POS System cuts check-out times and product shrinkage.

Infoscreen, LLC Jan 23, 2008

Press Release Summary:

Leveraging Microsoft Windows platform, POS System combines hardware and software that can be integrated into retailer's existing Windows-based infrastructure. System's 15 in. touch screen shows customer image of everything scanned and purchased and offers 1-touch menu for viewing, taking away, and paying for items. Using image recognition camera placed at bottom of cashier lane, system captures images of items found on bottom of cart and automatically adds them to transaction.

Original Press Release:

Clarity Consulting Unveils Point of Sale (POS) System of the Future at National Retail Federation Convention

Built in collaboration with Microsoft, solution increases productivity, reduces costs and provides custom, one-of-a-kind consumer experience at final point of sale

NEW YORK, Jan. 14 /-- Clarity Consulting Inc. today announced its new POS system of the future, on display in Booth 818 at the National Retail Federation's Annual Convention and Expo (Retail's BIG Show) in New York City, January 13-16. Built in conjunction with Microsoft, the unique system is designed to significantly impact retail's last three feet by delivering an improved consumer experience while reducing checkout times, shrinkage and training costs.

Leveraging Microsoft's Windows platform, the new POS System is a combination of hardware and software that can be integrated into a retailer's existing Windows-based infrastructure to ultimately help redefine the checkout experience from start to finish.

For shoppers, the new system creates opportunity for interaction -- something that many traditional systems currently do not allow. The POS System of the Future features a 15-inch touch screen facing the customer that shows images of everything scanned and purchased. The screen also gives the user a one-touch menu for viewing items, taking away items and paying for their items. In addition, the system features a marketing cube displaying current store promotions so consumers can stay up-to-date.

For the retailer, the new system helps save time and money -- as much as 10 seconds per transaction which, in turn, can equate to millions of dollars based on the number of transactions a store logs.

-- A redesigned check-out lane puts everything within arms reach for cashiers, making it faster and more ergonomically efficient to handle each transaction.
-- The system also includes a fingerprint reader for touch access to the register.
-- In addition, it includes a "smart scale" that captures the weight and price of any food items with a single touch.

The new POS System also tackles the problem of product shrinkage -- which can cost a retailer as much as $50 per lane, per week in lost revenue. Using an image recognition camera placed at the bottom of each cashier lane, the new system captures images of any items found on the bottom of a cart and automatically adds them to the transaction for the cashier. Lastly, the system can also reduce training costs because it uses pictures vs. words or phrases in many cases to make learning functions quicker and easier.

"This new POS System combines Microsoft's innovative technology and vision with Clarity's development, design and integration expertise to deliver a full-featured business solution," said Geoff Thomas, general manager of Microsoft's U.S. Retail and Hospitality Group. "The result empowers both the consumer and retailer -- and redefines the shopping experience in the process."

The POS System is based on emerging tools from Microsoft's software platform, including Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, Windows Presentation Foundation, the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 and Microsoft Expression Design Tools. Clarity worked with Microsoft and 16 other vendors to develop and integrate the software in six weeks.

"This POS System is a true demonstration of the value of collaboration," said Gary Gilmer, Principal, Clarity Consulting. "For retailers using Microsoft software or considering a switch to Microsoft, we hope it illustrates just how much innovation they can expect. We also hope it shows how Clarity can help them get the most from their software investment."

About Clarity Consulting Inc.
Clarity Consulting Inc. develops, customizes and implements software solutions to help clients achieve their unique visions and drive business results. Clarity's versatile and talented consultants specialize in application development, business intelligence, legacy integration and e-commerce websites for a range of clients, from retail and manufacturing industries to financial institutions. Clarity Consulting Inc. is based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. For more information about our company, our people, and our solutions, please visit http://www.claritycon.com/.