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Wincor Nixdorf
Technology GmbH
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Wincor Nixdorf Technology is focusing initially
on reverse vending machines which were the core
areas of prokent AG’s development
and manufacturing activities. On top of that,
prokent’s outstanding expertise in image recognition
and automation of internal logistics
processes
is going to be used to develop future-oriented self-service
solutions for process
optimization at retail companies, postal services and
banks. Wincor Nixdorf will systematically tap the
international markets for these products and
solutions. The editorial team hopes you enjoy your
reading.
Wincor Nixdorf Technology GmbH, based in Ilmenau/Thuringia, was
founded and integrated in the Wincor Nixdorf group when prokent AG, a company
specializing in reverse vending machines, was taken over. This move rounds off
Wincor Nixdorf’s extensive portfolio of solutions for retail companies.
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RHEPRO – the all-rounder
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RHEPRO is the name of Wincor
Nixdorf’s universal reverse vending machine. It has a modular design and is
therefore suitable for all types of use. As an all-in-one product it can be used
for one-way and refillable containers made of all common materials. The basic
structure of the RHEPRO is always the same, and the system is then configured to
meet the customer’s specific requirements. This applies both to the solution for
the customer’s return of the empties and for further processing in the back
section of the machine. The right solution is found for every store.
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Recognition and processing
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Compared with rival products, the
RHEPRO’s particular strength lies in its sophisticated recognition logic and
sensors. Since just one characteristic would be insufficient to identify a
bottle, can or crate accurately, the RHEPRO checks up to five criteria.
Color,
shape (silhouette) and weight are the standard characteristics, whereas
barcode and material are optional
characteristics that can be checked. If at least two identifying characteristics
match the data in the database records, the chance of correct identification is
already in the tolerance range, and if three of them match then the famous
figure of 99.xx% has been reached. Retailers can choose the criteria to be used
for checking the empties that are returned to them. Custom programming then
ensures accurate returns. Empties that do not belong to the assortment are
rejected reliably.
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The RHEPRO is also superior to
rival reverse vending machines when it comes to the recognition of beverage crates. Cameras are available to capture the
logos on beverage crates so that
crates of the same color can be identified precisely. Even very similar
logos are also distinguished perfectly. Returns of one-way containers place
special demands on the system. In this case, two crushers can be connected
directly to the RHEPRO, and sorting systems can also be added to the back
section as an option. These crushers invalidate empties, and compact them
by a factor of 4 to 6. This saves both valuable storage space and reduces the
volume for transport. |
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Guaranteed security
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The RHEPRO operates with maximum
security standards when it comes to accounting for deposits. Classic
security systems – such as encryption of the barcode value, serial numbers
and a special receipt structure – provide a high level of security. This is
supplemented by integration in the sales system used at the point of sale.
In such cases, only a barcoded transaction number is printed on the
refund receipt. This transaction number and the amount concerned are transmitted to
the POS terminal and deleted when they have been scanned once. Refund
receipts with the value printed directly on them, as favored by our
competitors, entail considerable risks. For instance, there have been cases
in which refund receipts have been copied and presented for redemption
several times, thus causing major losses. Multiple
scans, for example by staff, are another problem. Integration in sales
systems can put a stop to this practice. |
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Built-in BEETLE
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As pointed out
above, RHEPRO reverse vending machines can always be connected to POS
terminals and thus be integrated in a store’s IT environment. As far as the
POS server is concerned, the RHEPRO is simply another terminal. There are no
communication problems, especially since a BEETLE CPU has always been
integrated in the RHEPRO. This “inside BEETLE” runs on the Linux operating
system, ensuring rapid, easy integration in the store’s IT structure and
consequently in merchandise management and POS systems. For example, a
RHEPRO machine for taking back and accounting for empties has already been
integrated in one user’s existing installation of POSition, Wincor Nixdorf’s
all-in solution for chain stores. Of course, the RHEPRO can be connected to
any other kind of computerized POS system thanks to its open interfaces.
Accounting for empties and deposits can be handled independently, but should
ideally be integrated in the POS solution. Data is passed to the merchandise
management system to help stores manage empty containers. |
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Nothing runs without software
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Wincor Nixdorf’s empties-control™ software makes it easier than
ever before to administer and manage reverse vending machines. It supports a
variety of additional options. For example, the assortment of containers
accepted can be changed within a matter of seconds – and so can parameters such
as receipt texts, opening times, display images and
logos. Extensive statistics,
usage forecasts and status information can also be obtained. Furthermore, store-specific
coupon promotions can be planned and managed. The software is platform-independent
and merely requires a Web browser and an online connection to the RVM, which is
absolutely no problem thanks to support for LAN and ISDN connections. Service
around the clock Reverse vending machines must be able to identify and
distinguish one-way and refillable containers no matter whether bottles, cans or
crates are involved. The patterns that are used for comparison purposes are
stored in the RVM’s database which contains data on over 1,700 different bottles
and cans and over 600 beverage crates. This database is kept up to date at the
online service center. The reverse vending machines are connected to the service
center via ISDN, LAN or WAN. Changes to the assortment can be made at
every store in a flash. When new products are included in a store’s assortment,
for instance, all that needs to be done is to enable the cans, bottles or crates
in question. Agreements are available to cover various service levels. For
example, users can choose response times between four and 24 hours. Online service agreements cover
assortment changes, remote diagnostics and software
updates. Regular maintenance and preventive checks can also be agreed.
