with credit card, or with gift card. The operation of the system is fairly intuitive via a touch screen user interface in Czech, German or English. The existing checkouts with cashiers still remain open alongside the new self-checkouts.
Globus runs 40 hypermarkets in Germany and operates 85 DIY stores, with a minimum sales area of 7,000 m² each, and 9 electronics stores with a minimum sales area of 3,000 m² each. In the Czech Republic Globus runs 14 Globus hypermarkets. With the introduction of these new self-checkouts Globus hypermarket in Prague takes up a leading role. The success of the project is groundbreaking for the decision on the further installation of self-checkouts in Globus hypermarkets in the Czech Republic.
The Globus hypermarket offers a vast range of products. "With the new self-checkout, we would like to offer our customers an even better shopping experience. At the self-checkout our customers can now do their shopping quicker without having to wait in line at the checkout. This is especially attractive for purchases with few items. We have found that our customers are quite interested in and open to new technologies. Therefore, we expect that they will accept the new POS systems gladly," says Dr. Miroslav Exner, IT Director of Globus headquarters in Prague.
The self-checkout systems run with the POS software microCASH of AWEK together with the control software TPiSCAN of Wincor Nixdorf. The processes communicate via an interface developed by AWEK. Printer and payment terminal are controlled directly by the POS software. Further, the self-checkout systems are integrated into the network of the market. The development of the POS software was completed within three months by AWEK.
Dr. Miroslav Exner expressed high satisfaction in terms of project realization and cooperation with AWEK as business partner: "I am proud of our joint success."
"Self-checkouts have long since passed its pilot stage and will continue to penetrate the market. Even if today they still serve to complement serviced POS systems, they will increase in number in the future. The customer appreciates the fact that he himself is involved actively in handling the payment process at the self-checkout of his purchase." says Andreas Berger, CEO of AWEK AG.
About AWEK
The AWEK Group with its head quarter in Barsbüttel near Hamburg consisting of the companies AWEK C-POS GmbH, AWEK microdata GmbH, AWEK Hong Kong Ltd., AWEK Protech GmbH, as well as AWEK Systemtechnik GmbH specializes in products, IT-services and comprehensive solutions for the retail business as well as industrial technology business. Operating a Europe-wide service net, AWEK employs 200 people at 5 locations. Retailers like EDEKA, Kamps Backshops, the German Postal system, and the Globus-Group are among its customers. Industrial customers include DRÄGER Lübeck, Industrial Robot Manufacturer Kuka, Lufthansa Service Company, Thyssen. www.awek.de
About Globus
At present, roughly 30,000 employees work for the Globus holding including all lines of business worldwide. Alone 14,000 people are employed at hypermarkets including the headquarter in St. Wendel, as well as the logistic headquarter in Bingen, Germany. In Germany 40 hypermarkets, 85 DIY stores, including HELA DIY stores, and 9 electronics stores are opening its doors to thousands of customers day after day. In the Check Republic 14 hypermarkets are being operated. In the European part of Russia customers can shop in 5 locations. Within the business year 2008/2009 Globus´ total revenue amounted to 5.7 billion Euros. www.globus.de