NCR Extends Reach Of Checkout Software

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) today launched a new version of its proven Advanced Checkout Solution (ACS) point-of-sale (POS) software, offering enhanced promotional tools and added features to accommodate the high-volume checkout needs of virtually any size retailer.

"ACS already drives more than 35,000 checkout lanes for many of the country's leading retailers," said NCR Retail Software Vice President Greg Egan. "In addition to enhancing the solution, we're now offering ACS through our network of NCR RealPartner resellers as well as the NCR direct sales organization. More than ever before, independents, regional retailers and large chains can all take advantage of this proven, feature-rich solution."

Designed to help retailers large and small reduce their total cost of ownership and adapt to changing business needs, ACS 6.1 incorporates best-in-class system management tools that make it easy for resellers and retailers to install, configure, update and support the solution. For example, ACS remote update features give users the ability to distribute application and operating system updates to the store for automatic or scheduled installation.

The new version of ACS also includes enhancements to the platform's popular Consumer Marketing (CM) module and suite of Mobile Retail Manager (MRM) applications, plus additional support for industry standards that extend and simplify the use of third-party applications.

The ACS CM module now features an extended set of flexible promotional wizards - interactive step-by-step guides that help users implement promotional pricing programs. CM enables retailers to create a nearly endless variety of customer promotion opportunities with or without a shopper loyalty card.

NCR's wireless MRM suite provides more than a dozen functions that make it easy for store mangers to interactively access back-office applications from anywhere in the store. New additions to MRM with ACS 6.1 include Operator and Terminal Productivity reporting. These join other popular applications such as access to price-lookup file maintenance and cash-drawer position reports, as well as remote supervisor overrides, system alerts and cashier monitoring.

ACS now supports the XML-based POSlog standard, developed by the Association for Retail Technology's IXRetail Committee. POSlog reduces the time and cost of integrating POS systems with related applications, such as enterprise resource planning, inventory, fraud analysis or customer purchase history.

"We believe use of the POSlog format will eventually lead to a wider selection of off-the-shelf applications for the retailer, with the added benefit of reducing implementation costs," said Egan.

The ACS 6.1 base solution includes Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine database for data storage, providing the benefits of relational databases with no acquisition expense. In-store database applications include frequent shopper, check management and accounts receivable.

About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leading global technology company helping businesses build stronger relationships with their customers. NCR's ATMs, retail systems, Teradata data warehouses and IT services provide Relationship Technology solutions that maximize the value of customer interactions and help organizations create a stronger competitive position. Based in Dayton, Ohio, NCR (www.ncr.com) employs approximately 28,500 people worldwide.