Acorn magazine

acorn

Project by: James Burnside Supervised by: Andrew Smith Copyright ©NCR 2017

Content

02 The Brief

Look ahead 3-5 years (2020 to 2022). What impact does the Internet of Things have on traditional NCR products (ATM, Self checkouts, POS ect‌) How do they develop and adapt to an IoT world or what replaces them?

Research for this project can be found at : https://wordpress.com/view/iotriotblog.wordpress.com

Features

16

From cash handlers to wall mounts, there’s an Acorn HUB for every environment.

04

Introduction to Acorn

10

The Big Picture

16

Hardware

36

Software

40

A Connected System

03 Inspiration

06

Story Board

12

HUB

16

Handset

30

APP

36

Further Connections

44

Benefits

46

32

The Acorn app isn’t just for retailers, it works for consumers as well.

What’s Inside

12

Find out Sarah’s story and how she interacted with the Acorn system.

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WHAT IS IT?

04

An Internet of Things driven Point of Sale solution for emerging retail locations. It uses Internet of Things to enhance the independent shopping experience while offering merchants access to card payments, cash handling and targeted advertising.

HUB

Moderator Relays information between the handset and other internet enabled devices. It also performs other key features in order to enhance the modern day retailing experience.

05 Introduction

Handset

App

Transactions

Information

Allows independent sellers to process

Makes managing and interacting with the

transactions without having to purchase their

Acorn system easier, by improving the

own money handling system.

relationship to the brand from both consumers and retailers.

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06

Attitudes on spending 2016 was the first year card payments

Furthermore, this can result in a potential loss

exceeded cash transactions as more and more

in revenue of up to ÂŁ23,145 for businesses that

people became used to carrying only their

can’t accept card payments.

card. As a result of this,1/4 consumers will now actively avoid cash only businesses.

Worldpay

07 Inspiration Pop-up popularity

Market turnover

Pop-up shops are an emerging trend. Traditionally,

The turnover of independent markets has risen

retailers occupied permanent premises on the

steeply since 2014 and is now estimated at £393

high streets and in shopping centers. But we now

Million. However, because markets and pop-up

see pop-up shops that allow merchants to rent a

shops still deal with cash-in-hand transactions

unit for a few weeks, move in, sell their produce

these figures are thought to be underestimated.

and then move on to the next location. This is also popular for new start up businesses as it is cheaper than renting a full store for permanent residence. This has made the value of pop-up retail boom. 2015 figures show this retail sector is worth £2.6 Billion in the UK (12.3% rise from 2014) and in the US worth $50 Billion (equal to 16% of the online retail market).

PaymentsUK

Wearepopup

Why do we choose markets / pop-up stores?

Unique Service / Products

39%

Localized Produce

36%

Optimal Prices

34%

Convenience

39%

Fun Experience

30%

Retailtouchpoints Copyright ©NCR 2017

08 Three different emerging economies Sharing economy Uber and Airbnb have experienced success by empowering people to be their own bosses and set their own hours of work. This has also started to show itself within food companies such as Deliveroo. An interesting part of this will be seeing how this trend will show itself within the retail industry.

Local economy Local people are bonding together in order to make products and services cheaper for each other and more unique than those offered on the high street.

This has made the peer to peer market grow through sites such as Etsy and Depop, even to the point of getting these sellers into high street retailers in order to meet the demand for these objects.

On demand Consumers want everything on demand, this has become very obvious. In a retail context this means that a pop-up store owner can have a short term retail location. They may rent out a store and within the same week set it up, move in and then back out on the weekend. That is how fast things can move now.

09 Inspiration Personal selling revolution It has never been easier to start a business. This can be done through online storefronts such as Etsy, Depop or Amazon and there are hundreds of other services out there which make every aspect of business easier.

However, even with these online opportunities, there are still large barriers to entry for retailers who want a physical presence. For example; long leases, capital, down payments and keeping up with inventory.

Retail experience In store retail must now focus on a user experience that cannot be achieved online. For example; makeup stores will now test your skin colour to see what tone of make-up will suit your skin the best and suggest accessories to pair with it. This type of experience cannot be offered through a screen and is a nice treat for the client. The online part of the experience can be used to enhance the total service offering.

Stores are bringing their staff onto the shop floor instead of keeping them behind the tills (like a personal shopping assistant) to help guide the customer with their decisions in store. This makes the client feel good about shopping.

