ibm | Retail Tech, Inc. - Point Of Sale System Solutions

IBM Retail User Group Partner Pavilion

August 26, 2015Mark — Posted in TechTOPICKS

Supporting the IBM Community, One Partnership at a Time

IBM Business Partners are forced to adapt and deal with new challenges from our retail customers. We are pressed to look beyond our offerings, into the channel, to provide an all-in-one solution. Acknowledging these demands, Retail Tech, has spent the last 12 years working with other’s and Business Partners to create a total solution for our customers.

The current point of sale market environment contains a number of possibilities (mobile payments, traditional check out, self-checkout, and customer service centers). It is the vendors responsibility to provide the complete solutions for their customers. Most partners cannot provide every part of the solution when considering product sourcing, integration, delivery logistics, on-site requirements and continuing support after the roll out is complete. Retail Tech, on the other hand, lives our mission, “Create Your Ideal POS Solution,” by recognizing that each retailer has different requirements when responding to their individual needs. As strategic partners, we must acknowledge and take advantage of each others services and value-adds.

Retail Tech has carefully constructed a business strategy to address all components of a complete solution delivery system. We expanded and extended our offerings not only to end users, but more importantly, we have found many IBM Business Partners that require our services to supplement their area of expertise. Aside from selling point of sale hardware, Retail Tech now offers a variety of services that range from depot and advanced repair programs, integration and staging, and asset disposal services within EPA guidelines. To facilitate implementation of these offerings, Retail Tech has invested in major expansions over time. Our repair area has grown to 4 times the original size, with overall warehouse space reaching 120,000 sq. ft. In addition, our integration area has a capacity to produce 100 + systems per shift. With these upgrades, Retail Tech has facilitated the project management and space for large integration projects on behalf of others and their customers. We can custom-load any software onto IBM Hardware and drop ship in one, check stand ready box. This offer is attractive for any ISV or Business Partner who requires additional assets, time, space and personnel to perform all of the end user requirements themselves.

In seeking to enhance our business by working with retailers and partners, Retail Tech continues to remain vigilant to the ever changing retail environment and social demands. IRUG will help our company maintain that focus by continuing to help us solve these business challenges.

IRUG: Adapting Through the Ages

An IBM Retail User Group Member since 2003, with a representative on the board for the past 3 years, Retail Tech is extremely passionate about the IRUG Association. The IBM Retail User Group originally began as an assembly of retailers meeting to solve common technology implementation problems. While this is still a foundation today, IRUG also has brought in Associates Members (Vendors) to exhibit and provide solutions and alternatives while focusing on future needs of the retailer. Mobility, PCI compliance, EMV implementation, coupons, self-checkout and IBM futures are examples of IRUG leadership in the retail space. Beyond providing an exhaustive list of technology implementations, members support the organization through exhibiting, providing content for elective technical training sessions, and helping sponsor the annual conference and events. Similarly, the IRUG Association explores business opportunities with other partners and associations (NRF and ARTS).

This was the case with last year’s IRUG Innovation Award winner, selected by the retail members. While performing the project management duties for the retailer, the major business partner pulled together the hardware and software suppliers to build a full service team through Business Partner relations. The entire project was finished in record time, on schedule, and under budget. IRUG affords the medium to sort out applicable complementary partnerships as our reliance on these relationships continues to grow.

Business Partners are also recognizing a greater pressure from both the customer and IBM. While retailers want to minimize their points of contact to deliver the “complete solution,” IBM is looking to their channel for more support. Vendor management is now expected of a major supplier for sourcing, coordinating, and delivering all or most products required in the complete solution. IRUG membership supports this continued initiative on behalf of both IBM and the retail customers.

TopPICKS for NRF 2012

January 26, 2012Mark — Posted in News, TechTOPICKS

You knew it was coming… my recap of NRF 2012. While I spent most of my trip in the Retail Tech booth, in no way was I going to be restricted to a 10 x 10 space the entire time. I had people to see, booths to visit, and sessions to attend! After all, it wouldn’t be a successful trip if I didn’t get to experience what my fellow tech geeks had to offer (I mean that in love, of course). After braving the expo hall, wall to wall (ok, I may have missed some booths…) I wanted to share my TopPICKS for 2012.

