Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc.

Fujitsu introduces grocery industry's first software application for real-time self-checkout lane management

LaneAlert sends instant alerts to store management when target utilization not met or lanes go down

Frisco, TX, April 29, 2004 — Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. has developed LaneAlert, a new lane management software application for self-checkout terminals that monitors lane activity and sends real-time alerts to store management when problems arise or utilization benchmarks are not met.

LaneAlert, available immediately, works with IBM's Supermarket Application and SurePOS ACE platforms and can be installed on all available self-checkout models, including Fujitsu's U-Scan product line. Developed in conjunction with MATRA Systems Inc., the software collects transaction data from each lane to create a database that generates utilization reports for each lane. When lane activity falls below a retailer-defined level, an alert is sent to a manager who can open or close lanes as needed to serve customers.

"For the first time, grocers can get real-time alerts regarding their self-checkout lanes so they can optimize lane usage and make operations run more smoothly," said Tom Juliano, senior vice president, food and drug at Fujitsu. "When we acquired Optimal Robotics' self-checkout business, we wanted to expand the benefits and uses of self-checkout systems while reducing costs for grocers. Customer data suggests that if a store can convert as little as one percent of its traffic to self-checkout, it can save as much as $3,000 per year per store in labor costs. This new lane management application is an immediate step forward toward even greater cost reduction."

LaneAlert monitors self-checkout lane usage and can send alerts to management via wireless devices, such as a pager or Fujitsu's iPAD handheld. On a mobile device such as the iPAD, the software displays a detailed, graphical report of findings and any problems.

Fujitsu acquired Optimal Robotics' self-checkout business, including its U-Scan product line, in a $35 million agreement announced April 5. The deal was approved by Optimal shareholders and was completed on April 12.

U-Scan systems enable shoppers to scan, bag and pay for their purchases with little or no assistance from store personnel. Available in many of the top grocery chains, U-Scan self-checkout systems have been deployed throughout the U.S. as well as in Canada and the U.K.

###

EDITOR'S NOTE:For sales and product information call 1-800-340-4425.

---

About Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc.

Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) and the IT "lifecycle solutions" provider for consumer transaction environments. The company collaborates with customers to relentlessly reduce their costs and improve their profitability. Fujitsu's offerings include multi-vendor infrastructure management services, point-of-sale hardware and software, mobile devices and self service systems including U-Scan. The company has some 1,500 employees in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Example customers include Canadian Tire, ChevronTexaco, Hannaford Bros., H.EB., Loblaws, Nordstrom, Payless ShoeSource, Regal Cinema, Ross Dress for Less, Staples, Stop & Shop and The TJX Companies, among others. The company also has a 50/50 joint venture with Retalix Ltd. (NASDAQ: RTLX) in StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC, the No. 1 supplier of retail technology to independent grocers and regional chains.
For more information, please see: us.fujitsu.com/retailing

---

Press Contacts