4
Feb
Retail

Next stop: digitalisation – reaching your destination safely with Wanzl

EuroCIS, Düsseldorf | 27 February – 1 March 2018 | Hall 10 | Stand B04

Wanzl creates structure in the networked confusion of digitalisation and shows its customers the right steps toward their goals. We will present specific solutions to optimise the processes in brick-and-mortar retail and to measure the performance of particular locations.

At the heart of our trade fair stand is wanzl connect – the digital cockpit for more information and better decision-making. The open software architecture provides a modular building kit for managing, controlling and analysing all in-shop processes. With smart equipment such as the ‘pure tech i’ intelligent shelving system and modular Wanzl checkout zones, we make off-line retailing fit for the future – be it with a stand-alone solution or one networked with wanzl connect. 

wanzl connect digitalises bricks-and-mortar retail

What turns a good retail dealer into a great retail dealer? Knowing your customers as well as their desires, and having store processes set up to perfectly match them. To make this even simpler in future, Wanzl has developed wanzl connect, an open software platform that can control all in-store processes. It optimises store processes, ensures a better understanding of customer behaviour at the POS and proposes practical recommendations for action for store staff. Valuable time is used where it is needed the most – attending to the customer.

Inventory monitoring

In future, the shopping trolley or basket that is a customer’s constant companion will be fitted with an RFID tag. Not only will the trolley or basket carry goods, but it will also provide the retailer with important information about its position in the store and usage behaviour: average shopping times, dwell time in front of particular shelves, maintenance recommendations, and much more. As well as generating user data, it can also prevent theft of goods or of the trolley itself. RFID can be used to measure inventory in trolley shelters in order to thereby ensure that sufficient trolleys are always available for customers. Ceiling sensors detect the dwell time spent in front of certain product categories and customers’ movements are optimised by means of heat mapping. A comparison of the data with the POS system also shows the conversion rate or how interesting an item or marketing activity really is.

Trolley Return

With Trolley Return, it will in future be possible to eliminate coin deposit systems, as trolley return can be controlled using a bonus system. There are various possible reward models: donations to a good cause, printing coupons for subsequent purchases, or entry into a lottery. In each case, the trolley will be electronically logged by an RFID reader when it is returned to the parking area or collection point.

Store management and analytics

Store Manager can be used to collect all store data on a single platform. It is the software-based information, communication and control centre of tomorrow’s store manager. Data is generated in-store by various items. This applies both to Wanzl products, such as shopping trolleys or entrance systems, and devices and systems such as light control, refrigeration equipment, and deposit return points regardless of their manufacturer. This data is fed into the Wanzl cloud and can be displayed on a smart device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) in real time. Products can be controlled, alarms visualised and data analysed in standardised or customisable reports.

pure tech i: smart shelving system with new gondola head boosts sales

Once the foundation has been perfected, it is time to showcase the head: with its slender design, the new gondola head from the pure tech i shelving system boosts the sale of secondary placements. Private brands, branded products and themes now have a high ranking, fixed place and the use of in-store cardboard displays becomes obsolete. The touchscreen is a harmoniously integrated feature and an eye-catcher at the same time. The customer is informed of current offers discreetly, campaigns at the POS are extended and the necessary awareness to purchase the merchandise is developed. Among other things, brick-and-mortar purchases can be combined with online shopping in the in-house web shop. Highly exclusive and expensive or even heavy products can be ordered for delivery at home directly and easily. The assortment is being attractively expanded. At the same time, the clever approach to merchandising prevents theft, as the merchandise cannot be removed. In order to make all the marketing activities measurable, outcomes can be analysed by means of ceiling sensors. Customer flows are measured, dwell times recorded and the conversion rate is offset. In order for the customer to have easy access to all merchandise at all times, smart pusher systems keep all the shelves looking full. These are always on-stock, as they are refilled before they are completely sold out. The optional refrigeration unit in the gondola head ensures that products are kept cool. In this way, sales potential is fully exploited and the high degree of transparency makes it easy to access convenience products and beverages.

pure tech i: smart shelving system with new gondola head boosts sales

Modular checkout area from Wanzl: a design approach that is flexible by intention

The checkout is a critical area in the sales cycle. Checkout areas therefore have to be reconceptualised, such as the modular design approach of the Wanzl checkout area. It provides for never-before-seen flexibility in terms of operating concept, technology and presentation elements, and generates more emotions, more buying impulses, more convenience and more efficiency – the most critical area in the shop becomes the most productive.

The cash desk can be installed on a modular basis, depending on individual customer orders. Cigarette racks and sweets shelving are attractively displayed at the checkout conveyor belt. Besides presentation, there are other options for dispensing expensive articles such as razor blades or telephone cards. Refrigerated products (4 to 8°C) can be displayed just as enticingly as hot products (core temp. 65 to 70°C) at the till. For an overall harmonious picture, the cash desk attachment can be integrated – for storing shopping baskets, including a multimedia connection for advertising purposes. A harmonious lighting concept creates a pleasant ambience and also serves as a practical customer guidance system.

Modular checkout area from Wanzl: a design approach that is flexible by intention

The integrated Checkout Manager Pro reduces waiting times by means of focused customer guidance. Individual customer wishes with respect to the look of the POS system can also be realised. The décor elements are simply exchanged when the concept is changed. In addition, the electronic checkout barrier can be integrated flush with the surface. In order to enable customers to pack in peace during checkout without disturbing customer flow, the area can be adapted to the respective in-shop situation in terms of visitor frequency. Payment options can also be installed individually. Whether a payment terminal, cash recycler or a cash management system: payment systems suited to the requirements of the store can be integrated. A merchandise security system is also integrated into the checkout counter. Contemporary, ergonomic guidelines and individual employee requirements are accommodated by combining standing and seated work areas, making for an attractive workspace. Generous storage options provide space for cleaning utensils, receipt rolls, loyalty points, merchandise vouchers and employees’ personal belongings.