LOC Software

LOC Software and Diebold Nixdorf, Inc. Partner to Provide Enhanced Self-Checkout Solution

MD_LOC — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 14:56:57 +0000

LOC Software and Diebold Nixdorf, Inc. Partner to Provide Enhanced Self-Checkout Solution

LOC’s ThriVersA software runs natively on Diebold Nixdorf’s self-checkout and kiosk systems, which will be mainly manufactured at the company’s global headquarters in North Canton, Ohio. ThriVersA’s unique design allows stores to use a single database for transactions of Diebold Nixdorf’s self-service solutions, point of sale (POS) terminals, or mobile devices. Additionally, its flexible screen design allows cashiers and customers to easily navigate through workflows, helping stores optimize retail performance.

Diebold Nixdorf’s retail technology allows grocery and C-store operators to confidently deploy self-service solutions. Diebold Nixdorf’s self-checkout and kiosk systems are highly modular and open, delivering industry-leading uptime and reliability. Diebold Nixdorf also prioritizes service support, employing more than 2,000 technicians in North America to provide prompt, expert service when necessary.

“The Open Retailing approach is a key element of Diebold Nixdorf’s self-service solution design, ensuring a smooth interaction of both solutions,” says Ed McCabe, Head of Retail Sales North America. “This strategic alliance brings significant value to retailers as they can easily combine software from LOC with our industry-leading self-service technology solutions.”

Yves Bourdua, VP, Product Management and Vendor Alliance at LOC Software, adds, “Both Diebold Nixdorf and LOC are committed to innovation. We will be exploring additional ways to enhance checkout processes and deliver value through our partnership.”

Diverse solutions are immediately available.

For more information or to arrange a demo, contact sales@locsoftware.com or www.dieboldnixdorf.com/en-us/contact-us/.

The post LOC Software and Diebold Nixdorf, Inc. Partner to Provide Enhanced Self-Checkout Solution appeared first on LOC Software.

How to Implement Healthy Benefits and OTC Solutions to Grow Your Business

adminloc — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:33:14 +0000

Success in the grocery industry involves staying on top of several ever-shifting factors, from popular products and customer behaviors to technological advancements. One rapidly growing trend is the use of healthy benefits and over-the-counter (OTC) benefits cards. OTC solutions that integrate with grocery store software allow customers to use their OTC grocery cards to purchase over-the-counter medicines, supplies, and healthy foods at the checkout counter. And the right solution makes those transactions quick and customer-friendly.

Healthy Benefits Explained

Health insurance providers issue healthy benefits cards and OTC cards to incentivize better health and well-being. They allow participants in programs such as Medicare Advantage to access funds to pay for a variety of eligible products, including nutritious food items, non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and first-aid supplies. Funds that consumers access with their OTC grocery cards can be life-changing for consumers and a robust source of revenue for grocers: according to management consulting firm Oliver Wyman, the healthy benefits market reached $200 billion in 2023.

However, accepting this form of payment can present challenges for grocers of all sizes, particularly independent grocers and in rural areas. The cards may look like regular credit or debit cards, but they require different processing that can include verifying that items meet eligibility requirements.

Your Guide to Implementing OTC Solutions

This step-by-step guide will help plan seamless integrations of OTC solutions, meet the growing consumer demand to use these cards, and ensure you aren’t leaving money table.

Get Organized

Begin by assessing your store’s current systems and processes: Catalog existing hardware and software to determine compatibility with healthy benefits processing requirements. Working with a knowledgeable and experienced technology partner can streamline this process. Once you and your technology partner have identified any gaps in your point of sale (POS), store management, and payment technology that you need to address before you can accept OTC payments, form a dedicated project team. Include IT personnel, managers, and front-line staff to oversee the implementation.

Next, create a project timeline. Deadlines should be realistic for you and your solution provider partners. Also, take your store calendar into account so critical steps in implementation or go live don’t fall during peak traffic seasons for your store. Ensure your timeline includes all the steps in implementation, including system testing, staff training, and potential contingencies.

Position Your Project for Success

One of the first tasks your project team will need to complete is making sure your current IT hardware meets the requirements of your POS software integrated with a Healthy Benefits card solution. This may involve upgrading POS terminals or devices and enhancing network capabilities.

Engage with your provider to understand installation procedures, support services, and maintenance protocols. Working with one of the provider’s validated partners will ensure you have resources with the knowledge and expertise necessary to configure your system for the best performance. A trusted partner will not only be familiar with your system and the unique needs of your business but also with the essential elements of this special type of processing. The provider’s validated partner can also help you develop a comprehensive training program for your staff so that they can build their confidence and use the system correctly.

Select a Processor

Choosing the right processor is vital for the seamless operation of your OTC grocery card solution. You have several integration options, from integrating with the health plans, payment processors that support OTC and Healthy Benefits, your POS solutions, or an approved product list. You can also choose to integrate via a gateway, developing an individual or semi-integration, or using separate terminals. Your solution provider’s validated partner can walk you through the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision for your business.