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Tier 1 - HUBs

Tier 2 - Handsets

11 The Big Picture Tier 1 The HUB communicates directly to the

Tier 3 - Personal Items

cloud passing on information that it gathers from the other tiers. This also allows them to communicate with one

Calender

ATMs

Glasses

GPS

another so accounts can be accessed on any of the HUBs.

Tier 2 The handsets communicate directly to the

Camera

Computers

HUBs via an encrypted link. The handsets only communicate with the nearest HUB so no payment information is processed through unsecured devices.

Weather

Phones

Tier 3 Deliveries

Transport Personal devices can be used to view personal account details. All this information is processed by the fixed HUBs to make sure personal information

Watches

Wearables

isn’t at risk.

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12 Sarah’s Story 1

Online retailer Sarah has been an online seller for almost 5 years and she wants to try selling in a physical location.

However , she doesn’t have enough stock or income to run a permanent shop.

Downloads the app She downloads the Acorn app and subscribes. She creates her profile and finds locations close to her where there are free units she can rent to sell her products from.

2

13 Story Board 3

Visits the shop After reserving the unit online she then goes down to the shop to retrieve her handset and inspect the space.

4

Retrieves the handset She picks up her handset from the acorn HUB located inside the shopping centre using her login details. The handset is programmed to her account and is ready to take payments straight away.

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14

5 Inspects the Shop She uses the handset or the app to unlock the doors to the shop she has rented out for the week in order to sell her products.

Sets up Shop Later on that day she moves in to the shop and sets her products out using the facility available.

6

15 Story Board 7

Sales She then begins to sell her items from the shop using the handset that she picked up from the HUB. All the transactions are logged on the HUB and are visible through the app.

8

Returning the Handset Once she has finished for the day / week she can return the handset back into the acorn HUB, pay off any outstanding bills and be on her way.

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Shopping centre HUB The HUB would be installed in a variety of different places one of these being shopping centres. This means that empty shops can be filled easily, minimising the problem of empty units.

17 The Hub Fixed location

GPS locating

Fixed locations allow merchants to indicate where

This will monitor both the public who have

they are and create an identity for their business.

downloaded the app and the merchants within

Using the app, shoppers can find the retail

the range of each HUB. This allows spending

locations best suited to their tastes and interests.

habits and movements to be monitored in order

Information is updated in real time so shoppers

to see which markets / type of stall are busy

will never be disappointed.

and which could benifit with more advertising on the app. It also allows merchants to push advertisements to people in the local area both through the app and on the HUB itself.

Wifi

Advertisement

The acorn HUB emits its own Wifi signals. This

A large screen display allows merchants to push

allows anyone who has accessed the app to

their products to near by potential buyers in order

utilise these signals.

to boost their sales. This will also be shown to anyone within range of the HUB via the app.

Handset collection / deposit

Ordering

Handsets are rentable and ready to pick up from

Pre-order from shops that list their stock /

each HUB. They will always be up to date with

products from one of the Acorn HUBs. This can

the latest payment technology so the merchant

be done to pre-order food, clothes or any items

dont have to invest in their own device. When they

available in the shops within range of the HUB to

have finished with the handset they can just return

beat the queues.

it to the HUB.

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18 Weather Gauge Steel Casing

Solar Panel

Large Interface

Pin Pad

Interaction Zone

Cash Dispenser

Handset Dispenser

Kicker

Behind Screen Contactless Access

19 The Hub Cash deposit / withdraw

Weather

The HUB has cash deposit and withdrawal

HUBs that are located outside are fitted with a

functionality which allows merchants to access

weather gauge to give sellers a live feed on what

their money as they please. This means that

the weather is like where they plan on selling.

even un-banked merchants can take digital payments and then withdraw their takings as cash. This also allows outstanding payments like rent of the land / shop to be made on sight without the need for a manned market.

Energy The use of solar panels on the back of the HUB for the outdoor versions helps reduce the energy used for both the HUB and the handsets.

Weather / vandal proof

Security

As these HUBs might be installed outside in

The HUBs are in fixed locations near to where the

public areas they need to be both weather proof

stalls / shops are based which ensures a minimal

and resistant to vandalism.

distance for cash in transit.

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20

Indoor HUB

Cashless HUB

The Indoor HUB would be located in places

The cashless HUB works as an

such as shopping centers and indoor

extension from the main HUBs. This

markets. This would handle cash transactions

allows the Acorn system to run with large

as well as running the Acorn system.

advertisements without the bulk from the cash handling HUBs.

