Pick `n Pay has chosen the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) solution from exclusive local NCR distributor, National Data Systems (NDS), for roll out at many Pick `n Pay Family franchise stores. NDS`s EFT developments were pioneered at the Plumstead Pick `n Pay Family Supermarket using MTX POS software from NCR and Mosaic Software`s Merchant Postilion. Merchant Postilion provides full credit and debit card processing at the point of sale. It controls secure PIN pads attached to the POS terminals using the POS local area network and is integrated with the MTX POS software. - The system communicates with Transwitch Services via a wide area network. - Transwitch Services switches the transactions to the financial institutions and settles the merchant. In order to process an electronic transaction, MTX POS passes the necessary sale and tender information to Merchant Postilion which then handles the authorisation and finalisation, through Transwitch Services, with the appropriate authorising institution. Once this communication has occurred, MTX POS takes over, prints the receipt and finalises the sale. Batch reconciliation totals from Postilion are balanced to MTX POS system totals. The full audit trails provided by the system facilitate financial integrity and balancing. Having invested R2.2 Million in honing its product mix and retail strategy, NDS has notched up several significant successes. It has installed front and back office automation solutions in 24 Pick `n Pay Family stores throughout South Africa to date, with Warmbaths, Pietermaritzburg and Phalaborwa scheduled for rollout in the next few months. A training programme has been developed by NDS for Pick `n Pay, and the MTX POS/Merchant Postilion EFT solution is being rolled out to many Pick `n Pay Family Supermarket sites country-wide. "We are happy to say that after months of trial, it is working smoothly", says Rob Speedy, Systems Development Manager for Pick `n Pay Group Enterprises. "All new Pick`n Pay Family Supermarkets will open with EFT in place". "One of the main operational advantages," said Speedy, "is that EFT is integrated to the POS system, thereby eliminating the risk of introducing incorrect amounts on card transactions. There is a risk of entering the amount incorrectly on freestanding systems. "Furthermore where authorisation is required from the financial institution the response is much quicker than conventional systems because the Merchant Postilion is on-line to the financial institutions. Responses are typically a few seconds. For this reason we are also able to offer our customers full and efficient debit card services. Debit card transactions require on-line PIN authentication and funds authorisation from the respective financial institution. Merchant Postilion also has the capability of utilising limited local authorisation facilities if necessary". Speedy confirmed that "the new system has positioned the Pick `n Pay Family stores to accept smart cards in the future." As exclusive local NCR distributor, NDS is establishing itself as a major player in South Africa`s retail automation arena, providing an extensive portfolio of professional services and innovative products to ensure that customer service becomes quicker and better. NDS has embarked on a drive to establish itself as a clear leader in South Africa`s retail sector, while providing similar levels of expertise in the financial, call centre, information storage, outsourcing and professional services sectors. The company is the largest provider of ATMs in the country. The retail division provides a full portfolio of skills and services, including full scanning, barcoding and back office capabilities, through to WAN connections, enterprise servers and decision support. NDS has positioned itself as a total solutions provider, working with clients from the planning stage of projects to implementation, supply of hardware and software, support and service, training and ongoing maintenance.
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