Lexmark, a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of printing solutions, has partnered with Episys, a signage vendor, to help retailers print up-to-date pricing and promotional signage in-store.
The solution will allow staff to print the latest labels, pricing information and posters directly from multi-functional products (MFPs) and printers on the shop floor. Traditionally, such documents are shipped from a retailer’s head office to stores, but they can be out of date by the time they reach local outlets. Likewise, retailers usually print documents from the back office, meaning staff have to leave the shop floor to print the information.
The joint solution allows printers to be placed at point of sale (POS) locations such as customer service desks. This enables staff to spend more time talking to customers, as opposed to focusing on back office operations, therefore increasing productivity and sales.
Users can download a central template created by head office from the printers, ensuring that messaging and prices are consistent across all stores. The solution also allows stores to tailor signage for local offers. For example, some retailers may place orders for perishable or speciality goods with local suppliers, which means that prices may vary from store to store.
Steve Purdy, Managing Director, Lexmark UK explains: “Accurate signage is vital to a store’s reputation and customer retention, and getting it wrong can be costly. There is a direct correlation between time spent on the shop floor and basket spend. By maximising time spent with customers, retailers can use this technology to drive sales.”
The offering does not require specialised IT training. As the retail market experiences a higher level of staff turnover than other sectors, it is vital that technology is intuitive so that the time invested in training can be used to maximise sales.
The Retail Enterprise Episys’ Client solution is easily scalable to meet the needs of small or large retail environments, without the expense of additional servers. By encouraging retailers to print less, the solution reduces impact on the environment and cuts costs.
About Lexmark
Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) provides businesses and consumers in more than 150 countries with a broad range of printing and imaging products, solutions and services that help them to be more productive. In 2007, Lexmark reported $5.0 billion in revenue.
About Episys
Episys was founded in 1987 to develop and deliver signage and labeling solutions. Over the years the company has built up a unique wealth of knowledge and experience borne out by our high number of long-serving employees. This has resulted in high quality solutions that are being used worldwide in thousands of locations to enable our customers to reduce costs and inefficiencies, deliver better service and gain sales uplift.
The mission of Episys is total and passionate commitment to our clients by delivering the best quality of service. This is critical in every interaction with our clients to enable them to provide the highest level of service to their clients.
