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Transforming mobility hubs through advanced self-service

Discover how Diebold Nixdorf is reshaping fuel and convenience retail with innovative self-service solutions to enhance convenience, efficiency, and sustainability.



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Author: Matt Redwood, VP of Retail Technology Solutions at Diebold Nixdorf

The fuel and convenience retail industry is experiencing a dynamic transformation, emerging as one of the most intriguing sectors to observe. Retailers within this industry acknowledge the need to evolve, actively seeking methods to create inviting environments that transcend the traditional concept of fueling stations. Especially as urbanization accelerates and lifestyles adopt a faster pace, fueling stations are undergoing a profound shift toward integrated mobility solutions.

These hubs serve as vibrant spaces catering not only to refueling vehicles but also offering an array of services tailored to enhance convenience, efficiency, and sustainability in transportation. A key strategy for these spaces to achieve convenience and efficiency is self-service encompassing self-checkout and self-ordering.

Self-service within mobility hubs signifies a paradigm shift in consumer interaction with transportation infrastructure. Formerly perceived as stops solely for refueling vehicles, these hubs have evolved into multifaceted centers offering services ranging from charging cars and purchasing snacks and beverages, to even parcel pick-ups from e-lockers and carwash facilities.

According to the Boston Consulting Group report, “A New Era for Fuel Retailers,” “more than 75% of fuel retailers believe their non-fuel margins will become increasingly important and 65% plan to invest more in their C-stores, bringing major changes to store formats and offerings.”

One of the major changes is self-service. The adoption of self-service solutions in this sector yields numerous benefits for both consumers and businesses. Self-service options empower consumers with greater control over their fueling and shopping experiences, enabling quick transactions, and reducing reliance on staff assistance. Thus, eliminating the need to wait for attendants and ensuring swift transactions is especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules. Operating 24/7, self-service stations provide unparalleled accessibility, catering to commuters, travelers, and late-night drivers alike.

For businesses, implementing self-service solutions translates to significant cost savings by reducing the need for extensive staff presence during off-peak hours. Streamlining transactions and minimizing wait times contribute to a positive customer experience, fostering loyalty and repeat business. Moreover, self-service terminals can be customized to accommodate various preferences and requirements, enhancing engagement and creating tailored experiences for customers. 

In summary, the integration of self-service solutions in mobility hubs offers enhanced convenience, efficiency, and reduced operational costs, while improving customer satisfaction. By embracing self-service technologies, businesses adapt to evolving consumer preferences and drive innovation within the industry, empowering consumers to take control of their mobility experiences beyond traditional fueling needs.

Diebold Nixdorf's self-service solutions enable retailers to seamlessly transform mobility hubs and establish single consumer touchpoints, free from dependence on a single hardware or software vendor. These solutions provide maximum flexibility to create self-service, semi-self-service, and attended journeys with the same set of devices, facilitating swift deployment adjustments as needed throughout the day.

The next significant advancement involves integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into self-service solutions. In the retail industry, AI offers transformative solutions that redefine the in-store experience. Diebold Nixdorf's AI platform Vynamic® Smart Vision is revolutionizing the fuel and convenience retail industry by integrating various elements into a cohesive, seamless, and memorable in-store experience, encompassing checkouts, consumer devices, and more.

Diebold Nixdorf offers a range of solutions aimed at enhancing the retail experience, including facial recognition for automated age verification, advanced item scanning with auto-ID functionality, and shrink-reduction measures. These technologies streamline major in-store customer touchpoints such as self-checkout.

Our AI platform allows us to extend and enhance solutions, removing friction associated with technology in the fuel and convenience business. The convergence of innovation, disruption, and the power of Vynamic® Smart Vision is propelling this industry into the future.

Let’s transform the fuel and convenience industry together. Visit our website.

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