Symbol Announces MicroKiosk Product Line, The Latest In Customer Self-Service And Electronic Merchandising For Any Retail Environment

Symbol Technologies, Inc. today announced at the in Chicago the introduction of the new Symbol , an automated self-service price verification and electronic merchandising terminal. The MicroKiosk MK1000 - ideal for virtually any retail environment -- answers the challenge in retail of getting prompt and accurate customer service when floor representatives are busy attending other customers or temporarily absent from view.

"Symbol is embarking on a number of retail initiatives which empower the customer in the store or in the home," said Dwight Ogletree, Vice President Retail Systems, Symbol Technologies. "The MicroKiosk provides precise information, which may influence the sale, to the customer while shopping."

Customers simply and intuitively present an item for price verification to the bar code scanner and the item description and pricing information instantly and conveniently appears on the terminal's easy-to-view color LCD. The MicroKiosk communicates instantly with the retailer's host server price look-up file and the customer's request is immediately responded to with the most up-to-date information, including any recent price adjustments.

"The is like having an automated electronic assistant in the aisles: Retailers can expect greater in-store productivity and efficiency with personnel attending to merchandise, displays and running the business, while customers can experience the immediate gratification of getting the information they need when they want it," said Brian Viscount, vice president, Scanner Product Marketing, Symbol Technologies.

The is a fixed mount terminal with an integrated bar code reader designed to be placed in remote locations and in-between the retail store aisles for simple, repetitive-task customer service applications, such as price look-up and price verification. The system looks up the bar coded item from the retailer's host computer and displays the product's description, latest price or any special promotional offerings on the unit's high visibility white-on-blue LCD. Customer's benefit from access to current information without frustrating delays or item confusion while reducing the need for manual price checking by in-store personnel.

Other benefits to retailers include revenue generating electronic merchandising by scrolling advertising and "on sale now" messages across the display for shoppers to easily see. In addition, in-store personnel can immediately access information such as inventory status, item locations and other information contained in the store mainframe. A replaceable placard allows for additional stationary advertising and in store messaging as well.

The features the latest rotating omni-directional laser bar code scanning technology, 32-bit Motorola microprocessor, international language support and choice of host connectivity options, including and hard-wired Ethernet support. Four programmable function keys provide for additional customer service interaction options, such as item location, stock check, in-store messaging, frequent shopper status, and/or seasonal/clearance item promotional messaging. This compact labor saving device can be conveniently mounted in aisles, on end caps or countertop for quick and convenient customer service.

The MicroKiosk is software programmable through Symbol's Wireless Network Management System and may be programmed for more advanced applications such as time & attendance, manager help/call button, and/or area store locater. The will also work with existing installations of Symbol and their applications.