Ski Resort Uses NCR RealPOS And Satellite Technology To Improve Customer Service At The Checkout
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) and Vancouver-based AM/PM Service Ltd., one of Canada's largest independent point of sale (POS) companies, have announced the development of a checkout solution for remote locations where dial-up communication is not practical and high-speed dedicated subscriber line (DSL) or cable connection is not available.
AM/PM Service, an NCR RealPartner, has installed NCR RealPOS 70 POS terminals and NCR RealPOS thermal printers at Ski Wentworth near Truro, Nova Scotia. This groundbreaking POS solution leverages satellite communication technology to process debit and credit card transactions, rather than relying on traditional dial-up, DSL or cable communication.
"The past ski season proved to be a very successful testing ground for the new technology," said Leslie Wilson, president of Ski Wentworth. "We recognized the value of using a single-source solution from a dependable POS provider like AM/PM. This decision proved to be a smart one because we experienced virtually no down time at the checkout and were able to significantly speed up processing of debit/credit card transactions. It is all about being able to deliver faster service at the checkout so that our customers can quickly get to where they really want to be – on the slopes."
In the past, Ski Wentworth's dial-up communication, the only service available in this remote ski area, could take as long as 30 seconds to process debit and credit card transactions at the point of sale. Leveraging satellite communication technology, the ski resort was able to reduce processing time to just four seconds for credit card transactions and about 11 seconds for debit transactions.
"We are very impressed with the performance and easy-to-service design of the NCR RealPOS 70," said Eric McGill, POS Sales, Atlantic Canada, for AM/PM Service. "In a busy operation like a ski resort, the NCR technology has been able to simplify troubleshooting and minimize downtime at the point of sale. And with the move from dial-up to satellite communication, Ski Wentworth is able to process customer transactions at the checkout much more quickly and efficiently."
According to Patrick Leonard, vice president of NCR Retail Solutions in Canada, "AM/PM Service is a valued member of the NCR RealPartner program and has almost 20 years' experience in point of sale. Innovative, strategic partnerships like this underscore how POS resellers and NCR can meet the unique needs of small and medium-sized retailers, no matter where they are located."
AM/PM is also providing service and support for the NCR RealPOS hardware. Other partners include Loc Software with its Store Management Suite software featuring a comprehensive ticketing, concession stand and gift certificate application, and Eigen Development Ltd., a developer of debit and credit card transaction technology, which provides the POS/satellite communications component.
NCR RealPartner is a tiered marketing program that gives NCR channel and alliance partners the sales, marketing and support tools they need to be successful with NCR products.
About the satellite communication technology
Ski Wentworth is equipped with an on-site ExplorNet satellite system and Internet connection. All external communication, such as debit and credit card authorization, is sent through the Internet via satellite using Eigen Developments technology, which sends each transaction to Global Payments for processing.
The ski resort's NCR RealPOS system also includes a SonicWall router for firewall and back-up capabilities. In the event of a power failure, every terminal is equipped with an uninterruptible power supply.
About AM/PM Service
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, AM/PM Service is one of Canada's largest POS systems providers. The company carries a comprehensive line of POS software, hardware and accessories and provides not only POS systems but also turnkey integration and support. Major Canadian regional POS centres are located in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. For more information, visit: www.ampmservice.com.
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 28,300 people worldwide.