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Handling scale management within more than 300 food stores across the country could mean to be constantly on the road, but not for Paul Willems. Along with his colleagues, the Manager Store Support at Spar Netherlands takes care of all of Spar’s METTLER TOLEDO retail scales centrally from their headquarters using the MTRetailSuite software.

Central and Cloud-based SolutionRetail Scale Management at Spar

“The solution sounded interesting right from the start,” recalls Paul Willems, Ma-nager Store Support at Spar Netherlands, “because the METTLER TOLEDO soft-ware enables the data from each scale to be exchanged immediately via a single, central server.” The infrastructure went live in August 2014 following a brief ins-tallation phase. Data management for all the retailer’s UC Evo Line and bC Line scales now takes place via the professional MTDistributionServer, which is located at the Spar headquarters in Waalwijk and hence forms the beating heart of the MTRetailSuite.

MTDistributionManager: putting all scales within reachThanks to the intuitive portal for the MT-DistributionManager, Paul Willems and

Spar has around 320 supermarkets in the Netherlands, primarily small and medi-um-sized stores. Most of those stores have METTLER TOLEDO’s UC Evo Line counter scales for the prepacking of meat, cheese, bakery products and other items. Spar Netherlands launched an ambitious pro-ject back in 2012; the retailer decided to fully centralize its price, item and data management in the cloud, to phase out all local servers by 2016 and to replace all existing scales with UC Evo Line scales. As a consequence of this roadmap, Spar also decided to reorganize its scale management activities. METTLER TOLEDO, a long-standing partner of the retailer, added a software solution to the project which was perfectly aligned with Spar’s new centralization aspirations: the MTRetailSuite.

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Food RetailWeighing Solutions in Fresh

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this team can see all the scales at a glance, grouped according to country, region and sales division. By clicking on any scale they can call up onto the screen detailed information about its status and current configuration. Software updates and re-configurations are simply a matter of drag and drop. “Whether we want to up-date a single scale or to reconfigure all the scales in the store network, all it takes is a few clicks. Shortly after the installation of the new system in 2014 we were able to use it to roll out the parameters for our new label layout in accordance with the EU Regulation 1169/2011,” comments Paul Willems. An integrated scheduler means that each update can be planned precisely. Furthermore, the scales are per-manently provided with price and item information by MTDistributionServer which ensures that each and every scale is always fully up to date.

MTGateWay: real-time dataexchange with ERP systemAs the data hub where price and item in-formation is prepared in real time for dis-tribution to the scales, the MTGateWay application within the MTRetailSuite takes care of handling the master data from the ERP system to the scales. At Spar, this means tapping into two data sources. “Item data is managed in our DistRetail ERP system while price data is stored in our separate Centric POS cloud-based so-lution,” says Paul Willems when explai-ning the set-up. The project team therefo-

re configured the MTGateWay software to obtain data from both systems and bund-le it before transmitting it to the scales. MTGateWay also takes care of the re-porting to the ERP system.

MTWorkBench:extra freedom for storesSpar’s cloud-based price management system enables store managers to set pri-ces individually in their own stores. This feature also makes use of MTGateWay and ensures that the scales in the relevant stores receive the correct price informati-on. A key priority at Spar is to allow the local entrepreneurs as much freedom as possible, so it should come as no surprise that the Dutch retailer also utilizes the MTWorkBench application within the MTRetailSuite. MTWorkBench gives ma-nagers of stores and store departments access to an easy-to-use web interface which allows them to change the func-tions assigned to the shortcut keys on the touchscreens of their scales. Hence, they can easily adapt the layout to their local needs to ensure that the in-store weighing and packaging processes run even more efficiently.

Remote: fast andflexible assistanceMeanwhile, at Spar’s headquarters in Waalwijk, the management is happy with the rise in efficiency and remote support for an improved uptime in all stores since the roll-out of the MTRetailSuite. Paul

Willems explains: “The MTDistribution-Manager is also an ideal tool for mainte-nance and troubleshooting. In the case of any technical problems, our five-man support team based here at the head office can connect with any scale in the network at any time. We can call up the scale’s display on our own computer screen via a remote connection so that we can provide fast and straightforward assistance.” If a sales employee has accidentally changed a setting, for example, or if they cannot find their way back to the home screen, the support professionals can provide ad-vice over the telephone and can even in-tervene remotely to correct the situation with a few clicks of the mouse. For the employees in the stores, their problems are solved as if by magic. Nowadays the only reason to call out a service technici-an is when there is a hardware problem, and even then the store can put an inte-rim solution in place: “If the only scale in the bakery department suffers a technical fault, for example, the store manager can temporarily fetch a scale from another area of the store and we will remotely in-stall the profile and configuration for the bakery department onto it. All areas of the store can be operational again in a matter of minutes,” says Willems by way of ex-ample.

The installation of new scales when a new store opens is also surprisingly easy; pre-configured customized scales are plugged on their network for remote installation.

The scales of more than 300 Spar supermarkets across the country are managed from the Spar headquarter in Waalwijk.

