C&L_December 2017 (1)

Insight
AAutomation and intelligence are being incorporated
in almost any business sector today. This integration
has resulted in more effective business practices, and
presents a new and improved level of productivity,
transparency and reliability. The business of payments
in India has been a witness to digital transformation;
consumers were obligated to look beyond
paper money to plastic cards, pre-paid instruments
like e-wallets, smartcards, etc. On understanding
the landscape of payment trends, businesses and
customers are equally looking out for simple, quick
and economical manners of transacting. It is certain
that PoS and digital wallets are here to stay, however,
introducing mobility within payments has plenty of
scope and possibilities that are beyond these existing
solutions. Unattended payment solutions or selfservice
solutions are known to add more flexibility
and can open new avenues and revenue streams for
existing businesses.
Digital payments have introduced transparency
and automation across businesses, but Indians have
experienced very little in terms of self-check-out
kiosks, ticket vending machines, vending machines,
etc. Western markets have adapted to self-service
payments across businesses like transport, fuel,
retail, hospitality and even car parks since years.
According to Growth Industry Analysts, the US is
currently the largest market for intelligent vending
machines and the global market is expected to reach
approximately 2.7 million unattended terminals by
2020. Additionally, unattended retail is estimated to
reach USD 275 billion globally by 2020, according to
a research by ReportsnReports.com.
Unattended payment terminals and solutions provides
for smooth, safe, secure and convenient mode
of payments across Kiosks for bill payments, movie
tickets, vending machines, etc. and AFC (Automated
Fare Collection) solutions for rail tickets, metros, etc.
It happens to be one of the best systems for managing
parking especially in a country like India, where parking
is scarce and there are losses in revenue.
There are very distinct reasons on why such solutions
gradually become a choice for many. Not only
is it user friendly, it has been known to lower or
even eliminate time wasted in long queues due to its
queue-busting uniqueness and this also channelizes
sales. Similar to PoS, the solution also needs to be
compliant with PCI DSS norms and are hence equally
safe and secure. Integration with existing loyalty
programs and acceptance of cash, cards, wallets and
even NFC and contactless payments make it multifaceted
and acceptable by consumers.
Unattended payment
solutions or self-service
solutions are known to
add more flexibility and
can open new avenues
and revenue streams for
existing businesses
Very recently, Delhi Metro made a bold move by
deciding to install around 400 unattended terminals
across it network which will enable commuters to
recharge smart cards and buy tokens by swiping a
debit or credit cards themselves. Installing such selfservice
terminals in this case can be viewed as an
optimal and a profitable alternative considering ticketing
rush. Our experience with retailers across the
world tells us that it has helped draw more customers
thus increasing sales without the need to increase
staff or offload existing workload on existing staff.
The technology used in such systems allows the solution
to be managed remotely. The solution has visibly
eased operations and challenges associated with payments
at large format outlets.
Such solutions can ease out transactions,
especially in smart city projects across India. Keeping
in mind the potential of such solutions, it is only
about time that the solution is made more readily
available to consumers
–The author is the Group CEO, OMA Emirates Group
December 2017 | CIO&LEADER
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