NCR announced the launch of NCR FastLane SelfServ Checkout Release 6, the new addition to the family of NCR self-checkout solutions. The latest and most advanced iteration of NCR’s self-checkout systems is focused on improving the checkout experience giving retailers more capability than ever before and providing shoppers with a more flexible and efficient way to scan, pack, and pay for items.
NCR FastLane SelfServ Checkout Release 6 features a sleek, contemporary design, advanced currency recycling capabilities and an integrated convertible option that makes it easy to switch from self-checkout to cashier-assisted mode when peak throughput is required.
The innovative convertible feature of NCR FastLane SelfServ Checkout Release 6 allows capacity-constrained stores to offer more lanes with self-checkout capability, providing better service by having more lanes open more of the time. At peak times of the week or year when all lanes in the store are open, but queues are about to form, retailers can swiftly transition the convertible FastLanes into cashier-assisted mode with the cashier scanning the items for the shopper from the rear of the unit without slowing down customer flow or compromising scanning performance. With a simple turn of the handle, the bi-optic scanner and display module can be rotated 180 degrees, ensuring more front end flexibility during peak operating hours or seasonal periods.
The compact, low profile design of the unit allows for expanded visibility between cashiers and customers and a clean front-end design in stores. Shoppers will appreciate the zero-bezel display, which features a responsive, easy to use, multi-touch touchscreen. Release 6 also includes the NCR UNavTM as an option which provides an integrated headphone jack, volume control, and tactile navigation keys to accommodate hearing or visually-impaired shoppers. In addition, the EFT device has been lowered to make it easier to use from a seated position, and the packing area has been raised to make it more comfortable for ALL users.
“As retailers continue to reinvent the front of their stores, the flexible, convertible design of our new FastLane solution will give them options to maximize the value of their investment,” said Dusty Lutz, general manager of Self-Service, NCR Retail. “Whether it is in a small convenience store or the largest hypermarket, our FastLane Release 6 solution provides better service through a flexible and naturally convenient shopping experience.”
NCR FastLane SelfServ Checkout Release 6 also has advanced recycling abilities that come standard with every unit. Bunch note and coin recycling allows shoppers to input a stack of bills or a handful of coins rather than inserting one at a time. These features support a fast checkout process for shoppers. The global cash and coin devices are able to recycle up to eight different coin and six note denominations, greatly reducing the amount of cash in the unit and extending the time between replenishment. The devices also reduce potential jams that can disrupt the checkout experience through advanced debris management. For example, if a person mistakenly drops a key into the coin bowl, the key will automatically be dropped down into to the change bowl.
Finally, the FastLane solution includes the NCR RealScan™ 79 all-imaging bi-optic scanner/scale for fast reading of barcodes from items as well as barcodes displayed on the shopper’s smartphone, like loyalty cards or vouchers. Taking the scanner beyond the barcode, the RealScan 79 offers optional ScanWatch software starting with the innovative produce assurance capability that will add new security to detect item switching. A great example of this would be a shopper attempting to purchase a bottle of wine by identifying it as an inexpensive produce item, such as bananas. With the ScanWatch software, a delayed visual verify intervention would be triggered to the attendant, thereby preventing the loss to the retailer.
Retailers and shoppers both benefit from the enhancments to the hardware, as well as from the improvements that have been made to the user interface and software of FastLane Release 6. The modern design, improved media handling and new convertible operation will meet the needs of our global retail customers across a variety of retail segments, while providing additional enhancements to shoppers.