21 The Hub Wall Mount Extender

Outdoor HUB

The Wall Mount Extender uses the signal from

The outdoor HUB comes with all the services

the main HUB and can be placed on a wall to

that the indoor one has. However, it has solar

take up less room. Although it still dispenses

panels located on the back to maintain itself

handsets it contains less of them which is ideal

and had a hood to shelter the screen from the

for smaller establishments.

elements. It also has the ability to predict the weather which is ideal for outdoor sellers Copyright ŠNCR 2017

22

Outdoor HUB

The height of the hood for the unit exceeds the height needed to meet requirements for all countries. The Interaction zone is also adjustable (X and Y) by moving it up and down the screen depending on what country it is being used in.

23 The Hub Indoor HUB

Each of the main HUBs has enough room for 150 handsets to allow for fluctuation in the supply and returning of handsets into the machines.

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Wall Mount Extender

The Wall Mount Extenders have enough room to hold 20 handsets which is perfect for smaller markets and shopping centers.

25 The Hub Cashless HUB

The cashless HUB can hold the same amount of handsets as the main HUB. However it is a lot less bulky hand doesn’t deal with cash.

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26

Outdoor Markets The HUB can be used in outdoor market places where weekly market stalls are set up. This would allow a lot less confusion through the renting of the space to the paying of tax to people who may not have these skills or knowledge.

27 The Hub

Stand Alone Units The HUBs could also be used at stand alone events and be dropped off at locations, giving these events, more of a identity and allow individual sellers to participate and process card transactions.

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Pop-up Malls With more and more pop-up malls such as Boxpark becoming popular the Acorn system would be the perfect thing to manage this type of retailer.

29 The Hub

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Version 1.0

Version 1.2

Version 1.1

Version 1.3

31 The Handset

Encrypted contact to the HUB

No second screen needed

The device will contact the HUB directly as long

No need to faff about with a mobile phone or tablet

as it is within the vicinity of the signals emitted

as everything you need to complete transactions

by one. This will allow transactions to be made

is located on the device. Simply enter the amount /

without having to use a personal devices as a form

scan and pay. (Can be linked up to other products

of communication to the web. This also means that

such as tills or phones if the owner chooses)

no corrupted software can be used on the handset thereby reducing the risk of a security breach.

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32 Contactless / Apple Pay ect...

Power

Contactless types of transaction would be processed

Power button is located separately on the left

by placing the device / card onto the screen of

of the unit in order to avoid confusion and

the handset. These types of transaction would be

promote easy access.

indicated on screen when the handset is eligible to take this type of payment.

Mounting system

Scanner

Allows the handset to be fixed onto different

This allows stock and transactions to be

accessories to allow both a personal and a

run through the handset if the merchant

practical touch. This will allow it to be mounted

keeps track of their stock or has

on things such as a belt or fixed to a podium for

barcodes on their items.

greater stability.

33 The Handset Weather proof Buttons have been used in order to make it easy to use in different environments.

Buttons are also more damage resistant than a screen and also usable by people with low hand eye dexterity.

Trust Because the handset does not process transactions through a secondary device it is a lot more trustworthy in the eyes of the public.

Receipts Digital receipts are sent automatically to subscribers of the app. However if nonsubscribers want a receipt they can type in their phone number to receive one.

Chip and Pin Card chips are processed in the same way that we have all come to know (If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it).

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34 Barcode Scanner User Account

5:4 Screen Handset Mounting System

NFC Payments Reader

Handset Number

Pip LED Back Lighting

Button Interface Chip and Pin

35 The Handset

Handset The handset is designed so that all the buttons are within the normal range of motion of the thumb. This means that it can be used both one or two-handed depending on personal preference.

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Why an App?

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38

Receipts Digital receipts are issued from all purchases made on an Acorn handset. This means that the receipts aren’t misplaced and it also saves paper. The app will also make refunds easier as a refund can be obtained at any HUB location through the app.

HUB Advertise Businesses can also upload their products and sales onto their HUB for a charge in order to advertise to people without the app.

This allows the HUB to have a second use when it’s not being used.

Booking experience All unit rent, card machine rental and tax can be paid straight through the HUB or the app meaning there is no hassle paying everything individually. Prices can be updated instantly and can use live data in order to maximise profits according to demand.

