Is Self-Checkout Technology Better than an Employee

 

In a time when there are more digital natives working and spending money than ever before retailers are evolving to give them what they want and according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® that means technology. There is no doubt that more and more retail foodservice executives are embracing self-checkout (SCO) capabilities, whether they already have kiosks in place or plan to install stations in the future.

Once again, there is a new survey was conducted on behalf of NCR Voyix Corp. by Incisiv entitled "The State of the Industry: Self-Checkout in Convenience & Fuel and Food & Grocery Retail," revealed 43% of retailers have mature SCO networks, while an additional 17% are planning to further scale up their self-checkout deployments.

SCO adoption rates currently vary by retail vertical; about half (53%) of retailers in the food and grocery segment have mature SCO adoption vs. 34% of retailers in convenience and fuel industry. However, convenience and fuel retailers plan to catch up quickly, with 37% currently piloting or scaling SCO deployments, according to the report.

Executives who have already implemented SCO reported benefits for both retailers and shoppers.  Now let’s look at some of the numbers that I’m sure will surprise you:

·         79% reported a better customer experience

·         75% believe the SCO stations enhanced store layout and space utilization

·         58% reported lower labor costs

·         51% reported improvements in operational efficiency

"Self-checkout is now essential for retailers aiming to provide a better and more convenient checkout, while also freeing up employees for other engaging and critical tasks like helping customers in the aisles or keeping inventory stocked," said Eric Schoch, executive vice president and president, retail at NCR Voyix.

Polled executives also commented on common technology woes:

·         Less than half (48%) reported it taking more than a month to roll out a standard bug fix or update at SCO terminals.

·         Nearly all (94%) retailers encounter challenges implementing simultaneous software updates across their store network.

To download the full NCR Voyix Corp. by Incisiv report entitled "The State of the Industry: Self-Checkout in Convenience & Fuel and Food & Grocery Retail," click here. 

Headquartered in Atlanta, NCR Voyix provides digital commerce solutions to the retail, restaurant and digital banking industries through comprehensive, platform-led SaaS and services capabilities. It employs approximately 16,000 staff members in 35 countries.

For international corporate presentations, regional chain presentations, educational forums, or keynotes contact: Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions.  His extensive experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator, consultant, brand / product positioning expert, and public speaking will leave success clues for all. For more information visit GrocerantGuru.com, FoodserviceSolutions.US or call 1-253-759-7869

Little Caesars Looking a Franchisee Ahead

 

At the intersection for growth and profitability Little Caesars Pizza is reducing costs while elevating franchisees profit potential with new modular building templates.  Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes that Little Caesars is signaling new franchisees its open for growth.

Here are five ways these modular building will help drive either growth or profits:

 

1.       Reduced Construction Timelines: The modular units in the POD Program are manufactured off-site and seamlessly transported to the concrete foundation on location. This streamlined process significantly reduces construction time compared to traditional restaurants, allowing franchise owners to open their stores quicker.

2.       Lower Building Costs: Because of the way PODs are manufactured, their building costs are lower. This financial advantage benefits both the franchisor and franchisees, making it an attractive option for Little Caesars Pizza.

3.       Eco-Friendly Solution: PODs feature recyclable walls and minimize the impact on the surrounding community. By opting for modular units, Little Caesars contributes to sustainability and environmental consciousness.

4.       Tax Write-Offs: Franchise owners who choose PODs qualify for a full tax write-off, providing a significant financial benefit. This tax advantage can positively impact their bottom line.

5.       Operational Efficiency: The POD program redefines the operational landscape of fast-food establishments. With only two-to-three employees needed to efficiently operate the entire facility, franchise owners can maintain service quality while keeping operational costs in check.

Now just think about this, Little Caesars’ POD Program combines innovation, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency, making it a win-win for both the company and its franchisees. 

Foodservice Solutions® team is here to help you drive top line sales and bottom-line profits. Are you looking a customer ahead? Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may the clue you need to propel your continued success.

Amazon Courts Millennials

Edifying your foodservice brand with the most technology savvy set of consumers ever, Millennials is the goal of every foodservice retailer.  Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes that Amazon is five steps ahead of everyone other retailer on the planet.

As Amazon debuts a “New Pickup Service for Need-It-Now Items it seems that it makes Fast Food Restaurants looking like a covered wagon.  Why? The new service will have your order is ready within two minutes at five locations at the first five locations that they roll them out at.  Yes, within TWO MINUTES.

Simply put Amazon is establishing new standards for delivery when it comes to meeting Millennials immediate demand, wanting what they want when they want it.  Instant Pickup, a free service offering Prime and Prime Student members a selection of daily essentials available for pickup in two minutes or less at five of Amazon's fully staffed pickup locations in Los Angeles; Atlanta; Berkeley, Calif.; Columbus, Ohio; and College Park, Md. 

Foodservice retailers does I ask you does your speed of service look more like a covered wagon than fresh fast food? Within the next twelve months will you service look more like 1999 or 2019 more like yesterday or tomorrow?

Here is why I ask Amazon’s Instant Pickup will include snacks, drinks and electronics, as well as some of Amazon's most popular devices. Remember the term ‘big data’ Amazon knows just what those Millennial college students what and when they want it.  This Instant PickUp is a big data driven ideation that will garner Millennials buy-In while edifying a branded relationship with Amazon that may last forever.

An Amazon spokesperson stated "As shopping behaviors continue to evolve, customers consistently tell us that they want items even faster. Whether it's a snack on-the-go, replacing a lost phone charger in the middle of a hectic day or adding Alexa to your life with an Echo, Instant Pickup saves Prime members time.”

Currently Amazon operates 22 staffed pickup locations on or near college campuses across the country. All Amazon customers can ship their orders to a pickup location, and Prime members receive Free Same-Day and One-Day delivery. So when was the last time you reviewed you operating standards?  Outside eyes can drive top line sales and bottom line profits. 

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant Program Assessment, Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 www.FoodserviceSolutions.us  of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869