With the MTRetailSuite, Paul Willems’ team can connect with any scale in the network at any time.

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As soon as the scale is connected to the network, the MTDistributionServer recog-nizes the new hardware. In just a couple of clicks, the team at the head office can then assign the scale to the relevant store and set up the right profile.

Securely in the cloud Thanks to the MTRetailSuite, Spar Netherlands has been able to benefit from all the advantages of centralized device management while also giving the local entrepreneurs and store managers the ne-

cessary freedom to configure the scales and adjust prices themselves. Furthermo-re, the central, internally hosted server is more secure than the previous decentra-lized solution. On Spar’s journey towards modern cloud-based data management, METTLER TOLEDO proved itself to be both an ideal companion and an inspira-tion.

For more information on Spar Nether-lands, visit:

www.spar.nl

Know-how

Central scale management with MTDistributionServer

MTDistributionServer is a module of the MTRetailSuite, the modular software suite for an efficient and economic scale management during the whole lifecycle of the installed scale base.

MTDistributionServer is the main distributing center and is in control of software, patch and data distribution for all network scales from METTLER TOLEDO.

For more information and to download the MTDistributionServer datasheet, visit:

www.mt.com/ retail-DistributionServer

Paul Willems from Spar Netherlands explains the benefits of centralized scale manage-ment. In the background: Roy van de Grift from METTLER TOLEDO Netherlands.

Scale configurations are designed centrally and distributed via the network to all Spar supermarkets in the Netherlands.

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Inte

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w Digital Chalkboard Makes Sweets More TemptingIn-Store Marketing with Point-of-Sale Scales

Traditional craftsmanship is the latest trend in candy stores and pastry shops. Consumers are looking for hand-made and home-made prod-ucts – real quality – beyond the supermarket shelves. When it comes to marketing, on the other hand, they respond to the latest media, among them digital signage displays on the customer screens on point-of-sale scales.

In specialty bakeries and candy shops, a large number of goods are sold by weight. However, the scales and the point-of-sale scale systems today can do a lot more than just calculate weight and price. Lar-ge, color customer screens are the ide-al display area for digital signage. Julia Krügers, Head of Division Retail Marke-ting at METTLER TOLEDO, explains how bakeries and specialty candy stores can add a modern touch at the point-of-sale to generate more sales.

Why is it worthwhile for candy stores and specialty bakeries to invest in digital signage?

These specialty items are often made with a great amount of care, an elaborate pro-duction process and high-quality ingre-dients. As a customer in the store, I don’t see all of this. The large customer screen on the scales is ideally suited for telling and showing the customers more about the product. Emotive images from the production process, information about the ingredients and certification, photo-graphs of the fair-trade cocoa plantation – the possibilities are virtually endless. That way, stores can emphasize the va-lue and uniqueness of their products and

reinforce customer loyalty. Modern con-sumers want to know as much as possible about the product. They no longer rely on the promise of quality – they want to see it with their own eyes and to witness the care and passion that goes into the production.

Apart from this “look behind the scenes,” what else is digital sig-nage capable of?

One of the great advantages of digital signage is that it is significantly more

flexible than other advertising, and the time-consuming printing of often expen-sive sales literature is no longer necessary. Companies can communicate all kinds of content blended into slide shows on the customer screen. A new campaign or sales promotion can be created on a PC and posted with just a few clicks. Beside additional product information, brand reinforcement and customer retention measures can also be communicated via the screens. This begins with displaying the logo and extends to presenting the company’s loyalty card or Facebook page.

UC-HTT-M black counter scale with digital signage display on customer-facing-screen.

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Additional services, such as events and ca-tering, can also be publicized very easily using digital signage.

Why is the customer screen on the scale so well suited for digital sig-nage?

One can be sure from the start that the customers will pay particular attention here. The customers look at the screen again and again to check the weight and the price. That way, they also register the other displays at the same time. And there is another argument in favor of the cus-tomer screen: The digital signage displays reach everyone who is standing in line at the service counter. In this waiting situa-tion, customers are very open to inspiring content and information.

That sounds plausible – but are there figures and studies to back this up?

METTLER TOLEDO commissioned stu-dies on this for the food retail industry. The findings show that customers spend

an average of about three minutes at the service counter. The customer screen on the point-of-sale scales with the digital signage displays is precisely in their field of vision and attention for at least half of that time.

How can sales be increased direct-ly using digital signage cam-paigns?

The most effective way to increase sales is by means of cross-selling activities that provide on-screen recommendations for additional purchases perfectly matching the product currently being weighed. You can program the system with PLU-based product recommendations that are dis-played to the customer when the PLU code is entered by the operator.

How do effective digital signage displays look?

Rotating slide shows, with six to eight images showing for about 15 seconds each, are ideal. An important factor is the emotional concept of the slides – it has to

suit the business and be authentic. The texts displayed should be short and easily understandable.

What else can retailers do to make their campaigns work well on the point-of-sale display?

Regularly refresh the content, so that there’s always something new to disco-ver for regular customers, too. Thanks to easy-to-use software tools, an update every two weeks is absolutely no problem for most stores.

