Expect “Univations” from Fujitsu

Source: Retail Reseller News | 8 Knollwood Dr | Mendham | NJ | 07946
Week of October 20, 2008 / Michael Kachmar, Editor

Fujitsu Transaction Solutions (Richardson, TX) has unveiled its new self-service initiative, dubbed “Univations.” (Think Innovation and “You,” the Consumer.) The program seeks to move Fujitsu from self-checkout, to kiosks in multiple form factors, to emerging opportunities in mobile commerce, explained Fujitsu executives during dinner with RRN.Com this week. To do so, it will leverage the Fujitsu brand, the company’s knowledge of retail, its Pervasive Retailing software framework, and its service offerings.

“Current market conditions are favorable for adoption of self-service,” explained Peter Wolfe, VP, Self-Ordering & Univations Operations. “We feel some of these self-service initiatives may even be mandated by retailers who are trying to save labor and realign their businesses in the manner of banks and airlines.”

Univations will be structured on the “Bronze, Silver, Gold” strategy, in which products are presented in three tiers of functionality and capability to address customer needs, as well as budget. At NRF in January, Fujitsu plans to showcase wall-mount, pedestal, and full-blown kiosks that the company will bring to market and lifecycle manage. In addition to traditional retail, the company intends to pursue near-term opportunities in c-store and gas, quick-service restaurants, and entertainment/arena applications.

“On the software side, we’re going to leverage some of our GlobalStore assets,” Wolfe continued. “Beyond that, we’re going to bring in a partner network to offer additional solutions. Right now, we’re working with a partner in deli order/queue management in the grocery arena. We’re also looking at gift registry, guided selling, and product location.” He noted that Fujitsu’s upcoming PowerPartner program will span self-service as well as traditional POS, and that there has been much interest in outdoor kiosks on the part of the channel.

Peter Wolfe, VP, Self-Ordering & Univations Operations, Fujitsu Transaction Solutions