Submit Applications in Advance

When you have decided on the processor you will use for payments that customers make via OTC solutions, act promptly. Your application to process payments with Healthy Benefits cards requires:

Regulatory Compliance: Your provider and processing partner will need time to ensure your new system complies with local and federal regulations, including data protection and transaction security standards.
Vendor Agreements: Your project team will need time to execute contracts that detail service level agreements and support terms.
Testing Protocols: Once the processor you choose accepts your application, you will need adequate time before go-live to test your system and address any issues that your project team and OTC solutions provider partner uncover.

Discover the Benefits of Implementing an OTC Grocery Card Solution

By accepting Healthy Benefits card payments, you’ll tap into an additional revenue stream that will help you grow your business. You’ll also be providing your customers, especially low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes, with vital access to better nutrition and wellness. With a little advance prep and implementation of the right OTC software solution, your grocery store can enhance operations, increase customer loyalty, and drive higher revenue.

Ready to reap all the rewards of OTC solutions? Click here to set up your personalized demo!

The post How to Implement Healthy Benefits and OTC Solutions to Grow Your Business appeared first on LOC Software.

How to Manage Effectively After Grocery Mergers and Acquisitions

adminloc — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:39:43 +0000

Grocery store software and other store management technology have numerous benefits, from smoother, more efficient processes to data for informed decision-making. However, when it comes to technology, there can be too much of a good thing. No one knows this better than managers with expanded store — and IT — footprints after grocery mergers and acquisitions.

The grocery mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape was active in 2024. Mega-chains dominated the headlines, but independent, regional businesses also expanded their store portfolios. Since the decision to go forward with those mergers or acquisitions, their business leaders have been looking for ways to consolidate their IT environments cost-effectively and ensure the best performance.

Essential Technology for Grocery Mergers and Acquisitions

Addressing technology proactively during grocery mergers and acquisitions is the best strategy. However, whatever phase of M&A your business is in, creating cohesive, grocery store management capabilities includes solutions with these components and features.

Hardware-Agnostic Software

One of the biggest challenges (and expenses) after grocery mergers and acquisitions is to standardize IT hardware across the organization so that it supports the enterprise’s grocery point of sale software. Browser-based software minimizes this pain point.

Browser-based point of sale software allows you to use nearly any connected device, eliminating the need to rip and replace all hardware. This allows you to run your software on the hardware installed at newly acquired stores now and update it over time according to an IT roadmap that makes the most sense for your new organization.

Data Management

An essential grocery store point of sale software feature is flexible data management. Your solution should allow you to import and export items easily during the transition to a cohesive organization. It should allow you to choose where your data resides to format reports in a way that makes the most important information for grocery store management visible to your team. This feature helps you get the most value from your data, such as personalizing shopper experiences, increasing marketing ROI, and branding consistently across the new organization.

Multi-Tenant Software

Grocery store management is easier with multi-tenant software, particularly with a growing business. “Multi-tenant” grocery point of sale software differs from “multi-store” software because with a standard Enterprise solution has one host location that sends changes down to all stores in the enterprise. Contrast this with multi-store software, where stores have separate systems and the host has to upload data or pull reports rather than having full access. Additionally, multi-tenancy allows stores to make their own price changes, allowing for the greatest flexibility with costing and staying competitive against big box stores and other competitors.

Additionally, solution architecture centralizes and simplifies IT management and reduces technical debt to give the business more agility. It also makes it easier to strengthen data security and compliance enterprise-wide.

Cloud

Another beneficial solution for grocery mergers and acquisitions is leveraging the cloud instead of managing a data center for your enterprise. When you store data in the cloud, it’s always accessible. You can log in from any location with authentication to find the information you need even if the store system isn’t available.

Cloud solutions also make it easier to back up data, to prevent data loss and disruptions to your operations. In addition, a cloud system supports an omnichannel business, enabling easy integration with eCommerce and in-store grocery point of sale software. Furthermore, the cloud allows you to install point of sale solutions on premises, locally in each lane, with the assurance that you will never lose data or have downtime. You always have access to your data in the cloud and can quickly set up a new lane any time necessary.

System Management

Growing businesses will benefit from a solution with system management capabilities. Solutions that include a toolbox for the IT team allow all companies, regardless of their size, to control data flow, communications, and systems setup across the organization. A significant benefit of a systems management component is that it allows the IT team to manage point of sale system devices and peripherals from a central location, eliminating the need to travel to each store. These capabilities save time and reduce the need to rely on outsourced IT services.

Benefits Beyond the Merger or Acquisition

Flexible, accessible software will make the transition from two separate businesses to one organization smoother, even if they continue to have different brands after the merger. However, it continues to provide advantages for ongoing operations. With a hardware-agnostic system with a modular architecture, grocers can add new capabilities. Implementing this type of future-proof system now enables you to add self-service ordering at the deli, expand to online ordering or eCommerce, deploy mobile point of sale solutions for line-busting or online order pickup, and more. Stores can also adapt their loyalty programs to appeal to a growing market and accept new payment methods as consumer preferences evolve.

Furthermore, you will benefit from mobile management capabilities. An expanding chain’s footprint requires the ability to access your retail back office software and data from any location to address unexpected issues and keep a close watch on activity in all stores.

Make Sure Your Software Can Keep Up with Your Growing Business

Carefully selecting software for growing businesses via grocery mergers and acquisitions is key to a smooth transition and efficient operations long term. Some restaurant-focused POS providers are entering the grocery space with an “adapted” solution rather than a grocery-native system. They promote bundled solutions, often with free hardware with a software subscription, that they say have all the features and functionality you need. However, a point of sale solution provider that expands into grocery from hospitality doesn’t have grocery industry expertise necessary to optimize your business operation and customer experiences.