The
advantages of reverse vending machines
There are several reasons to use reverse
vending machines, but the main advantage is that it becomes possible to plan the
deployment of staff. A manual procedure for handling returned empties requires
the continual presence of employees whether they are serving customers at the
moment or not. With an RVM, manual work can be planned, and the bottle platform
and crate roller conveyor only need to be cleared when they are full.
Another important reason is order and cleanliness in the store.
Smells and unwanted views of the stock room for empties are a thing of the past.
In addition, an opinion poll has revealed that over 70% of customers prefer to
use a machine to return their empties. This provides store operators with
totally new opportunities for addressing customers – for instance by advertising
on the display or through coupon promotions. Another advantage is that
integration in merchandise management and POS systems makes it possible to set up end-to-end logistics for empties right through to automatic, optimal loading
of pallets including the output of pallet documentation.
Sales and competition
Wincor Nixdorf Technology GmbH will initially focus its sales
activities on the German market while carefully preparing international business
in parallel. Norway, Sweden and Finland in Scandinavia will be the first
countries in the company’s international sales program. Over 20 reverse vending
machines from Wincor Nixdorf are already being used in Finland.
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The installed base of reverse
vending machines in Scandinavia is very high but, as Stefan Pfrommer
(key account
manager and connoisseur of the scene) says, “customers are practically waiting
for a new vendor. The market is basically a monopoly, with a single vendor
having a market share of 85% in northern Europe. This vendor has always managed
to eliminate emerging competition fast but is now facing a serious competitor.
Potential customers become aware of this situation a long time ago and they are
asking for proposals and advice from Wincor Nixdorf before deciding on
investments”. |
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One-way deposits
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Deposits on one-way containers
place special demands on reverse vending machines because of the organizational
differences to refillable containers. One-way deposits require one or more
clearing organizations on a higher level to balance out among retailers the
differences between deposits received and redeemed. Depending on national
legislation, it may also be necessary to precisely track the volumes involved
for container fillers and importers. Modern reverse vending machines such as the
RHEPRO can provide
support here. Accurate identification of
returned empties by type and manufacturer makes it possible to keep track of the
volumes in an optimum manner. The machines are normally integrated in ISDN or
LAN-based communications so the data can be transferred straight to a clearing
center, permitting day-to-day settlement of deposits. This data can also be used
to optimize the logistics for disposal of one-way containers. Modular crushers
compact the volume of containers directly at the point of return and thus
invalidate the containers. This saves space – and consequently cuts
costs – both
in the stock room and during the disposal process.
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The new subsidiary – a portrait
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The new subsidiary Wincor Nixdorf
Technology GmbH was founded as prokent AG in 1997 and focuses on automation in
the retail and service sectors. The company’s key areas are rationalization of
warehouse, sales and transport processes, ergonomic orientation to customers and
users, and the requirements of the modern service society. Innovative reverse
vending machines are at the hub of the product portfolio. But self-service
solutions, for example for postal services, are also developed and manufactured
in Ilmenau in the state of Thuringia / Germany. Close cooperation with the
renowned Technical University of Ilmenau, which is known for its computer
science, mechanical engineering, image recognition and mechatronics departments,
pays off for the company. The subsidiary has over 90
employees at its locations in Ilmenau and Arnstadt, making Wincor Nixdorf one of
the biggest and undoubtedly one of the most innovative employers in the region.
Wincor Nixdorf Technology GmbH
Prof.-Schmidt-Str. 26
98693 Ilmenau / Germany
Phone: +49 (0)3677 862 136
Fax.: +49 (0)3677 862 199
christian.graumueller@wincor-nixdorf.com
Wincor Nixdorf Technology’s products and solutions are naturally going to be
presented at Wincor World from February 3 – 5, 2004, in Paderborn. Detailed
information on this trade fair will be given in the next issue of Wincor Vision.
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Contact:
Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
Retail Division Marketing
Heinz-Nixdorf-Ring 1 · D-33106 Paderborn
Tel.: +49 (0)5251 693 3967
Fax: +49 (0)5251 693 3988
robert.heiden@wincor-nixdorf.com
www.wincor-nixdorf.com
© Wincor Nixdorf International
GmbH
November 2003
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