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Cash ain't king in Hershey: Park using RFID wristbands

July 17, 2012

Guests of Hersheypark in Hershey, Penn., no longer have to carry cash or cards around the amusement park, thanks to the park's use of a cashless POS, RFID-enabled wristband system designed by Precision Dynamics Corp.

Following a successful trial last season, Hersheypark deployed the system in May that allows guests use wristbands to make in-park purchases, check balances and load additional funds onto their wristband at any of the park's 200 RFID-enabled POS kiosks, said Greg Cetera, RFID manager for Precision Dynamics Corp.

"RFID capabilities are already built into most POS software systems, so the conversion is seamless and cost-effective," he said. "The convenience factor for guests is a huge bonus since they no longer have to carry cash or access their locker for money to make purchases. Faster transactions and shorter lines equate to increased efficiency and time savings for guests, and greater ROI for the park."

The cashless POS system is an expansion of Hershey's embracing of RFID technology. Four years ago, Hersheypark implemented RFID-enabled lockers that guests access using PDC Smart Band RFID wristbands. Based on the success of the current RFID installations, additional applications are being reviewed for use in the future.

Read more about self-checkout.