POINT OF SALE Computervision owns the QuickFuel system, which is at the forefront of the continuing development of complete POS solutions. The Australian-built application incorporates all the leading edge features required to run a modern service station. The company says that one of its major strengths is its ability to quickly adapt and update its software to respond to customer needs in an ever-changing environment.
says innovations like self-serve checkouts may take time to fully take hold in convenience.
AT A GLANCE
GaP Solutions marketing coordinator Corey Pedler said: “The jury is still out on self-serve with petrol and convenience at the moment, but I think it is inevitable that self-service will soon play a greater role”.
• Today’s POS systems offer operators a huge range of functions and reporting tools that enable better stock control and speedier transactions.
Computervision’s sales manager Brandon Galgano said: “This is such an exciting and dynamic environment and innovation is our inspiration”.
“The trick will be ensuring that any self-service options do not disrupt from the in-store consumer experience as this is one of the growth areas for petrol and convenience outlets who are now making greater in-roads with in-store food and drink offerings alongside competitive grocery options,” Mr Pedler said.
“I was at a conference recently which looked at service stations of the future and they were seen as potentially developing into community hubs coping with everything from electric cars, 3D printers, and hire cars, and this means a POS system will need to be able to adapt and evolve to the changing demands,” Mr Galgano said.
The ezi forecourt system integrates with pump controllers, recharge providers and all eftpos providers to offer operators with an effective POS solution.
The changes in the fuel environment are already becoming apparent with the development of apps that enable customers to use a tablet or smartphone to pay for fuel from the comfort of their own cars. However, thought needs to be applied to the way in which these innovations are managed to ensure they deliver on their potential. Mr Galgano said: “Service stations traditionally want people to get out of their cars to come in and perhaps buy other goods instore, but this might be counteracted by promotions or receipts with specials being delivered to people’s phones”. “You can see a similar thing with CCTV and the number plate recognition software that is already being used to improve security and stop drive throughs. It means customers can be recognised as soon as they drive up and they can be immediately offered promotions directly tailored to their needs.” A retailer who is able to communicate a customised message directly to shoppers at the point of purchase based on their shopping history has a significant head start in maximising the sales opportunity. GaP Solutions, which is responsible for the ezi forecourt integrated point of sale and back office cloud based system, agrees that the POS landscape is changing quickly. However, it
Being a cloud based system; the company says ezi forecourt allows owners and managers a far greater level of control in regards to price management, reporting and inventory. Mr Pedler said: “P&C retailers can access the back-office portal from any internet enabled device and see real time updates. Reports that can be run include sales reports, inventory movement, end of shift, zero sales, account and loyalty/rewards sales, giving owners and managers valuable data to better inform their operational decision making”. At a store level, the POS system is designed for fluid operator control with large flip charts for efficient customer service, fast eftpos/epay/touch integrations and pop-up error notifications to minimise operator errors. Innitglobal owns the POSable Point of Sale system which it says can reduce a store’s operating costs while offering real-time visibility of the cost-to-operate the business. The company’s CEO Paul Hardcastle said: “Business intelligence, customer engagement and statistical analysis is presented according to the requirements of the business”.
• There are a host of companies offering both POS hardware and software with a range of options to suit stores of any size. • Technology is allowing stores to communicate customised messages and promotions directly to customers at the point of purchase based on their shopping history. • With service, efficiency and a positive shopper experience key to running a successful convenience store, offering customers a choice of payment methods is vital.
At a store level, the POS system is designed for fluid operator control with large flip charts for efficient customer service.”
“The merchant decision is a question: ‘is the current solution actually providing the owner/manager with enough business intelligence
June/July 2018 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 41