Strengthening Retail Foodservice Operations With Digital Solutions

As they launch or enhance the foodservice side of their businesses, grocers have opportunities to utilize new tools developed for their unique needs.

One example is a new module for a point-of-sale (POS) solution specially designed for retail foodservice operators by Dumac Business Systems. The POS hardware, software and service company has developed features that help retailers manage POS functions in both grocery and in-store foodservice areas. The new offering includes a self-service kiosk application and kitchen display application.

Meanwhile, Madison, Wis.-based GrocerKey, a developer of omnicommerce software, recently expanded its platform to include mobile self-checkout that allow shoppers to use their phones to improve their shopping experience by building lists, scanning items to their cart and completing the transaction with app-based payment.

Omnichannel solutions provider NCR Corp. has also been busy in this arena, releasing a new POS software and store management solution that provides connectivity to applications including loyalty, digital coupons and back office management. “True omnicommerce can help retailers large and small create the experiences to attract and retain loyal shoppers,” said Ernie DiBenedetto, channel leader at NCR Retail Solutions. “With shifts in the market landscape and consumer behaviors, winning retailers are rethinking traditional ways of doing business, from reimagining and transforming stores to leveraging untapped opportunities for consumer engagement.”

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Other longtime software solutions providers continue to innovate on their end to meet the needs of the evolving grocery business, which now encompasses foodservice operations with different requirements and realities. System Concepts Inc., based in Scottsdale, Ariz., recently released a new mobile application of its Food-Trak software solution. The new module can be installed on Apple and Android devices and connects to the Food-Trak system with no synchronization needed. It uses a built-in camera to provide bar code scanning, as well as printing and recipe viewing. “The FMA [app] makes data collection at the source more efficient and productive with familiar—and in most cases—pre-existing devices, keeping acquisition costs and training time low,” according to CEO Bill Schwartz.