Evolution Robotics Retail announces LaneHawk deployed in over 1,000 US grocery stores and just under 10,000 lanes

PASADENA, Calif. – February 24, 2010 – More than 1,000 grocery stores and just under 10,000 lanes in the US are now using LaneHawk to increase profits, according to maker Evolution Robotics Retail. The LaneHawk loss‐prevention system, built on Microsoft’s Windows Server operating system, uses video analysis to identify and ring up articles in a shopping cart’s bottomof‐ basket (“BOB”) to ensure they are not omitted from the order and accidentally given away. LaneHawk uses patented algorithms to recognize BOB items from real‐time video modules, and then sends the associated UPC numbers to the point‐of‐sale system for inclusion in the transaction. LaneHawk’s high‐speed vision technology, also used in sophisticated robotics applications, recognizes items without requiring special packaging, tags, transponders or shopping cart modifications.

BOB items are typically large and often expensive, such as full cases of beverages, produce and paper products; savings from preventing these losses pays for the LaneHawk system in as little as 6‐9 months. The recent acceleration of expense from shrink has put a spotlight on BOB costs.

“Bottom‐of‐basket has become top‐of‐mind, and LaneHawk provides outstanding ROI,” said Roy Simrell, president of Retalix USA. “Many of our StoreLine, ISS45 and ScanMaster POS customers will agree that LaneHawk is the right loss‐prevention system at the right time.”

“Our company has benefited from LaneHawk. The system has reduced our shrink and improved our operating income. As an owner/operator, we are very focused on deploying high ROI, fast payback technology solutions, like LaneHawk,” said Douglas Winsor, President and COO Haug Enterprises, a SUPERVALU franchise operator.

Dean Crotty, North Country Business Products President, comments, “LaneHawk’s seamless integration with NCR’s Advanced Checkout Solution provides a significant return‐on‐investment for our retailers and delivers the level of effective BOB loss reduction our customers have been asking for.”

About Evolution Robotics Retail, Inc.
Evolution Robotics Retail, Inc. is based in Pasadena, CA, and develops intelligent products and solutions for the retail industry based on ViPR®, its visual pattern recognition technology. The company’s flagship product is LaneHawk®, a visual scanner for preventing Bottom‐of‐the‐Basket (BOB) loss. ViPR® allows retailers to scan an item without having to see the barcode. Evolution Robotics Retail is an operating company of Idealab, a creator and operator of technology businesses. (www.evoretail.com)

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AM/PM is extremely pleased to announce that it was named the 2009 North American POSitouch Dealer of Year at the annual POSitouch dealer meeting held in Rhode Island. This coveted award is a recognition of the POSitouch dealer that demonstrates the best overall sales, service and support capabilities throughout the year.

From a product knowledge standpoint, AM/PM has been working with POSitouch software for over 20 years and has been an elite dealer and ranked in the top five performing dealers, based on sales volume, for the majority of those years.

AM/PM has over 6,000 lanes of POSitouch installed in 1,800 + locations across Canada.

The POSitouch product is installed in over 20,000 locations worldwide.

Author / Source:
NCR Corporation

NCR blockbuster kiosk

DULUTH, Ga. – NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR ) today launched its first outdoor DVD-rental kiosk, the NCR SelfServ Entertainment 2381. Able to hold as many as 950 DVDs, this weather-protected outdoor kiosk is the most secure and highest-capacity outdoor DVD-rental kiosk in the industry. Through its new outdoor kiosk, NCR will be able to extend its deployment of BLOCKBUSTER Express™-branded DVD-rental kiosks to more convenience store and smaller-footprint, 24-hour retail locations.

Beyond its BLOCKBUSTER Express deployment, the SelfServ Entertainment 2381 can be used by retailers and operators to automate cased rental and packaged sell-through of media titles in a 24-hour, outdoor setting.

Consumers can rent new release and classic DVD titles from BLOCKBUSTER Express kiosks for $1 per night at conveniently located retail locations, including grocery stores, convenience stores and other retailers.

©2009 NCR Corporation.

For further information on this subject, please see the full text NCR article

PCI Security Standards Council Information Supplement: Skimming Prevention – Best Practices for Merchants
PIN Transaction Security Program Requirements and PCI Data Security Standard
Date: August 2009
Author: PCI SSC PIN Transaction Security Working Group

Skimming is the unauthorized capture and transfer of payment data to another source, for fraudulent purposes. PCI SSC created this document to assist and educate merchants regarding security best practices associated with skimming attacks.

