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Southeast regional grocery chain to implement the first-of-kind software centric-self-checkout solution that enhances the consumer experience, reduces cost of ownership, eliminates vendor reliance, provides OS neutrality, and allows plug-in customization.

Washington DC (PRWEB) February 17, 2005 -- As an early adopter of self-checkout, BI-LO continues a tradition of industry leadership by becoming the first major retailer to move from a hardware-centric to a software-centric self-checkout platform. ECR Software Corporation (ECRS) today announced that BI-LO Holdings has agreed to license QUICKcheck, ECRS's Java-based open self-checkout software platform.

As part of BI-LO's strategic transformation to an efficient, flexible, and responsive regional supermarket operator, the QUICKcheck platform allows BI-LO to recapture and extend their current hardware investment while reducing cost through the elimination of hardware manufacturer reliance. Asset Enterprises, a POS solution provider based in Greenville, SC, and an ECRS Business Partner, designed and implemented the BI-LO solution based on ECRS’ QUICKcheck product line.

BI-LO and Asset Enterprises plan to retrofit BI-LO’s entire fleet of Optimal Robotics hardware with the new open software platform. This migration to a next generation self-checkout solution makes BI-LO the first major retailer to install a third party application into a pre-existing, traditional self-checkout environment. QUICKcheck's unique plug-in software customization capability will allow BI-LO to differentiate and enhance their customers' experience, and to move quickly in response to changes as market conditions dictate. The QUICKcheck solution will also be installed at Bruno's, another BI-LO LLC subsidiary.

ECRS markets QUICKcheck in two forms – as a complete plug-and-play solution, and as a software-only model. ECRS's complete plug-and-play solution is offered in two configurations, a Single-Bag kiosk, and a 4-Bag Express unit. The software-only solution allows retailers to select from best-of-breed ATM and POS components and/or self-checkout cabinet providers, which in turn lets retailers standardize with one software application regardless of the hardware configuration installed throughout their store locations. This flexible, open software approach streamlines training and processes chain-wide while simultaneously eliminating vendor hardware reliance, which in turn reduces acquisition and long term servicing costs.

"ECRS is proud to partner with BI-LO and Asset Enterprises on this trendsetting and innovative project,” said Pete Catoe, ECRS President & CEO. “In an age of intensifying retail competition, QUICKcheck strategically empowers retailers by maximizing their hardware investments and options, which allows them to adapt to changing business needs without changing their basic infrastructure.”

“ECRS and Asset Enterprises are providing a valuable solution that allows BI-LO to better serve our customers and to provide maximum ROI to our shareholders,” said Steve Methvin, BI-LO's Director of Store Systems. “ECRS's QUICKcheck has proven to be a highly adaptable self-checkout solution which continues to surpass our expectations.”

About BI-LO and Bruno's
BI-LO and Bruno’s, headquartered in Mauldin, SC, operate 450 stores in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. They employ approximately 34,500 Associates. For more information, visit www.BI-LO.com

About Asset Enterprises
Specializing in customized POS Solutions, Asset Optimization, and specialty Depot Repair, Asset Enterprises (AEI) provides Point-of-Sale services and cost-effective equipment repair and upgrades for the Point-of-Sale Industry. More information about AEI is available on the web at www.assetenterprises.com

About ECRS
Since its inception in 1989, a unified vision - to provide commonsense, value-based solutions that allow retailers to compete and expand - has propelled ECRS to its position as a leading provider of an integrated retail software, hardware, and services offering. Distributed through a nationwide dealer network and direct sales specialists, ECRS products can be found in more than 10,000 store locations throughout North America. More information about ECRS is available on the web at www.ecrsoft.com. For more information contact ECRS Marketing Director, Burt Aycock, e-mail protected from spam bots at 828-265-2907 ext. 5023

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Source :  http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/2/prweb209385.htm