HP Inc.†has introduced a new all-in-one point of sale system named HP ElitePOS that’s†designed to help retail and hospitality businesses reimagine how technology can transform the in-store experience for customers.
With e-commerce influencing consumers’ shopping experiences, Palo Alto, Calif.-based HP argues,†brick and mortar retailers must ensure that sales†associates are data driven to better understand buying behavior and deliver the best possible customer†experience. According to software vendor InReality, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 69 percent of shoppers would be more likely to buy in-store if given†access to digital self-help tools like interactive displays and kiosks. HP believes finding the right balance of where†technology can help increase sales while streamlining processes is vital in today’s new retail environment.†
“As retailers seek new ways to interact with customers and reinvent in-store experiences, technology must empower sales associates and engage customers in a way that feels like a natural extension of the brand,” said†Aaron Weiss, vice president and general manager of retail for HP. “The new HP ElitePOS solution is built for†versatility with a sleek and stunning design that can adapt to multiple retail and hospitality environments, while†still †offering the security, performance and long-term durability that our customers expect from HP.”†
The ElitePOS features a functional design, supporting use cases beyond checkout to make shopping faster†and easier for both customers and the sales associates assisting them. These use cases include interactive†signage, employee attendance, and self-service applications like a customer check-in and access to additional†product offerings in the “endless aisle”. For retailers who want a clean and clutter-free counter space, or who†need greater versatility in the placement of their point-of-sale terminal, the display can be separated from the†input/output base for maximum placement versatility.†
For businesses that want technology to complement their brand’s experience, the ElitePOS and its accessories†add further customization and flexibility. Attention to detail, including an optional receipt printer that integrates†into the column stand, and an optional magnetic stripe reader built into the display, are designed to create a clean counter space†for retail environments. The optional barcode scanner and standalone printer are intended to provide a consistent design aesthetic across peripherals.†
Retail and hospitality businesses often have demanding and harsh environments, which can damage or destroy consumer leveraged†technology. As a result, the ElitePOS is built to be durable and engineered to pass MIL-STD tests,†deter minor spills by channeling liquid out the device, and provide efficient cooling with side venting for improved†reliability. The solution utilizes Windows 10, DDR4 memory, and 7th generation†Intel Core processors with vPro technology for fast perfrormance—and hence shorter checkout lines—as well.
“As the retail and hospitality industries undergo a revolutionary shift, the point-of-service device will be a critical†hub in delivering the in-store experience for customers,” said Leslie Hand, vice president of Retail Insights at IDC.†”But with this rapid transformation in digital business also comes increased threats, in the form of targeted†attacks and malware. Retail POS systems, including the new HP ElitePOS, must be able to balance the growing†needs of the customer and the brand while also acting as a guardian of the sensitive information that passes†through the device on a daily basis.”†
With point-of-sale devices increasingly targeted by hackers, security continues to be top of mind for the retail†industry. According to Verizon, 64 percent of breaches in the retail industry that contained data loss were caused†by point-of-sale intrusions. Consequrntly, HP has equipped the ElitePOS with hardware and integrated software security features, including:
- BIOS-level device security to provide protection in the event of a malware attack with HP Sure StartGen3, the industry’s first self-healing BIOS, and HP BIOSphere Gen3, the industry-leading firmware ecosystems.
- User authentication technology, including an optional fingerprint reader for secure login; CredentialGuard4 for secure user authentication and password protection, and Device Guard5, which lets IT managers create rules to run only signed, trusted, and approved applications on the POS system to help protect against walk-up and low-level attacks through USB ports.
- Physical security of the device itself with an optional bolt-to-counter configuration, VESA mounting KLock features and external fingerprint reader for secure login through Windows Hello6.
The ElitePOS is expected to be available in August 2017 direct from HP and the company’s global network of†more than 250,000 partners. Additionally, retail independent software vendors, Custom Business Soutions, GK Software, LS Retail, Manhattan Associates, Omnico Group, PCMS, Retail Pro, and TCPOS plan to support the new solution.†