Win for Creativity:

I LOVED the Teradata booth. The design was not only in the shape of a plane, the booth staff was all wearing stewardess and pilot attire. Now, that is a commitment to creativity! The marketing ploy roped me in, and I am sure many other onlookers who were curious as to what this company had to offer. This was by far the hardest category to judge as a lot of event coordinators brought their “A” games when designing booths this year.

Most Innovative:

Google takes the cake for me. It is hard to mess with this mastermind of a company. Showcasing the Google Wallet, the booth came complete with a pack-man, claw game and a few other fun activities for people to flash their mobile wallet and “pay to play.” If the mobile wallet continues to sweep the retail world, customer payment, as we now know it, will change forever. TouchÃ©, Google.

Highest Traffic Volume:

As I moseyed through the Expo Hall, I worked hard to avoid the booths with the most people (the record breaking 25,000+ attendees were a bit overwhelming). Despite my preferences, I needed to check out our partner, IBM as it is always interesting to see what they have in store. For the record, it was not an easy task. Not only did I trip stepping into the booth, I proceeded to watch a demo regardless of my heel continuously getting stepped on by passerby’s. The experience was less than enjoyable, but I couldn’t help, but want to learn more. Needless to say, I was in the booth for almost an hour, turning into one of the traffic hazards myself, while I marveled at the flocking masses. Demos were going on throughout the booth on topics including “The Smarter Consumer,” “Smarter Checkout”, “Cross-Channel Order Management,” “The Integrated Mobile Manager” and many others. Let’s just say, I would be surprised if the IBM employees had any chance to breathe. Everyone wanted to see what was in the pipeline for IBM.

Interactive Genius:

Cisco Systems showcased StyleMe, an Immersive Digital Shopping Platform (try saying that 5 times fast). Attendees were able to demo this product by standing in front of “the virtual fashion mirror.” Simple hand motions allowed the demonstrator to try on different garment and accessory options. Not only was this entertaining for people in passing, it gave retailers a true idea of how the platform would act in their stores. Don’t be surprised to see this technology in some of your favorite retail stores soon!

Best Booth Giveaway:

I am awarding Lexmark with the most entertaining, and noticeable giveaway. Who would have thought light up glasses would have been such a hit? These fashion sunglasses from Lexmark traveled around the show floor as retailers and exhibitors alike sported this snazzy accessory. The verdict is still out if these glasses attributed to increased sales for the printer mogul, but either way, I applaud them for effort. Plus, iPad giveaways are getting old people. I am still convinced that the “give away” doesn’t make it very far.

Ok, I know I missed some…what other booths did you deem “award worthy?”

Create Your Ideal POS Hardware Solution with Retail Tech.

December 22, 2011Mark — Posted in News, TechTOPICKS

While most companies try to make your business fit into their offerings, Retail Tech does the opposite. We understand that each retailer, restaurant operator, and grocery store is in need of a unique POS solution. Exactly like the old adage, a round peg will not fit into a square hole; one POS system does not work for every application.

In Order to Create Your Ideal Hardware Solution:

First, name your IDEAL product offering. Choose from Retail Tech’s vast selection: Perhaps IBM, Toshiba, Epson, Zebra, Panasonic, APG Cash Drawer, Cisco, Citizen, Cherry, Datalogic, Elo Systems, Fujitsu, Ingenico, Lexmark, to name a few.

Because we are the IBM POS Consignment Vendor, by choosing IBM (like 95% of our customers do), you have the added opportunity to select refurbished IBM, New IBM, or a hybrid solution (a combination of both new and used equipment). Refurbished equipment can be a great option for parts and peripherals if you pair this with a new hard drive. New is not for everyone. We can provide an ideal IBM product at your price point.

Once you have selected your equipment, Retail Tech gives you the option to custom load each machine with your choice of software. We will re-pack it in one box and ship it to the correct site location, check-stand ready.