Choose a provider that understands your business, knows how to configure POS software in different locations to comply with taxing laws by state and how to integrate EBT payments for seamless transactions. You’ll also benefit from choosing software from a provider focused on minimizing inventory management challenges and shrinkage, increasing customer loyalty with a flexible rewards program, and providing a unified, manageable way to implement self-checkout, self-service, mobile POS, eCommerce, and every other element of your IT ecosystem.

Take a future-proof approach and implement a system that can grow and adapt with your business. Request a demo to see why LOC Software is the right choice for your business.

The post How to Manage Effectively After Grocery Mergers and Acquisitions appeared first on LOC Software.

New Trends in Retail and Grocery Self-Checkout and Self-Service

adminloc — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:49:32 +0000

Giving consumers more control over their shopping experiences leads to greater satisfaction. Offering self-service and self-checkout options that eliminate lines and save time is an excellent example. Shoppers can skip the line and complete their shopping journeys more quickly and conveniently. In the not-so-distant past, grocers had few self-service solution options. However, in 2025, grocery self-checkout and retail self-service solutions are more flexible, accessible, and adaptable to a range of use cases. Savvy retailers are leveraging these solutions in traditional and innovative ways to enhance experiences and increase customer satisfaction.

Grocery and Retail Self-Service Trends Gaining Momentum

Retailers and grocers are discovering that self-service solutions offer benefits in numerous parts of the store, such as:

Self-Checkout

RBR Data Services reports that retail self-checkout terminal installations could reach 2 million by 2029. In addition to new installations, grocers and retailers are updating systems to give customers a wider range of payment choices at self-checkouts, for example, adding payment technology that accepts contactless cards, digital wallets, or biometric payments.

Retailers and grocers will see the greatest user adoption and customer satisfaction by implementing total solutions. Integrated tools such as scales and barcode scanners allow customers to check out confidently without the help of a cashier or sales associate. They will also keep losses at the retail or grocery self-checkout low with a smart system that uses cameras or sensors to ensure that customers scan all items at the correct prices. Diebold Nixdorf reports that AI-powered loss prevention has allowed merchants to achieve up to 80% loss rectification,

Perimeter Self-Service

Perimeter self-service is one of the fastest-growing self-service trends. Supermarket Perimeter reports that 43% of shoppers have used perimeter self-service solutions at the deli, bakery, café, or made-to-order counter, and another 26% of shoppers are interested in using them. That research also found that 60% of customers who used self-ordering technologies were satisfied with the experience. By placing their orders on a kiosk, customers can communicate precisely what they want and get updates on when their orders will be ready. Retailers and grocers benefit from greater accuracy, less waste, and more efficiency. Furthermore, average basket size increases by as much as 30% when customers order independently.

Loyalty and Engagement

The best grocery and retail self-service solutions deliver reliable, customer-friendly ordering or experiences — but they can do much more. Self-service solutions in high-traffic areas can attract customers with eye-catching images or videos, display ads, and promote events. Additionally, grocery and retail self-checkout can give shoppers an easy way to join a loyalty program and begin earning rewards. Large stores can also deploy self-service solutions for wayfinding to help customers find what they’re looking for down to department and aisle.

Endless Aisle

Kiosks are always on — so they can always help customers find what they need, even if it isn’t in stock at the local store. A growing self-service trend is to create “endless aisle” options that allow customers to browse the entire inventory, order, pay, and arrange for in-store pickup or home delivery. Giving shoppers access to information can keep revenues in the store, rather than losing sales (and possibly a customer) to a competitor.

Order Pickup

Self-service solutions can give ecommerce customers a convenient way to notify store employees that they’ve arrived for their buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) orders. They can scan a QR code or enter an order number for prompt service without requiring them to download an app or stand in line for assistance.

Steps to a Successful Self-Service Implementation

Deploying retail self-checkout or self-service technology to give consumers more autonomy during their shopping journeys is a simple concept, but it’s tricky to implement successfully. Merchants must deploy retail and grocery self-checkout or self-service as part of a well-planned strategy that begins with defining goals for the implementation, which can vary. Retailers may implement retail self-checkout to reduce the labor necessary at checkout counters. They may have a goal of keeping lines shorter when store traffic increases or increasing customer engagement with digital solutions in-store. To achieve their specific goals, merchants should work with an experienced provider with solutions that address the latest self-service trends. Providers with the best approach offer hardware-agnostic software, so employees and customers use the same solution on self-service kiosks and self-checkout as they do on point of sale (POS) terminals and mobile devices. One software solution for all devices simplifies IT management and ensures consistent experiences for customers, regardless of how they engage.

In addition to choosing the optimal software for retail or grocery self-checkout or self-service, hardware selection impacts how well the solution will help merchants reach their objectives. For example, a large, interactive touchscreen solution can more effectively engage consumers as they shop while a grocery self-checkout will benefit more from a smaller screen that makes transactions and protects the customer’s privacy.

