Kirkel - July 16, 2007. Praktiker Bau- und Heimwerkermärkte Holding AG is introducing a new group-wide checkout system featuring one of the most innovative hardware and software systems available in the market. For the customers, shopping at Praktiker will be even more convenient in future while work for the checkout staff will easier and more efficient with the new system. The project will be realized in cooperation with Wincor Nixdorf. The order volume is in the lower double-digit million range.

The new checkout system with complete standard software is to replace various older systems of different releases existing at the Praktiker stores in Germany and at the other European Praktiker subsidiaries. The new system allows for easy changes to the billing system from one central point, which will then be uploaded to all stores, regardless of whether they are located in Germany or abroad.

The new checkout system will make shopping at Praktiker even more convenient and easy. Unlike with the present system, it will be possible to read the customer card at any point during the checkout process. Moreover, the checkout software will allow for an interruption of the checkout process. If the customer forgot something, this does not mean that the complete process has to be started all over again. With the ‘parking’ function, a receipt is created which can be scanned again to continue the checkout process. Modern touch screens, card readers directly next to the screen and radio scanners also facilitate daily work for the checkout staff working at Praktiker.

The new checkout hardware and software rank among the most innovative and flexible systems currently available. They support different checkout variants and offer countless extension options. They could for example also be used to operate self-scanning checkouts or pay terminals. With this new system, all future options are open for the Praktiker Group.

The project is supported by the Wincor Nixdorf software platform TP.net and covers the installation of the new checkout terminal, the complete software conversion and the continued service in Germany and abroad. The new checkout system will be rolled out starting in spring 2008 and will in a first phase be tested in a trial at one of the group’s Eastern European subsidiaries. After successful completion of the trial it will be gradually rolled out to all other stores. The uniform hardware and software will be available across the complete Praktiker Group – including its new subsidiary Max Bahr – by the year 2010.