This document contains a non-exhaustive list of security guidelines that can help merchants to:
• Be aware of the risks relating to skimming.
• Be aware of the vulnerabilities inherent the use of point-of-sale terminals and terminal infrastructure.
• Be aware of the vulnerabilities associated with staff that has access to consumer payment devices.
• Prevent or deter criminal attacks against point-of-sale terminals and terminal infrastructure.
• Identify any compromised terminals as soon as possible and notify the appropriate agencies to respond and minimize the impact of a successful attack.

Best practices and security guidelines for the prevention of skimming are based on successfully established countermeasures as identified by the merchant community, and known criminal activity as observed and investigated by the payment industry and law enforcement.

Guidelines and best practices fall within three major areas.
• Merchant Physical Location and Security: Many merchants have realized the benefits of operational and physical security countermeasures that not only provide a consistent brand image and transparent consumer experience, but also have the necessary physical security and operational controls required to support their retail locations and POS environment.
• Terminals and Terminal Infrastructure Security: Leveraging PCI SSC standards and approved devices should be considered a core component of any terminal security effort. Merchants should make every effort to leverage and use the controls, standards, and devices, already established by PCI SSC for the protection of devices and data at the point of sale. The guidelines and recommended practices we provide complement those standards.
• Staff and Service Access to Payment Devices: Employee and staff conduct should be a critical concern to all merchants, specifically in the processing of payment data and services.

For more details, please download and review this PCI SCC information supplement.
PCI Skimming Prevention Best Practices

Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS)

SOURCE: PCI Security Standards Council, LLC.

PA-DSS is the Council-managed program formerly under the supervision of the Visa Inc. program known as the Payment Application Best Practices (PABP). The goal of PA-DSS is to help software vendors and others develop secure payment applications that do not store prohibited data, such as full magnetic stripe, CVV2 or PIN data, and ensure their payment applications support compliance with the PCI DSS.

Payment applications that are sold, distributed or licensed to third parties are subject to the PA-DSS requirements. In-house payment applications developed by merchants or service providers that are not sold to a third party are not subject to the PA-DSS requirements, but must still be secured in accordance with the PCI DSS.

Listing of PCI Security Standards Counsel Validated Payment Applications

Copyright © 2006 — 2009 PCI Security Standards Council, LLC. All rights reserved.

PA-DSS validated products featured by AM/PM

Point of Sale Software

Locsoftware
SMS: Version 3.1.0.3

RDC
POSitouch: Version 5.3

Retalix
Retalix Fuel: Versions 1012, 1014, 1016, 1017, 1010, 1020, 8903, 8904, 9901
StorePoint: Versions 225, 227, 7001, 7002, 7904, R4.0, 7003, 7004, 8001, 8002, 8003, 8004, 8901, 8902, 8903, 8904, 9001, 9901

Payment Software

AJB Software
FiPay: Version 4

Tender Retail
Merchant Connect Multi (MCM) for Windows: Version 3.3.1

Hardware
Allied Electronics
NextGen: Version N50
Station Site Controller (SSC): Version A50

The information provided herein is provided “AS IS” with no warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and/or non-infringement.

SOURCE: StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC Press Release

New Agreement with Evolution Robotics Retail Integrates Leading Bottom-of-Basket Recognition System with StoreNext’s ISS45, ScanMaster and Retalix StoreLine POS

DALLAS – July 9, 2009 – StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC and Evolution Robotics Retail (ERR) have signed an agreement for StoreNext to distribute ERR’s LaneHawk™ system through StoreNext’s nationwide reseller network. StoreNext, a subsidiary of Retalix® (NASDAQ – GS : RTLX), will integrate LaneHawk into its ISS45™ and ScanMaster® POS solutions, while Retalix® will offer LaneHawk with its StoreLine POS, enabling grocers of all sizes to eliminate most losses from bottom-of-basket shrink.

LaneHawk combines video with patented object recognition technology to detect and identify items left in the bottom of checkout baskets during checkout. Unnoticed by cashiers, such items cause losses averaging $3,500 per lane each year, according to data from ERR. LaneHawk alerts cashiers and automatically enters bottom-of-basket items into the shopper’s order, reducing shrink. Since items do not need to be removed from the basket for scanning, checkout speed and shopper service is enhanced while doing away with cashier injuries from lifting heavy items from the bottom of the basket.