Retail and grocery self-checkout solutions must also include robust security and fraud prevention. When customers don’t scan items, whether accidentally or intentionally, it negatively impacts the bottom line. Innovations are now available that allow merchants to overcome this challenge. For example, AI-powered machine learning solutions can protect merchants from shrinkage and losses at the self-checkout by up to 75%. Merchants also need to protect their investments by deploying solutions that monitor, secure, and update hardware to keep self-service solutions operational.

The Importance of Factoring Employees into Grocery and Retail Self-Service Strategies

While purpose-built grocery self-checkout and retail self-service solutions allow customers to complete transactions on their own, merchants should recognize that their employees are still key to providing the best experiences. Solution providers can’t anticipate every scenario that merchants and customers could encounter. Employees should be available as customers use self-service solutions to provide assistance. minimize losses, and ensure self-service solutions are operating correctly.

The best strategy is to identify employees who have the heart of a teacher who will help customers understand and embrace self-checkout. Those employees will also be best suited to make the most of opportunities for personal interactions that enhance in-store shopping experiences. However, grocers shouldn’t assign cashiers with the best scan productivity to self-checkout. It’s important to keep those employees in traditional lanes.

Differentiate Your Business

Although deploying retail and grocery self-checkout and self-service options is a popular trend, it doesn’t mean that these solutions must operate the same way in every store. Merchants can create unique experiences with the right combination of software and hardware to enhance customer experiences and their brands.

Contact us to learn how to optimize self-service with flexible, hardware-agnostic software that enhances experiences, simplifies IT management, and enables deep visibility into store operations.

The post New Trends in Retail and Grocery Self-Checkout and Self-Service appeared first on LOC Software.

7 Grocery Store Loyalty Program Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

adminloc — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:50:09 +0000

Grocery store loyalty programs have become an essential part of grocers’ business strategies. A loyalty rewards solution integrated with grocery store software helps grocers compete with stores selling lower-priced private label brands and big box stores that evolved into supermarkets. A well-designed loyalty program increases basket sizes, strengthens customer relationships, and incentivizes future purchases. However, mistakes with grocery store loyalty program planning or implementation can stand in the way of those benefits.

Avoid these seven common grocery store loyalty program missteps so you can build your business and give it a competitive edge.

1. No Clear Objectives

Grocery store loyalty programs, like any customer engagement or marketing initiative, need a clearly defined purpose. Do you want to grow revenue by offering loss leaders to loyalty program members to build traffic? Do you want to enroll customers to build your marketing list and collect data on your customers’ shopping habits? Do you plan to use gift cards as loyalty rewards to incentivize future purchases? What you want to accomplish with the program should inform how you design and run it, and you should make all decisions based on making progress toward your goal.

2. Not Understanding Your Customers

Once you’ve determined goals for your loyalty rewards program, you need to tailor it to your unique customer base. It’s wise to start with industry trends. For example, Chain Store Age reports that 84% of consumers want gamification, and when 59% win games, they’ll shop at the store to redeem their rewards. That same research also found that 42% will purchase specific products after receiving personalized offers. However, you need to determine if your customers will respond to those tactics in the same way. Your point of sale (POS) system contains data about your customers’ behaviors and information from past promotions that can help you determine what works with your customers. Data that you have collected with your grocery technology will help you make informed decisions about your loyalty program and make effective, targeted offers to segments of your marketing list.

3. Overly Complex Rules

Your customers should be able to read how your grocery store loyalty program works and believe that it is easy to participate in it. Whether you choose to offer points-per-dollar-spent, tiered rewards, or discounts on loyalty member exclusives, make sure you establish and communicate the details of your program simply and effectively.

4. Weak Grocery Store POS System Security

You are accustomed to protecting payment data to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). However, you also need to protect your customers’ personally identifiable data and their privacy when they enroll in your loyalty rewards program. Ensure that your grocery store POS system has the multilayered security necessary, including network security, data encryption, and multifactor authentication, to protect customer data and comply with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.

5. Not Promoting Your Program

Customers shouldn’t find out about your loyalty rewards program only when they’re ready to pay at one of your grocery store POS system terminals. Spread the word on social media, with signage, on receipts, and on customer-facing screens. When you capture a customer’s attention with your program promotion, make it easy to enroll with a QR code they can scan to set up an account. Ensure enrollment is quick by requiring only necessary information like name and email or mobile number so customers complete the form.

6. Not Monitoring Performance

Even if you solicit feedback before launching or initially see good performance, it’s no guarantee that your grocery store loyalty program will deliver the results you want long term. Establish a baseline with data from your loyalty solution and grocery store POS system and monitor performance over time. If you see participation or rewards redemption begin to decline, adapt your program to current trends, consumer preferences, competitor activity, or other drivers. It’s smart to choose a flexible loyalty rewards program solution that gives you the freedom to administer your program in a wide range of ways. This makes it easy to adapt as your needs evolve, as opposed to ripping and replacing your loyalty rewards program software or settling for software that doesn’t support your goals.

7. Underestimating Management Time

Grocers often underestimate how much time administering a grocery store loyalty program will take, particularly if they implement a standalone solution. Fortunately, seamless integration with a comprehensive grocery store POS system automatically credits customers with points or rewards and allows them to redeem them in-store, online, or when shopping on a mobile app. Software that handles management ensures smooth customer interactions in addition to saving time at checkout and in the back office. Also, before choosing a loyalty rewards solution, learn how much time it will take to reconfigure when you want to change your program to be more competitive or more closely align with new consumer trends.

