X2 Computing upgrades self-checkout for supermarket chain Waitrose

EVESHAM, Worcestershire, U.K. — X2 Computing, aprovider of mobile computing solutions, announced it has been awarded a major contract to provide a shopping and checkout upgrade for the supermarket chain Waitrose's Quick Check service in 116 shops in the UK. X2 isenhancing the system,which has been in operation in some shops since 1996, with new and easy-to-read touchscreen displays from DT Research that will be easier to use, enable advertising messages to be played and improve accessibility.

Quick Check helps reduce the amount of time that customers spend at the checkout and eliminates the need for unpacking and repacking of bags and trolleys. Shoppers scan purchases as they shop using hand held scanners, then place them in shopping bags and make payment at dedicated Quick Check checkouts.

X2 Computing is supplying the WebDT 512, a 12-inch full color touchscreen monitor in a ventilated metal casing that can be quickly fitted to the in-store Quick Check handset racks. Each screen has a built-in magnetic card stripe reader (MSR) that will be used by registered users for identification purposes. This MSR has been custom designed by X2 with a longer slot that provides a more positive feel and minimizes the need for customers to swipe their registered card more than once.

The WebDT 512 is network-enabled to deliver cost saving and operational benefits to Waitrose. Potential future developments include using the device for advertising messages, remote software updates and other functional enhancements — all to be carried out from one central location instead of being operated locally.