StoreNext, the leading supplier of retail technology to independent grocers and regional chains, will now add LaneHawk to its portfolio of fully-integrated solutions. StoreNext provides independent grocers and regional chains with tailored technology solutions and local support, and the addition of LaneHawk enables Evolution Robotics Retail to extend its leadership to a new and untapped market.

“The combination of LaneHawk with StoreNext’s ISS45 and ScanMaster solutions will provide a wide range of grocers with a real-time loss prevention solution at the point-of-sale,” said Mark Belfiglio, vice president of sales and marketing at Evolution Robotics Retail. “Adding these new channels gives our company new ways to serve our customers and the means to help grocers stay profitable.”

“Timing could not be better for this exciting opportunity,” said Ray Carlin, StoreNext’s president and CEO. “There’s keen interest in the industry on loss-prevention and the LaneHawk solution helps stop bottom-of-basket shrink with an ROI of 12 months or less.”

About Evolution Robotics RetailEvolution Robotics Retail, Inc. is based in Pasadena, CA, and develops intelligent products and solutions for the retail industry based on ViPR®, its visual pattern recognition technology. The company’s flagship product is LaneHawk™, a retail loss prevention solution that helps turn bottom-of-the basket (BOB) losses into profits in real time. ViPR, the technology behind LaneHawk, is installed in over 2 million machines worldwide.
Web site: www.evoretail.com

About StoreNext
StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC is the No. 1 supplier of retail technology to independent grocers and regional chains. Based in Plano, Texas, StoreNext is a subsidiary of Retalix Ltd. (NASDAQ: RTLX) and markets POS hardware, Retalix’s ISS45 and ScanMaster POS software, Retalix Store and Retalix HQ, as well as Internet Connected Services for managing stores via Web-enabled applications. StoreNext is the IT company that’s dedicated to meeting the needs of this wholesaler-served market with packaged solutions that were previously available, affordable or practical only for large chains.
Web site: www.storenext.com

About RetalixRetalix® (NASDAQ – GS: RTLX) is a leading provider of software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide. The Company’s product and services help its customers automate and synchronize essential retail and supply chain operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Specializing in the food industry, Retalix serves customers in more than 50 countries.
Web site: www.retalix.com

supermarket industry news

SOURCE: PROGRESSIVE GROCER – full text online article here

Self-Service Transactions to Hit More Than $775 Billion in 2009
June 30, 2009

North American consumers continue to embrace self-service technology, as transactions at self-service kiosks will surpass $775 billion in 2009, according to a new research study conducted by IHL Group.

The study also forecasts the number to grow to over $1.6 trillion by 2013.

“We expect continued double-digit growth in the revenue generated by self-service transactions, particularly as retailers, restaurants and transportation authorities offer more devices in more locations,” said Lee Holman, lead retail analyst of the IHL Group, a Franklin, Tenn.-based analyst firm and consultancy that serves retailers and retail technology vendors.

“Most consumers have adapted to self-service as a way of life,” added Holman. “The current recession is actually increasing the acceptance of the technologies, as they are a hedge against increasing labor expenses during a tough economic climate. They allow companies to schedule their workforce for high-volume periods without sacrificing service during non-peak times.”

In the market study, “2009 North American Self-Service Kiosks,” IHL examined the increasing use of six types of self-service kiosks where payment is accepted: self-checkout systems, ticketing kiosks, check-in kiosks, food ordering, postal and other retail kiosks.

The report covers self-service kiosks in the United States and Canada, detailing the number and type of kiosks shipped historically, and provides forecasts for each type of kiosk — both in terms of units shipped and revenue transacted. Additionally, the report highlights best practices and best-in-class machines for each class of kiosk, according to the company.

© 2008 Nielsen Business Media, Inc.

By Glenn Kauth | Publication Date: Monday, 06 July 2009

In one of the latest acts of what planning lawyers call the “store wars,” the City of Owen Sound [Ontario, Canada] has rejected Wal-Mart’s bid to expand its location there with its so-called Supercentre grocery offerings.

The decision follows bids to halt similar proposals in other cities, including Thunder Bay and Woodstock [Ontario, Canada]. In Thunder Bay, city council recently approved the expansion over protests from an environmental group, while in Woodstock, the issue went to the Ontario Municipal Board, which last year approved the retailer’s plans.