How to Launch a Mistake-Free Loyalty Program

One way to ensure you make the most of your grocery store loyalty program is to partner with a store management solution provider with both industry and technology expertise. LOC Software offers ThriVersA, a modular solution that allows you to optimize retail performance your way. The ThriVersA suite includes loyalty rewards program software that gives you the flexibility to create any type of program, allows you to segment lists by sales, basket size, visits, or profit, and enables you to analyze data from your program for informed decision-making. In addition, your LOC consultant can help you weigh your options, evaluate tactics that other stores use, and land on the best framework for your loyalty program.

The post 7 Grocery Store Loyalty Program Mistakes and How to Avoid Them appeared first on LOC Software.

The Strength Of LOC Software: Celebrating Innovation, Business Partners, and Growth

adminloc — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:54:03 +0000

Dear Resellers and Partners,

After our most recent partner event, I am thrilled to look back at the gains we have made to date and present the exciting news LOC Software has moving forward. This last year has been filled with hard work, connection, and the momentum we are building together. With the work our internal team and our valued Business Partners have done, we brought our global network of Value Added Resellers (VARs) to 38, over 10,500 systems installed worldwide, and a field force exceeding 700 certified technicians, LOC Software is positioned stronger than ever to support and innovate the retail industry.

Celebrating Our Business Partners

We have hosted this event since 2022 and have continued to grow throughout the years. This year we were back in Montreal, and invited our vendor partners to take part. It was a great opportunity to have them here to showcase how our solutions work together.

We were thrilled to present our business partners with awards ranging from Bronze to Diamond based on results and achievements of the last few years. We are incredibly grateful for the commitment, energy, and hard work from each one of these businesses that enables LOC Software to continually evolve and enhance the software solutions that power retailers. We could not continue to provide new and exciting technology to our customers without the work our partners have done.

Additional to the partner awards, we presented two specialty awards deemed Trailblazers. This award was given to the partners that showed tremendous growth in the last year and are dedicated to the new era of LOC Software. One was within our US base and the other in the Canadian marketplace. We look forward to seeing what these two will deliver in the coming 12 months.

Thriving Through Valued Partnerships

Aside from our incredible business partners, we also appreciate our event sponsors, whose partnership and expertise bring continuous value to our network. We are proud to partner with these industry-leading companies:

Platinum Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

All our sponsors played a key role in making this event memorable. We look forward to continuing our work with these trusted partners in our shared mission to support retailers with forward-thinking solutions.

Uniting Voices: Versatility in the First LOC Advisory Board Meeting

One of the highlights of our Montreal gathering was our first advisory board meeting. Composed of Executives from LOC and our business partners, this advisory board represents a vital collaboration. Our initial discussions were insightful, and we’re excited to work together to foster relationships between LOC and our integration partners, as well as to secure strategic alignment within LOC’s partner network.

Within this meeting, and throughout our entire event, it was discussed how grocers and retailers alike are feeling the squeeze due to inflation, supply issues, and other elements. That being said, we are here to help them stay competitive and remove the headache of these frustrations through innovative solutions.

Innovation through Applied Technology and Collaboration

At LOC Software, we understand that powerful innovation is achieved together. By aligning with our business partners, software and hardware vendors, and industry leaders, we are collectively advancing retail technology to meet the needs of both stores and customers in today’s modern and digital ecosystem. We’re actively exploring ways to streamline operations, improve customer engagement, and drive efficiency across all retailers.

Our collaboration model doesn’t just keep us at the forefront of innovation; it empowers our partners to grow alongside us. We are thrilled to share that LOC partners are ready to go into 2025 with the idea of collaboration, integration, and innovative, future-proof solutions giving customers the agility to respond to market shifts and evolving customer behaviors.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the NRF Big Show in January where we plan to continue our collaboration with partners and showcase new innovations from LOC Software. Together, we’re shaping the future of retail through solutions that reliably drive growth and deliver seamless shopping experiences.

Gilles Lapierre

CEO, LOC Software

The post The Strength Of LOC Software: Celebrating Innovation, Business Partners, and Growth appeared first on LOC Software.

How Mobile POS Software Enhances Omnichannel Retail

adminloc — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 08:00:18 +0000

With the recent rise in eCommerce and then the return to brick-and-mortar shopping over the past few years, 73% of shoppers consider themselves “omnichannel.” This transformation has resulted in higher expectations for in-person shopping experiences. Consumers crave the personalization, easy access to information, and on-demand service that online shopping offers. In fact, PwC research reveals that 51% of consumers say they’re less likely to continue to be loyal to a brand if in-store and online shopping experiences aren’t both easy and enjoyable. The challenge for retailers is finding a way to meet these consumers’ demands while operating efficiently to capture the 30% higher customer lifetime value that omnichannel shoppers represent. Mobile point of sale (POS) solutions are key elements of successful omnichannel retailers’ business strategies. Mobile POS software enhances the following omnichannel retail processes.

