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NRF's big bash highlights cutting edge self-service technology

The National Retail Federation's convention and Expo, Jan. 15-18 in New York City, offers merchants a first-hand look at the future of self-service. Next-generation exhibits will showcase hardware and software from HR management to RFID forklifts. Exhibitors include NCR Corp., Symbol Technologies, Nanonation Â… and an Iron Chef.

January 17, 2006

The kiosk buzz will build in The Big Apple.

The National Retail Federation's blowout bash, The 95th Annual Convention and Expo, or "Retail's Big Bash" as the NRF calls it, kicks off Sunday, Jan. 14 at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The event promises 400 suppliers showing off the latest retail tech, much of it for the self-service industry.

X06, a prototype gourmet market meshing minimalist style and maximum technology, promises to "empower" customers with technology. The 8,400 sq.-foot installation will include a next-generation customer service center, party planning station, employee/management workplace and a look at the store's electronic brain. Restaurant owner and star of Food Network's "Iron Chef America" Mario Batali will work the X06 gourmet chef demo center at noon Monday, then sign copies of his book "Molto Italiano -327 Simple Classic Italian Recipes to Cook at Home."

At NCR Corp.'s booth, conventioneers will peruse several models of the NCR FastLane self-checkout, including a full-function version of the FastLane Mini. NCR will also showcase its Xpress Payment solution, deployed by cellular service providers to collect on-site bill payment without staff assistance. An NCR EasyPoint kiosk will host Baer Media's "Ask Max" shopping information system, allowing customers to scan barcodes of items they're considering in order to receive short informational videos, or see a price and typed product information.

Symbol Technologies' "Sneak Peek '06" lineup will feature a variety of retail hardware, including a prototype RFID-enabled forklift. According to Symbol, the lift's on-board computer will recognize packages more easily, and reduce the chances of human error in the supply chain.

Nanonation will demonstrate an RFID-enabled smart shelf built with their integrated software platforms, Nanopoint and CommandPoint, which automate management of multiple technologies including kiosks and digital signage. Their presentations will include an all-in-one digital signage solution, a multi-screen digital signage deployment, kiosk technology and recent software upgrades.

"Retailers are looking for ways to create powerful and profitable customer experiences in their stores," Nanonation vice president of business development Brian Ardinger said.

MobileLime, a small start-up from New England, will tout its tech. The company will demonstrate POS cell phone technology designed to provide real-time marketing, cardless loyalty and mobile payment solutions. MobileLime links cellular phones to prepaid accounts and allows customers to pay by phone instead of cash or card. MobileLime uses discounts and special deals to lure consumers to businesses in their program, and is used by several companies in Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Hand Held Products, which is keeping its exhibit under wraps until the convention, looks for the expo to kickoff a banner year in the self-service industry. Senior product manager of transaction terminals/kiosks Nick Dabbabbo said the self-service industry will "break out" in 2006.

"The growth of digital signage and mini-kiosks will open venues for retailers to generate new channels of income," he said.