In Owen Sound, local politicians based their rejection of what was a 39,000-square-foot addition to its store on the need to protect the city’s downtown. In particular, they worried about the impact on a grocery store owned by Metro Ontario Inc.

“Allowing the expansion will increase the risk that the downtown store will close,” according to minutes of a city council meeting where a Metro executive gave dire warnings about the impact of Wal-Mart’s plans.

Such battles aren’t new, of course. Residents in Guelph, along with the city council there, fought against a Wal-Mart store for years until a compromise a few years ago finally allowed the retailer to proceed.

But Eric Gillespie, a Toronto lawyer who was part of the battle against the Guelph location, suspects the scales have tipped at least somewhat against big-box development proposals. As a result, while Wal-Mart isn’t appealing Owen Sound’s decision, he feels the city would have a better chance of defending it before the Ontario Municipal Board due to changes to the Planning Act in 2007.

“Under the current Planning Act, more weight has been given to the decisions of municipal councils. So, it is reasonable to think that, just as in the Leslieville case, . . . the City of Owen Sound denial might also well be upheld,” he says, referring to the recent battle between the City of Toronto and a developer over a proposed big-box project near its east-end industrial lands.

In Owen Sound’s case, councillors based their decision in part on the city’s official plan, which emphasizes maintaining the viability of the downtown.

“There certainly seems to be more of a trend where councils are giving greater consideration to their existing businesses without automatically saying all new development is good,” says Gillespie, who also fought against the Leslieville proposal on behalf of two community groups.

Wal-Mart, however, denies it’s meeting more opposition. “As a company, we’re still growing. We’re seeing a huge welcome mat in most communities,” says company spokesman Kevin Groh, who points out that Wal-Mart has 25 to 30 projects in the works in “Ontario and beyond.”

As in Owen Sound, the issue over a Wal-Mart grocery expansion in Woodstock centered on alleged threats to downtown businesses as well as claims that allowing it to go ahead near a competitor’s planned store would create too much retail capacity.

But last year, the OMB rejected those arguments, ruling instead that opponents produced too little evidence that the Wal-Mart would jeopardize another grocery store downtown. In doing so, it noted that in order to prove a competing store’s risk of closure, it would need to provide financial information as well as hear testimony from one of its operators.

Click here to read the entire article

© Canadian Lawyer Magazine Inc., 2009

Source:
Department of Finance
Canada

Chapter 3- Action to Support Businesses and Communities

Highlights – Tax and Tariff Relief to Stimulate Business Investment

Capital Cost Allowance
The capital cost allowance (CCA) system determines how much of the cost of a capital asset a business may deduct each year for tax purposes. The Government’s approach has generally been to set CCA rates so that the deduction for capital costs is spread over the useful life of the asset. This ensures neutral tax treatment for different types of assets so that investment is allocated to its most productive use. Budget 2009 proposes temporary increases in CCA rates for computers, and machinery and equipment used in manufacturing or processing, to provide economic stimulus and assist Canadian businesses during this challenging economic period.

Providing Assistance to Businesses in All Sectors to Invest in Computers
Budget 2009 proposes a temporary 100-per-cent CCA rate for computer hardware and systems software acquired after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2011. In addition, the rule that restricts CCA deductions to one-half of the CCA write-off otherwise available in the first year will not apply to these computers.

This temporary measure will allow taxpayers to fully expense their investment in computers in one year. The measure will provide stimulus by assisting businesses to increase or accelerate investment in computers. It will also contribute to boosting Canada’s productivity through the faster adoption of newer technology. Businesses in all sectors of the economy, including the service sector, will benefit from this incentive.

Reducing Taxes for Small Businesses
Canada’s federal income tax system supports the growth of small businesses through a lower tax rate on the first $400,000 of qualifying income earned by a Canadian-controlled private corporation. The lower tax rate helps these small businesses to retain more of their earnings for reinvestment and expansion, thereby helping to create jobs and promote economic growth in Canada.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has emphasized to the Government the economic importance of helping small and medium-sized businesses to grow. To further support the growth of small businesses, Budget 2009 proposes to increase the amount of small business income eligible for the reduced federal tax rate of 11 per cent to $500,000 from the current limit of $400,000, as of January 1, 2009.

For further information on Budget 2009, please visit the Department of Finance website