Online Order Fulfillment

Omnichannel businesses that don’t use drop-shipping for online orders can enhance picking from their in-store or warehouse inventory with mobile POS solutions. Mobile POS software allows employees to replace paper with digital orders. Accessing pick orders on a mobile device reduces the number of lost orders and errors. It also makes it easier for employees to multitask, picking for multiple orders at one time and picking items in a logical order, for example, frozen foods last for a grocery customer.

Mobile POS software also contributes to informed decision-making company-wide. Because employees immediately update inventory data as they pick, employees and online shoppers have updated item availability information. Store managers also have near-real-time data, allowing them to react to low stock levels with greater agility.

Retailers can measure the return on investment (ROI) from increased efficiency and productivity, lower labor costs for online order fulfillment, and fewer errors and the costs to correct them.

Buy Online, Pickup in Store

Omnichannel shoppers take shopping journeys that combine digital and physical interactions, like buy online pickup in store (BOPIS), which 67% of U.S. consumers have adopted. Retailers must optimize BOPIS experiences to win these shoppers’ loyalty. Mobile POS software puts order and customer information at employee’s fingertips, allowing them to assist customers quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, the ROI from using mobile devices to assist BOPIS customers also includes the ability to capture incremental revenue when customers arrive to pick up their orders. Salesforce points out that incremental revenue can be significant, adding $28 billion to the 2023 holiday shopping season total. The best mobile point of sale software will allow employees to add items to the order when customers arrive at the store without requiring the customer to wait in line.

Endless Aisle

Omnichannel shoppers expect the same easy access to information when they’re shopping in-store that they have online. Instead of leaving shoppers to use their smartphones to find the items they want – maybe on a competitor’s website. Mobile POS software allows sales associates to help shoppers find what they want. The solution will confirm that the item is in stock and its location in the store. It can also find items in the retailer’s warehouse or distribution center for shipping to the customer’s home or the store for pickup. Retailers see ROI by saving sales and increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Line Busting

Mobile POS software and purpose-built devices create the optimal line-busting solution. The best mobile point of sale software allows employees to pre-scan items to shorten lines and reduce wait times at the checkout. Cashiers can restore pre-scanned transactions and quickly accept payment at the checkout. Employees can also use mobile POS solutions to accept payments from customers who use their own mobile devices to scan purchases, creating a convenient, streamlined in-store shopping experience.

Security and Fraud Mitigation

Omnichannel shoppers are comfortable with self-checkout, but it can mean losses for retailers due to errors, items that shoppers forget to scan, and intentional fraud. The best mobile point of sale software allows retailers to confirm self-checkout purchases. The employee uses a mobile device to scan high-value or easily forgotten items, like a case of food products under a shopping cart basket, to ensure the customer paid for the entire purchase.

Payments, Anywhere

Mobile POS devices with multiple connectivity options allow retailers to accept payments in various omnichannel engagements in any location. Retailers can accept payments curbside, at fruit and vegetable farmstands at harvest time, and at a customer’s front door when delivering pharmacy or grocery orders. The best mobile point of sale software will also enable receipt printing or sending a digital receipt. With this functionality, retailers and grocers can meet customers’ expectations for on-the-spot, personalized, convenient service.

Retail Management

When sales associates track all activities on traditional POS terminals and mobile devices, managers gain a 360-degree view of their operations. This near-real-time data allows them to understand their customers better and capitalize on buying trends and customer behaviors with more agility. Also, collecting and updating data via mobile POS software in addition to other in-store and digital touchpoints gives managers a single source of truth to guide decisions about their operations and organizations.

How to Find the Best Mobile Point of Sale Software

Retailers evaluating mobile POS software solutions will benefit from looking beyond its features at the user level to understand how it integrates with their overall omnichannel operation. Data silos are detrimental to customer experiences and efficient operations.

The best model is to deploy hardware-agnostic software so that employees use the same POS application wherever they work: at the counter or on a mobile device. This model also allows employees to transition from mobile devices to stationary terminals when necessary, such as when pre-scanning for line busting or scanning items at a sidewalk sale for payment inside the store. One software solution that runs on all devices also makes new employee training and cross-training easier.

A successful omnichannel operation requires flexible mobile POS software that allows you to enhance customer experiences and efficiency. Request a demo to see howThriVersA mobile POS allows you to optimize retail performance your way!

The post How Mobile POS Software Enhances Omnichannel Retail appeared first on LOC Software.

LOC Recruits POS Agents for Its Expanded Channel Partner Program

MD_LOC — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:23:21 +0000

The LOC-supported model enables partners to provide ThriVersA Software as a Service to help more retailers and grocers optimize their businesses.

Laval, QC – July 26, 2024 – LOC Software, a leading retail management software provider, announces the expansion of its channel partner program. The program now includes a LOC-supported model that enables partners who aren’t experts in the retail or grocery industry to grow their businesses as LOC POS Agents.

The cornerstone of the Agent program is the Software as a Service (SaaS) version of its flagship product, ThriVersA. Agents provide versatile, modular ThriVersA SaaS, which simplifies IT management for retailers and grocers. With the SaaS solution, businesses have centralized control over their entire operations, whether multiple lanes or multiple locations. It also provides the foundation for support from the industry and technology experts on LOC’s team with the ability to address software implementation remotely. LOC handles project management, including system setup, access rights, and store details. LOC also configures links, plug-ins, email, and payment options.

