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

Taco Bell Integrated Mobile Marketing is Measurable

Taco Bells Cantina sells beer.  So is it any wonder that when you want to invite a friend to have a beer you would text then as say meet you at Taco Bell?  Well, according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma WA based Foodservice Solutions® of course it makes sense.

Taco Bell is testing self-serve ordering stations at a store in Irvine near The District shopping center. The Irvine chain said Thursday that it plans to step up kiosks in 2018. Taco Bell announced plans to step up its digital services in 2018, including adding self-serve ordering kiosks in restaurants.

With more than 6,700 restaurants Taco Bell, said it has reached an agreement with its franchisees to fund new technologically-driven services that provide “customers and team members with frictionless digital experiences.”

Among the priorities for diners is to expedite the number of self-serve ordering stations at restaurants in 2018. The new program, called “All Access,” is aimed at providing an easy connection — from delivery to group ordering.

Taco Bell said it also plans to “prioritize and invest” in faster networks and improved back-of-house systems.

In Orange County, a restaurant in Irvine is currently testing self-serve tablets.   Taco Bell did not disclose financial details of the agreement, including how the company and franchisees plan to fund the new digital programs. Our team believes this is the right thing to do at the right time.

Taco Bell Chief Executive Brian Niccol said in a statement “Our fantastic relationship with our franchisees and our growth mindset have enabled us to create an aggressive plan to make Taco Bell an All Access brand,” “We always aim to stay relevant with changing consumer tastes and trends, whether that be creating innovative menu items or offering the latest technology that connects customers to our brand when they want it, where they want it.”

Smartphone penetration in 2014 was at 67% and in 2020 it is expected to be over 80% according to the team at Foodservice Solutions®.  Hand Held Food Marketing is going to be the next big thing according to Johnson and Greg Cred and his team at, Yum Brands are on top of it.

The fact is Taco Bell one of the industry’s most envied fast food brands because its quirky inexpensive foods and marketing campaigns score well with millennials. Food comes first, marketing second but together within the fast food space hand held marketing the platform of choice.

Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions 5P’s of Food Marketing can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization? Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit:  www.FoodserviceSolutions.us for more information.