Once the install is complete, Retail Tech has still not exhausted our services. Even the best systems break; therefore, maintenance and repair is inevitable. Retail Tech has the capabilities to provide Advanced Exchange Repair or Depot Maintenance. Again, we do not restrict you to certain offerings; rather give you the option to customize your solution. With the plethora of parts Retail Tech stocks, our inventory allows us to be flexible and open to your needs.

Enough Said.

So, next time you see this slogan on our website, trade show booth, or flyer, PLEASE remember this is not “just a tagline.” This is our business model. We are here to serve you. We understand you. Give us the opportunity to prove that your ideal POS solution is within reach!

On Tap at “The Big Show” NRF 2012

December 15, 2011Mark — Posted in News, TechTOPICKS

Samantha Noble, Marketing Manager

We will be there!

Retail Tech is hitting both coasts in January; from the DQ show in San Diego to New York for NRF’s Big Show. We are excited to start the New Year off with a bang! Last year, having never experienced NRF, I was blown away by the number of exhibitors, attendees, and press. If you read my post from last year, it is apparent that I had no idea what to expect. Unfortunately, due to the blizzard in NYC, our trip was cut short. I am crossing my fingers for more mild conditions this year (to say the least). Remind me again why we are going to New York City in the middle of winter? Oh yeah…only the biggest show in retail.

This year, Retail Tech will be showcasing the all new Motorola Enterprise (ET1) Tablet solution in booth #438. While Retail Tech specializes in new and refurbished IBM POS equipment, we realize that the retail landscape is ever changing. Mainly, while some retailers have the overhead and capability to move in with new store technology, other stores simply cannot afford to change up their whole infrastructure while the economy is still shaky. Simply stated, Retail Tech has the capabilities to accommodate both types of retailers. That being said, Retail Tech will also be showcasing a SurePos 700 system in our booth. This system by IBM has been a consistent choice through the years and one of the most widely used POS for the retail environment.

Options for point of sale equipment continue to expand. Likewise, Retail Tech will significantly market our service offerings. Unlike most POS companies who broker out of a small space, Retail Tech has over 120,000 sq. ft. of warehouse area where we can provide services such as POS integration and staging, depot and advanced exchange repair, and hardware disposal. Essentially, we want customers to realize that Retail Tech is a one stop shop; our hardware selection may real you in, but it is the services we provide that make you stay.

Check out what our business partners have to offer:

Don’t Miss Epson’s ColorWorks Solutions for Retail, Booth #1903: Visit Epson to learn how color printing solutions from Epson can improve the impact of in-store marketing and deliver cost-effective, quick turn, color on-demand in store promotions. Epson’s new lineup of ColorWorks printing solutions for retail helps you deliver colorful, on-demand, high impact POP signage, coupons, labels and more. Included in Epson’s lineup is a color coupon printer that allows you to produce graphical receipts with colorful promotions and highlighted expiration dates that help to increase coupon redemption and enhance loyalty. Epson’s ColorWorks lineup also includes the TM-C3400, which produces vibrant shelf talkers, shelf tags, pricing labels and small signs up to four inches wide, all at faster speeds and more cost effective than ever before. Epson will also be showcasing its ColorWorks B510 page printer, which offers versatile options for printing signage, shelf talkers and small signage up to 8.5″x11″ in size. When prices or promotions change, retailers can easily revise in the store, creating dynamic, attention-getting signage specific to the needs of each store, while eliminating waste associated with central printing of signage. See demonstrations and share ideas on how color in retail can work for you.

Motorola #1702: One of the most innovative companies in the retail space, Motorola Solutions, never ceases to produce groundbreaking products. Arguably one of the most revolutionary tablets in the market, the ET1, goes on sale in Q1 of 2012; you can bet Motorola will be showcasing this product complete with the RhoElements applications as a mobile POS solution. Aside from the ET1, Motorola will also be highlighting the following products:

IBM Booth #619: IBM is once again, “Making retail smarter” through a number of speaking sessions and thought leadership explorations at the conference. With IBM, you will learn about today’s smarter consumer, making retail smarter with smarter commerce, Winning over the Empowered Consumer, and many more engaging topics. IBM offers Smarter Commerce and Business Analytics as a solution for retailers to improve their profitability. Still the market leader of retail POS equipment, Retail Tech is proud to call ourselves an IBM Premier Business Partner.