For more information on in-store digital signage displays and best practice recom-mendations, visit:

www.mt.com/retail-experience

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New

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EU Quality DesignationsNew Labeling Rules Effective January 2016

Protected geographical indication (PGI)The ‘Protected geographical indication’ (PGI) label designates a connection bet-ween the agricultural product or foodstuff and its geographical origin. Furthermore, at least one of the production steps – i.e. production, processing or preparation – must have taken place in the defined geo-graphical area. Examples include Cor-nish pasties, Nürnberger Lebkuchen gin-gerbread and Gruyère cheese.

Traditional specialities guaranteed (TSG) The ‘Traditional specialities guaranteed’ (TSG) label does not refer to a geographi-cal origin. Instead, it is focused on the traditional raw materials or traditional production method used in making the product. The production process is not linked to any specific geographical area. Examples include Dutch Matjes herring, Serrano ham and mozzarella.

Protected designation of origin (PDO)The EU ‘Protected designation of origin’ (PDO) label guarantees that a product has been produced, processed and prepa-red in a particular geographical area in line with a recognised and documented process. Examples of products which ha-ve already been awarded this designation include Parma ham, Kalamata olive oil and Allgäuer Emmentaler cheese.

be used in block capitals. The minimum size of the symbol is 15mm in diameter, but this may be reduced to 10mm in the case of small packages or products.

For more information on EU labeling regulations and food safety, visit:

www.mt.com/retail-foodsafety

Implementation of thenew regulationsRetail scales from METTLER TOLEDO support the printing of article related pic-tures and graphics. METTLER TOLEDO Service supports you in updating the scale configuration and in designing label lay-outs to make sure, that you implement the new redgulations correctly with your pre-packed products and at the sales counter.

What must be taken into consideration from January 2016 onwards?

The label of any product from the Euro-pean Union that is being marketed under the PDO or PGI scheme must bear the

relevant Union logo. Details can be addi-tionally included in the text on the label but that is not compulsory. Furthermore, the registered name of the product must be displayed in the same field of vision as the logo. Additionally, in accordance with Appendix X No. 2 of the Commis-sion Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 668/2014, black and white can be used for the logo only when black and white are the only ink colours on the package. If the background colour of the packaging or the logo is dark, the EU symbols may be used in negative format. In terms of font type and size, Times New Roman should

As of January 2016, new regulations will come into effect regarding the labeling of agricultural products and foodstuffs with EU quality designations. METTLER TOLEDO counter scales facilitate labeling in line with the new requirements.

EU quality schemes are intended to give consumers certainty about the origin and production methods of agricultural products and foodstuffs and should serve as a quality promise. The Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012 defines three quality designations:

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GEOGRAPHICAL IND

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Fast. Precise. High-performance.Ariva-H Checkout Scale

EU Quality DesignationsNew Labeling Rules Effective January 2016

METTLER TOLEDO is pleased to introduce the Ariva-H, its newest advancement in weighing at the checkout. The Ariva-H combines a fast and reliable scale with a popular horizontal scanner of your choice into one system that can be integrated into your checkout lane.

Create a lasting impression! The checkout lane at any grocery store requires opti-mum performance, speed and reliability from the equipment. Ariva-H delivers ex-actly what retailers are looking for: fast transaction speed to reduce customer wait times along with reliable and dependable performance.

Robust and durableThe Ariva-H is the perfect match for ap-plications where a flat surface is desi-red. Thanks to its robust and durable housing, which effectively protects the interior against the penetration of dirt and liquids, the Ariva-H withstands the harshest possible demands and conditions in the checkout lane, offering the highest standards of quality.

Thanks to a maximum load of up to 15 kg and an extremely sensitive weight resolu-tion for light, high-priced goods at the sa-me time, Ariva-H enables retailers to have optimal selling results. The Ariva-H not only fits in classic checkout lanes in gro-cery stores for weighing bulk and staple foods, but also in retail settings such as specialty sale-by-weight establishments, where high-resolution weight is required.Ariva-H connects to most point-of-sale

systems for checkout applications and many other applications that require weight data. Ariva-H supports technolo-gy from a number of horizontal scanner manufacturers, including Datalogic®, Motorola/Zebra Technologies®, and NCR®. For more information on the Ariva-H checkout scale, visit:

www.mt.com/retail-ariva

www.mt.com/retailFor More Information

Mettler-Toledo (Albstadt) GmbHUnter dem Malesfelsen 34 72458 Albstadt/EbingenTel: +49 (7431) 140Fax: +49 (7431) 300

At EuroCIS 2016 – The Leading Trade Fair for Retail Technology – in Düsseldorf/Ger-many, METTLER TOLEDO will present new solutions and innovations for service coun-ter, specialty and checkout for Food Retail. We are looking forward to seeing you from February 23-25, 2016, daily from 10:00am to 06:00pm in hall 10, booth C03!

More information to plan your visit: www.mt.com/retail-EuroCIS

EuroCIS2016

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