Fujitsu Services, one of Europe's leading IT services companies, announces the launch of B-Pad, a hand-held mobile Point of Sale (PoS) device.
The all-in-one, lightweight mobile computer is the first device of its kind to allow retailers to take customers' orders and receive secure payment from one device.
By releasing staff, who were traditionally tied to the counter, the Fujitsu B-Pad offers multiple applications to help improve customer service. Retailers will now be able to offer in-store queue busting services. When the main tills are overcrowded staff will be able to scan barcodes and take payment without being tied to the counter.
Bill Waterson, UK head of retail, Fujitsu Services, comments: "Retailers have already recognised the benefits of EPoS systems and this device offers the potential to extend this. By freeing staff from the counter it will transform in-store customer service by enabling them to interact more closely with customers when taking orders and payment. It is already being used very successfully in the hospitality industry by leading restaurants in the UK."
The Fujitsu B-Pad is also the first device of its kind with full EMV (Europay International, MasterCard International and Visa International) approval, certifying its compliance with secure smart card payment operations. This was achieved with the integration of Smart Technology Solutions' Smart NS suite and the Emvelink payment kernel. This provides an industry standard interface for secure payment and other Chip & PIN card-enabled applications.
"We are delighted to continue our close relationship with Fujitsu by being a part of the B-Pad project," comments Jon Cairns, Vice President, Business Development at Smart Technology Solutions. "It is a natural partnership where together, our complimentary technology is transforming the retail and hospitality industry in terms of card payment processes and transactions."
The rugged design and barcode scanning functionality also enable the device to be used for stock management.