In addition, LOC provides training for Agents so they can expertly address customer-facing aspects of the installation, such as item maintenance, vendor management, reporting, and cashier balancing processes. LOC Agents manage customer training, taking retailers and grocers through features step-by-step to ensure success with the solution, which helps to build a strong, long-lasting customer relationship.

“We designed ThriVersA to allow retailers and grocers to optimize retail management their way,” says Stephan Mercier, LOC Software founder and CTO. “At the same time, our SaaS model allows for standardization, which makes a LOC-supported model practical. Together, the flexibility and implementation consistency of ThriVersA SaaS will make our solution accessible to more businesses and help more channel partners provide it confidently to their markets.”

Gilles Lapierre, CEO of LOC Software adds, “The Agent option can also benefit existing LOC channel partners. Current resellers can choose the SaaS model and LOC support for accounts to extend their capacity during periods of growth. Our partners can choose the option that will result in the greatest benefits for their businesses.”

LOC is actively recruiting Agents now. For more information on becoming a LOC Agent or on ThriVersA, visit locsoftware.com or contact sales@locsoftware.com.

About LOC Software

For more than three decades, LOC Software has been at the forefront of retail technology. LOC’s all-in-one solution gives high-volume, independent merchants the tools to optimize retail performance. Its flagship modular software suite, ThriVersA, includes point of sale, back office, host, eCommerce, self-service, loyalty, and more, giving retailers the freedom to design solutions that support their unique processes and workflows.

The post LOC Recruits POS Agents for Its Expanded Channel Partner Program appeared first on LOC Software.

Agent Option Added to LOC Channel Partner Program

adminloc — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:45:55 +0000

Why LOC Added an Agent Option to Our Channel Partner Program

We know channel partner relationships can be mutually beneficial, even if they don’t all follow the same model. So, we are expanding our channel partner program to include an Agent option. Our Agent program is a LOC-supported model that allows you to confidently offer a sophisticated product like LOC’s ThriVersA, our modular retail management software, even if you aren’t an expert in the retail or grocery point of sale (POS) space.

The ThriVersA SaaS Model

The central component of our Agent program is our Software as a Service (SaaS) licensing model. Agents sell ThriVersA software on a subscription basis, rather than licenses for on-premises installation. Even though your customers’ ThriVersA solutions aren’t running on their own servers, they each have a separate virtual environment with their unique settings and personalizations. Users log into their systems through their web browsers on any compatible devices they choose.

Our SaaS solution is an attractive option to your customers for several reasons. Besides decreasing the amount of IT hardware and infrastructure required onsite to run their POS and back office systems, it also simplifies administration. Managers have centralized control, allowing them to configure screens, push updates, and manage peripherals across their entire operations to ensure consistency and compliance.

The SaaS model also makes scaling to new locations and managing a multi-store environment easier with control and visibility into all devices running ThriVersA in every store. Furthermore, managers can log into the system with username and password from any internet-connected device to access reports and keep a close watch on operations.

How Agents Partner with LOC to Sell ThriVersA SaaS Solutions

SaaS model benefits will resonate with your customers and prospects. However, it also has advantages for our channel partners. Because ThriVersA replaces the client-agent model with browser-based delivery, deployment is fast and easy. Although hardware installation still requires onsite visits, you can handle ThriVersA SaaS implementation and management remotely. It saves you time and money, but it also allows LOC to partner with you to ensure customer success with ThriVersA.

What LOC Provides

Project Management and Configuration

We handle project coordination, system setup, access rights, the hardware profile, and store details. LOC identifies, configures, and installs links, plugins and ThriVersA payment options. We also take care of email and eCommerce configurations.

Support for the Application

LOC handles installation, updates, and back-of-store availability.

Agent Enablement

LOC provides training so you have deep knowledge of ThriVersA and your clients can confidently rely on you for support and service.

Agents Focus on Customers

With LOC in your corner for technical support, you can take the lead on customer-facing aspects of the relationship. Agents support the use of the application, for example, handling item maintenance, vendor management features, reporting, and cashier balancing operations. Agents also address customer-specific requirements with ThriVersA modules, including Loyalty, Supply Chain, Warehouse, and System Management.

Agents also provide customer training, setting up a schedule to walk customers through point of sale and back-office features and workflows. Agents also provide help desk training and “train the trainer” services.

How LOC’s Current Point of Sale Resellers Can Take Advantage of the Agent Program

Undeniably, LOC’s Agent program can help more businesses equip retailers and grocers with our flexible, feature-rich software. However, it can also benefit our current value-added resellers (VARs).

For instance, offering ThriVersA via the SaaS model removes a substantial portion of the complexity of managing systems with a range of customizations. The SaaS model and LOC support help to standardize installs. Rest assured that customization is still possible when necessary, but POS resellers will see that ThriVersA is highly configurable so it’s able to meet the majority of retailers’ and grocers’ needs.

VARs may also choose the Agent model for some of their accounts to leverage LOC resources. Making LOC a bigger part of your team to cover tasks after employee turnover or when your business is growing beyond your capacity can help you maintain growth during ebbs and flows in your business.

Finally, the SaaS model and LOC support will just make sense for some accounts from a time and financial perspective. It’s an option you can choose when it’s most beneficial to your business.

