Bowling Green, KY (April 14, 2010) – Committed to helping the independent grocer succeed in a competitive marketplace, the National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) and Pan-Oston have developed two state-of-the-art mobile Innovation Centers showcasing the latest in front-end technology. The Utopia Across America Tour kicks off on April 26 at the N.G.A. headquarters in Washington, D.C. and continues throughout 2010, making stops at the corporate offices and stores of independent grocers across the United States.
“The Innovation Centers provide N.G.A. members a unique hands-on opportunity to learn about technology available in the industry today, and also find out about future trends,” commented Frank DiPasquale, N.G.A. Executive Vice President. “The technology solutions demonstrated are being driven by customers as an enhancement to the customer experience, but can also positively impact businesses bottom lines.”
The goal of the Utopia Across America tour is to provide access to the latest technology from MEI, Pan-Oston, Microsoft, Dell, CED, Rockwell Automation and others. The Innovation Centers feature: the Utopia Self-Checkout, an affordable PCI (MTXEPS) supportive solution that is easily integrated to 99% of available POS systems; innovative cash handling technology; and assistive listening devices; as well as ergonomic checkout lanes and revolutionary counter systems.
Also on board are two never-before-offered tools developed by Pan-Oston: the Self-Checkout Cost Savings Calculator, which provides independent grocers with a means to evaluate self-checkout cost savings based on their particular operating objectives; and the Front-End Optimizer, an aid to determine the most cost efficient and productive check out solution based on sales, staffing, wages and customer service.
“It’s tougher than ever to keep up with the big grocery chains and the costs of keeping up are rising,” said Supermarket GuruÒ Phil Lempert. “This tour is another example of how the N.G.A. and Pan-Oston are working together to help independent grocers succeed.”
Source: Pan-Oston