The Co-operative Group is launching a drive to sell its electronic point of sale (EPOS) and store management system, which was developed in-house, to other retailers.

The system, InControl-Evolution, was created by the group's software development team and is already successfully operational in 3,000 Co-operative stores around the UK, including food and pharmacy branches.

The plan to go to market is a first for the group and underlines its confidence in the advanced EPOS and store management system, which enables users to mix and match a range of applications including stock control, shelf replenishment and mobile terminals that allow back office tasks to be carried out remotely.

A dedicated website, www.incontrol-evolution.com has been created, which enables potential customers to find out more about what the system has to offer, and allows the applications to be selected and downloaded, so that end-users can cherry-pick programmes that are specific to their requirements.

Ian Dyson, director of information services for The Co-operative Group, said: "We are extremely proud of our InControl-Evolution system and in particular the benefits that have been leveraged from its utilisation within our businesses through improved control, management information and scalability."

"There is a professional and dedicated software development team underpinning the success of the product that is focused on maintaining and developing InControl-Evolution and associated solutions."

The system also features the award-winning "Wake-up on LAN" programme, that switches off tills, receipt printers, customer and operator screens, Chip and Pin devices and barcode scanners when stores close, and powers them up again the following morning before stores open.

Talking Retail, 25th January 2010

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