39 The App App to app advertise

Statistics

Store owners can take pictures of their products

All information is logged in the cloud creating

and put out a silent ‘shout’ to other people in

a database for the busier times, locations and

the vicinity of the HUB. This targets people who

types of product that are sold in each area. This

might be interested in the offer based on their

ensures the correct pop-up shops are going to

transaction history. This is instead of ‘calling

the right areas where they will make the best

their odds’ as shouting in market places is

profits and also means that unit rental pricing is

becoming increasingly frowned upon.

flexible and cheaper during quieter times.

Identity

Transactions

The profile allows pop-up businesses to create

All payments that go through the handset

a stronger identity for themselves, advertising

will be logged on the HUB. These can then

who they are, where they will be selling and

be viewed on the app. This allows easy

customer reputation via the app. This makes it

management of transactions in turn making

easier for buyers to locate their favorite shops

accounting easier for pop-up businesses even

even if the stalls move around the country.

if they have no accounting skills.

Inventory

Payments

Inventory can be taken and registered through

Money can be transferred to the bank via the

the app by scanning bar codes or logging

app or withdrawn at one of the HUBs. However,

numbers using the handset or the app.

it can also be left in the account to accumilate.

It is totally up to the business owner.

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40 The stall holder app Pre-book spaces

Push advertising

Book stall spaces online before you go to sell,

Take photos of your stock and advertise on the

to ensure you can get a place that day.

HUBs local to you.

41 The App See your competition

Track payments

See who else will be at the market on the

Discover how much you have made each day

same day.

and have access to accurate records.

Manage finances Pay any outstanding bills direct from the app and move your takings freely.

Create an identity Gain a following from people who like the store on social media and via the app.

Discover where to sell Based on statistics gathered, the app will recommend where will be best for you to sell each day.

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42 The consumer app Exclusive offers and notifications Offers that are pushed by merchants will appear on the app if you might be interested in them.

Track payments See how much money you have spent and when / where you have spent it.

Secure The app is protected by several levels of security (passwords / fingerprint) that are customized to the owners needs.

Customized experience Input your interests and hobbies for more recommendations of stalls you might like.

Digital receipts

Review the sellers

Get a digital receipt from every

Let the sellers and other consumers know

transaction which makes returns possible

your feedback on your experiences at

if the item is faulty.

each shop.

43 The App

Locate the shops

See what’s in stock

Find where your favorite sellers are and when

Find what you are looking for before you head

they will next be in your area.

out from merchants that list their stock.

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Smart accessories Smart accessories can be used to notify businesses when payments have been made, when stock is running low and when orders have come in. They could be used by any buyer who wishes to be notified about offers tailored to their spending habits.

Tills and tablets If the business chooses to have a more stable till area, they will be able to add other items onto the HUB to receive more detailed information about their transactions in real time. This could especially benefit food stores as they could take pre-orders.

Shop shutters Shop Shutters could be connected to the App / HUB so the store could be digitally opened and closed at will depending on who has rented the unit. No keys would be needed and the status of the shop could be broadcast live via the app.

45 Further Connections Fit Bits / health monitors Health monitors could be linked to the app to analyze how different products / places make us feel. This information could then be used to influence what is recommended to that individual.

Stock checkers Sensors on store shelving would let merchants and customers know in real time how much of each product they have left.

AI Maybe not within 5 years, but maybe in the future a digital store assistant could be used to manage the business either in store or producing products. It could also be used to predictive retail trends giving the store options on what to produce next.

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46

Identity One of the key benefits of this system is that it gives individual sellers more of an identity. This means that they can gather a following of customers as well as get customer feed back and even give digital receipts. This means that customers can trust these type of sellers more as they know they aren’t just going to disappear after the sale is done.

47 Benefits Fill derelict shops This system gives empty shops new purpose so people can use the property without having to buy it.

Correct tools Acorn has all the necessary tools for anyone to set up a store. With a variety of ways to use the system from advertising to cash handling it has never been easier to start up your own pop-up shop,

Time Since everything is handled in one place it takes seconds to start up your own store with very little effort. The seller can see the best places to sell their merchandise and buyers can see who is selling things that they want.

Ability The Acorn system gives people the ability to start up their own shops even just for a day without the need to buy everything (payment platforms, rent, tax and advertising). This means that almost anybody can start up their own store for a very small initial charge and test the water on how their merchandise sells in a real shop.

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