Our Commitment to Our Channel Partners

LOC’s mission is “Optimizing Retail Success, Your Way,” but that doesn’t only apply to our end users. Establishing our Agent program is a major stride toward making success more achievable for Agents and our long-time channel partners.

With the launch of our Agent program, you have the option to partner with us strategically, choosing the model that best suits your business and your market.

How to Become a LOC Channel Partner

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Why Deploy Retail Mobile Point of Sale Systems

adminloc — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:34:02 +0000

5 Reasons to Deploy a Mobile Point of Sale System

Retail point of sale (POS) technology has evolved, giving you options for redefining in-store checkout. It’s no longer necessary to use wired POS terminals deployed on countertops to ring up sales and manage transactions. A mobile point of sale system allows your sales associates to assist customers anywhere inside – or even outside – the store.

If your checkout processes require customers to line up at a stationary POS terminal, it’s time to consider how your team can work more productively and deliver more personalized service. Here are five reasons why adding a mobile POS system will benefit your retail business.

You Can Do Everything on a Mobile Device that You Can Do on a Terminal

If you’ve demoed mobile point of sale systems in the past, you may have found solutions with limited feature sets compared to terminal POS systems. While mobile POS systems at one time were “POS light,” they’re more robust now. With the right software, mobile POS tablets display the same screens as terminals, allowing your team to perform the same tasks.

Today’s leading mobile point of sale systems give your employees the flexibility to access inventory data and verify prices, creating endless aisle capabilities. Sales associates can also enter customer data and place orders for pickup and delivery when items are out of stock.

In addition, tablet enclosures that include PIN pads and printers complete a mobile POS solution that allows employees to accept payments anywhere, anytime.

Less Waiting Means Happier Customers

Your customers prefer not to wait in line. A 2022 Waitwhile survey revealed that nearly 70% of consumers associate feelings of frustration, boredom, and impatience when they’re standing in a queue – and it’s something they deal with fairly often. Most consumers, 90%, wait in line a few times per month, and 41% say it’s common in retail stores.

While decreasing the time your customers spend waiting will boost customer satisfaction, keep in mind that it can also increase revenues. According to Chainstoreage.com, 82% of customers won’t go into a store with long lines. The survey also found that 68% will leave a line without completing a purchase. Therefore, keeping lines moving can help save sales.

Mobile point of sales systems are ideal line-busting solutions. They allow sales associates to check out customers as soon as they’re ready to complete their purchases. It also gives stores an easy way to set up a new lane, checkout, or return counter to minimize waiting during the holiday rush or other high-traffic times. When a line starts to form, team members equipped with mobile devices can make sure customers get fast service.

More Engagement Is Happening Outside the Store

Since 2020, more consumers have engaged with retailers digitally, browsing and ordering online for curbside pickup. It’s a trend that gained momentum in the first few years of the decade during pandemic shutdowns. However, it’s become a habit for many consumers, outpacing home delivery. A 2023 PYMNTS and Cybersource study found curbside pickup increased by 66% year over year in 2022. Customers say they prefer it because it allows them to receive their orders more quickly and avoid shipping costs.

Mobile point of sale software gives sales associates the ability to meet customers outdoors and confirm with data in your system that they’re getting the correct orders. These solutions also make it easy to capture incremental sales when customers decide to purchase additional items when they arrive. Using a mobile POS solution, the sales associate can accept payment and print a receipt curbside, delivering convenient, customer-centric service.

Mobile Point of Sale Systems Take Back-Office Tools Where the Action Is

Mobile solutions allow employees to access and capture digital information, eliminating paper-based processes – and the human error associated with them. Retail mobile POS software and handheld computers, or ring scanners allow your store to streamline inventory management. With mobile solutions, employees capture data for inventory counts and replenishment in a fraction of the time of legacy processes.

Additionally, full-featured mobile POS software allows retail teams to check current pricing information and generate new shelf labels. It also puts the tools at employees’ fingertips for receiving and managing direct store delivery (DSD) orders so they don’t have to walk back and forth to enter information on a terminal.

Mobile point of sale solutions also make online order fulfillment more efficient. They allow employees to pick and label orders quickly and accurately so they’re complete and ready on time.

Deploying a Mobile Point of Sale System Doesn’t Mean Managing an Additional Solution

Concerns over creating a more complex IT environment may have held you back from deploying a mobile point of sale system in the past. However, it doesn’t have to stop you now. With browser-based, hardware-agnostic retail management software, you can run the same software on any device. This model of software delivery allows you to manage one solution for all use cases throughout your operation. It has the added benefit of the same user experience wherever you deploy the software. That means employees can work on any device and even cover different tasks with minimal training. Customer experiences are also consistent whether they engage at a checkout counter, at a self-service kiosk, or with a sales associate using a mobile device.

Redefine the “Point of Sale”

With customer service and operational efficiency key to retail success, mobile point of sale systems offer immediate value. They give you the freedom to innovate, rethink store layout, and craft customer experiences that differentiate your brand from competitors. It also allows you to take a different approach to customer engagement, making service more convenient and personal.

Think beyond service at the counter to create a more efficient, competitive business. Contact us to learn more about a full-featured yet accessible mobile point of sale system that’s easy to deploy and manage.

The post Why Deploy Retail Mobile Point of Sale Systems appeared first on LOC Software.