V-Markt (D)

How can customer experience, efficiency and digitalisation be intelligently combined at the checkout? Answers to these questions are provided by Georg Jos. Kaes GmbH in one of its V-Markt branches in Munich where Wanzl, together with DRS and shopreme, is responsible for the technological and conceptual redesign of the checkout zone. The focus is on the integration of several self-checkout systems, including Wanzl’s intelligent FastLaner® shopping trolley, which is being used in-store for the first time.

A pilot as a role model
Covering an area of approximately 17,000 square metres, V-Markt in the Euro-Industriepark in northern Munich combines food, non-food items, and an adjacent DIY store. Until now, checkouts have only been carried out via 25 checkouts with checkout belts. As part of the pilot project, the checkout zone is now being completely redesigned. All relevant fixed and mobile self-checkout options are available to customers from February to April, from handheld scanners to the FastLaner® and the self-checkout zone with the Genesis checkout table and Smart Exit technology from Wanzl. The pilot store in Munich serves as a test laboratory under real-world conditions. The aim is to demonstrate which self-checkout variants customers prefer, how theft rates, length of stay and sales distributions differ, and how retail media influence customers' shopping habits. "This project is an important milestone for us on the path to the digital checkout zone of the future. The goal is to collaboratively implement a stable and seamlessly functioning solution with our partners, where all systems can be interconnected and tested with a focus on customer needs”, says Dominik Endres, Head of IT at Georg Jos. Kaes GmbH.

Technological interaction
The concept was developed jointly by Wanzl, DRS and shopreme in close coordination with Georg Jos. Kaes GmbH. In addition to the central software platform, DRS, the checkout software manufacturer for V-Markt stores, also provides the front-end solution, i.e. the user interface, for the Genesis self-checkout terminals from Wanzl. "The drs//POS checkout system enables all new customer services without the need to adapt Kaes' central systems. The mechanisms available for the traditional cash register are simply being reused”, says Uli Schäfer, Board of Management member at DRS AG. The front-end for mobile devices comes from shopreme. "We are delighted that we have now been able to expand the shopreme ecosystem with the FastLaner® from Wanzl. In combination with the resulting standard integration with DRS, this enables a seamless and modern customer experience within the stores", says Nico Müller, Chief Commercial Officer of shopreme GmbH.

Wanzl delivers the hardware and takes care of planning and installation on site in the store. 16 FastLaner® and 90 handheld scanners from Zebra are used as mobile SCO solutions. For the FastLaner®, Wanzl also provides the platform on which shopreme and DRS integrate with their software solutions. In the checkout zone, seven Genesis tables and one Wanzl Colour Gate system ensure smooth self-checkout without waiting times thanks to Smart Exit. The software for the system also comes from Wanzl. Fully automated, it controls the independent checkout and enables customers to safely leave the store without a receipt. Furthermore, as part of the pilot project, Wanzl is taking on the coordinating market research role to systematically analyse the data and experiences gathered, essentially gaining informed insights for future actions.