Context
An international retailer was replacing the equipment in its stores. We moved the software the stores run on onto the new equipment and onto Linux, and added self-scan, which lets shoppers scan and pay for their items themselves.
The challenge
The new equipment ran on a different platform from the existing software, so the software could not simply be installed on it. Besides the move, the client asked for self-scan for shoppers. Moving store software to Linux also takes the stores off per-terminal operating-system licences.
On top of that, the change had to be made with as little disruption to the stores as possible.
What we built
- A compatibility analysis: we checked that the reworked software runs on the new equipment.
- The move to Linux of the stores’ software.
- Self-scan, tied into the store software.
- Modules we wrote ourselves, through which the software talks to the new equipment.
- A phased move and staff training, so the stores kept working during the change.
Result
The stores moved onto the new equipment and onto Linux, with self-scan for shoppers. The move was made in phases, with staff trained on the new system. Details and figures remain confidential.
Technologies
Linux.