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Cutting shelf-edge technology

Retailers want add-ons to their systems which will deliver multi-functionality and ensure they receive a return on investment. Furthermore, Alan Carroll, managing director, Waveform Solutions says that the cost of barcode scanning devices continues to fall, “pushed down by global demand.”

Handheld devices pack a punch

Carroll also finds “huge advancements have been made in recent years, particularly in terms of mobile technology…Handheld devices pack a lot of processing power and run on Windows Mobile which allows for companies like Waveform Solutions to develop highly feature rich applications running on one device.”

While he believes many retailers are not using the available technology to their advantage, he states that those Waveform Solutions has worked with have seen positive results. Waveform Solutions has provided Dunnes Stores with 1,000 rugged handheld devices and 600 rugged mobile printers across its stores in Ireland. “The solution running on the Honeywell mobile devices allows Dunnes Stores to ensure product pricing is 100% correct on the shelf at all times and eliminates the need for store staff to walk to and fro to office printers to retrieve shelf edge labels, as was the case previously.”

Waveform is also currently developing a suite of retail solutions called ShopTrack, This will provide shelf edge labelling, price mark down, advanced shipping note processing, inter store transfers, and also a return to vendor feature. Waveform has recently rolled out the first phase of this solution to Brown Thomas in Dublin on a pilot basis, with a full roll out anticipated very soon. The group is also currently working on a number of innovative retailing solutions, which can be viewed at www.waveform.ie.

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