The ANKER Group, a leading provider of integrated point-of-sale (POS) solutions, recently successfully implemented a comprehensive checkout project for the retailer Thomas Philipps. Thomas Philipps, a well-established discount retailer with a wide range of household and garden products, operates in several countries and has around 800 stores. Known for its low prices and diverse product range, the company targets price-conscious consumers who are looking for both branded products and retail goods.
As an expert in POS software, service, support and checkout hardware, ANKER provided an all-round package ranging from planning and implementation to 24/7 support.
Project scope and consulting
The project began with an extensive consultation phase, during which the focus was on consulting, the creation of requirement and functional specifications and the detailed recording of requirements. Thomas Philipps needed a modern, scalable solution to develop the existing POS system into a more powerful and user-friendly version. ANKER ensured that the customer's requirements were met - from software development to hardware delivery and installation.
POS software from Toshiba: Individually customized
ANKER not only develops its own POS software, but also adapts existing systems to the specific requirements of its customers. As part of the project with Thomas Philipps, the Toshiba POS software was tailored to the company's requirements and expanded to create an optimally coordinated solution.
Touch user interface and new functions for smooth cash register operation
The new POS system provides Thomas Philipps with a modern user interface for the first time, replacing the previous process without an operator display. The system also comes with a range of functions that are specially tailored to the company's requirements:
- Touch operation: The switch from pure keyboard operation to touch not only significantly increases user-friendliness, but also enables faster and easier handling of the POS system: Partial and complete reversals can now be conveniently processed via the touchscreen.
- Context-sensitive user interface: During the entire checkout process, only the required fields are displayed to the checkout staff, which increases clarity and significantly optimizes the workflow.
- Individual receipt design: Receipts can now be easily adapted to the company's corporate design and branch-specific information.
- Optimized payment method overview: All available payment methods are clearly structured and efficiently presented on the screen.
- Journal display: Enables a direct view of the transactions at the checkout for better control and traceability.
Hardware from ANKER
In addition to the software, ANKER also supplied the hardware components required for almost 800 checkout stations. These included the ANKER Poles, flexible holders for payment terminals, printers and customer and operator displays. The ANKER cash cassettes, which have proven their reliability and durability over many years, will continue to be used.
Error-free bookings and less training required
Thanks to the new, user-friendly interface, incorrect bookings are a thing of the past. The intuitive design and touch function also result in significantly less training for employees, which simplifies the transition to the new system.
International rollout
The rollout of the new checkout system was completed in October 2024. In total, around 300 stores with 800 checkouts in three countries - Germany, Austria and Lithuania - were equipped. Thanks to the three language versions of the software, all locations could be easily integrated into the process.
The checkout project at Thomas Philipps shows how important it is to have a holistic solution that covers both software and hardware as well as comprehensive service and support. With ANKER as a partner, Thomas Philipps was able to modernize its POS infrastructure and make it future-proof.
This project is another example of how ANKER , as a holistic POS provider, understands the specific needs of its customers and develops customized solutions that increase both efficiency and ease of use.
About ANKER Group
The ANKER Group, headquartered in Bielefeld, is a leading provider of integrated point of sale (POS) systems and the market leader for checkout hardware in the German-speaking food retail sector. Its customers include eight of the ten largest retailers in German-speaking countries. With over 140 years of experience, ANKER develops and distributes high-quality hardware "Made in Germany" - from cash cassettes and holder systems to modern self-checkout solutions. The portfolio is complemented by cloud-based checkout software, individual POS solutions and comprehensive services such as consulting, rollout and support.
About Thomas Philipps
Thomas Philipps is the discount retailer for home & garden. With over 260 stores in Germany, 12 in Austria, 7 in Lithuania and an online store, the company offers an extensive range of more than 18,000 items - from decorative home accessories to practical gardening aids. In addition to well-known brand products, Thomas Philipps also offers attractive own brands, seasonal highlights and weekly special offers - always under the motto: Happily affordable.
