Clarity Consulting Intros Innovation Lane, a POS Technology at Retail Expo in NY

Clarity Consulting introduced the “Innovation Lane.” This is a new POS (Point of Sale) technology concept system which features Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 and unified communications technologies.

 

The Innovation Lane will be on display at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Expo taking place in New York. The Innovation Lane shows how retailers can increase efficiency and store management by saving ten seconds off each transaction. This can help save millions of dollars annually besides improving customer experience.

 

The Innovation Lane employs Microsoft’s (News - Alert) Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 platform. It includes hardware and software which can be easily integrated into a retailer’s POS infrastructure saving on time and money. Microsoft’s software-based platform reduces cost of communications, compared to hardware-based telephony solutions.

 

The new system features a redesigned check-out lane which puts everything at an arm’s length from the cashier. This will enhance handling of transactions, making it faster. An advanced user interface gives simple prompts with a better screen which reduces training costs and increases efficiency.

 

Security features are advanced with biometric log-out which employs fingerprint data to access information. Loyalty programs will be smartphone-enabled by which customers can download loyalty cards to their phones for scanning at check out.

 

Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled payment processing allows consumers “wave and go” that is passing a card in front of reader for paying. Image validation will prevent fraud, reduce theft and product shrink.

 

A fully integrated Microsoft-based unified communications suite of software is used in the concept lane. The unified communications helps deliver real-time messaging, voice, email and presence capabilities keeping the lane and operator connected to the rest of the store.

 

Sales associates on the shop floor will have tablet PCs which feature capabilities to locate items, pricing information and images from the retailer’s product catalog or database by a simple bar code scan. The PCs enable monitoring of the inventory status at start of day.

 

The tablet PC helps customers to complete a transaction and take the receipt or get it emailed to them using the tender screen with payment type and details. Customer inquiries can be answered in real-time.