NCR Providing High-Tech Shopping Touch for Holidays

Consumer-oriented technology by Duluth-based NCR is able to provide Christmas shoppers with product information at a touch.

Netkey Endless Aisle is a kiosk that integrates with a store's e-commerce system, according to an NCR news release. It allows shoppers to browse for product information, check inventory, compare products, and order items that are out of stock, or products that are not carried in the store.

The technology currently is in use by Kohl's department stores, NCR said.

Studies show that the top 100 retailers lose about $69 billion each year due to merchandise being out of stock, according to NCR. This also causes some customers to shop elsewhere.

Also, many customers choose self-service over personal assistance because they perceive it to be faster, easier and more convenient.

So NCR eventually may deploy the Endless Aisle technology in airports. Data from OCR Research shows that 45 percent of travelers would be likely to do some last minute holiday shopping at an airport if they could ship it directly.

Also, data from the Airports Council International shows that airports now derive about 45 percent of their revenue. from non-aviation sources, according to NCR.

-- Have you used the NCR Endless Aisle technology? Do you prefer it over personal assistance? Tell us in the comments below.