See you there?

If these products are not enough to persuade you to make the trip, I am sure one of the other 400+ Solution providers has something that will tickle your fancy. We hope to see you in 2012! In the meantime, enjoy your Holidays and let’s kick this retail season off right!

Are you a retailer? Would you like a free pass to the NRF Expo? Email us–snoble@retailtechinc.com

IBM Makes Customer Checkout Faster, Easier, Smarter

November 4, 2011Mark — Posted in News

ARMONK, NEW YORK, November 4, 2011 — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced retail technology that allows stores to offer targeted third-party products and services to consumers at checkout, and add future services with close to “plug-and-play” simplicity. Essentially, retailers will have a quick and easy way to extend the traditional point-of-sale aisle to a revenue-generating point-of-service.

IBM’s new Smarter Checkout solution provides shoppers a more personalized, interactive experience that includes letting customers purchase specialized items such as lottery, theater and show tickets in the checkout lane. For example, shoppers can buy their favorite Quick Pick draw games with the scan of a bar-code in the main aisle just like other store items. They can also use mobile devices, such as a cell phone, to help process their orders, redeem digital coupons, access loyalty points, and pay for their orders at an IBM self-service pay station.

According to a recent study of global retailers, 85% of consumers prefer to complete their transactions through a traditional point-of-sale station, whether they take goods home or have items delivered. The checkout aisle is the retailer’s last chance to save a sale, generate extra revenue, and make a lasting impression on shoppers.

“The store is the retailer’s most important channel for reaching consumers. It is the critical touch point where retail clients can deliver a differentiated shopping experience and deepen a customer’s relationship to the brand,” said Steve Ladwig, general manager, IBM Retail Store Solutions. “Smarter checkout connects the store to shoppers by simplifying the delivery of end-to-end cross-channel offerings, and providing a seamless shopping experience, all while keeping costs down and managing risks.”

IBM Smarter Checkout combines systems, software and services into a technology platform that enables retailers to capture and analyze valuable customer data so that stores can quickly respond to changing customer demand and supplier market conditions. By plugging in real-time basket analytics, a retailer can now offer real-time promotions and relevant offers while the customer is passing through the checkout lane. For example, as a purchase is scanned, new products or services will appear on cashier and customer-facing touch screens, essentially making the traditional point-of-sale station a true point-of-service, and helping make shopping faster, easier, smarter.

Along with an enhanced consumer shopping experience and improved operational efficiency, Smarter Checkout enables more seamless cross-channel integration, giving consumers access to products available both on-line and in the store. Consumers can also take advantage of the cross-promotional offers between the retailer’s store and fuel site. IBM Smarter checkout also provides seamless links to reducing front-of-the-store losses due to cashier and operations error, fraud and theft.

Powered by IBM SurePOS 700 point-of-sale systems running the IBM 4690 operating platform, Smarter Checkout also leverages IBM System x, Lotus Expeditor and Store Integrator to integrate a wide variety of applications for use at the point-of-sale, on mobile devices, and at kiosks.

The new offering also enables third-party services such as GTech online lottery and Zavers digital coupon capability at the point-of-sale. Lottery tickets can be purchased at checkout and printed in the aisle on a receipt printer. Retailers with Zavers can process digital coupons from originating consumer goods manufacturers and distributors, and quickly add them to transaction discounts and offers at the register.

IBM Smarter Checkout for 4690 is available immediately through the IBM Retail Store Solutions Global Services network.

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About IBM

For additional information about IBM Smarter Checkout solutions, visit:

http://www-03.ibm.com/products/retail/solutions/smartercheckout/index.html

IBM, SurePOS 700, IBM 4690, Lotus Expeditor, Lotus Expeditor Integrator, IBM Store Integrator, IBM Store Integrator Graphic User Interface, and System x are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

GTech software and Zavers Digital Coupon solutions are trademarks of their respective companies in theU.S.and/or other countries.

Contact:

Jim Smith

IBM External Relations

914-766-4385 or 203-232-7000 (mobile)

smithje@us.ibm.com

http://facebook.com/Jim0528