Posts By :

Sally Cohen

Make Checkout Easy

Make Checkout Easy 620 421 GAD Vending

(Crane CPI Vending) Self-checkout technology is at the forefront of rapid retail digitization, transforming the checkout experience for retailers and consumers alike. But for retailers aiming to stay a step ahead of the curve, adopting a customized self-checkout solution as opposed to a generic solution is not just innovative, but necessary. While implementing a self-checkout built specifically for your store may seem complex, Crane Payment Innovations makes the entire process smooth and painless.

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how we build, install and service a self-checkout made specifically for your store – from start to finish.

Consultation

Before prescribing, we diagnose. At CPI, we recognize that a generic turnkey solution is a disservice to your business’s unique and specific needs. The consultation phase is where we diverge from the one-size-fits-all mentality. Our method involves analyzing your specific retail operation and identifying the nuanced challenges and opportunities unique to your store. By dissecting your processes, customer interactions, and pain points, we custom-build a solution that not only integrates seamlessly with your existing operations but also resolves your distinct problems. This approach ensures that our self-checkout system doesn’t just fit – it functions as an extension of your brand’s commitment to customer service and operational efficiency.

Design

Transforming the shopping experience begins with a blueprint that resonates with your brand and clientele. Our design phase is not a one-size-fits-all template; it’s a collaborative effort where your vision is meticulously etched, from layout to branding and beyond. We pride ourselves on a design process that embraces your business’ unique traits to create a bespoke checkout solution.

Customization is the cornerstone here; from touchscreen interfaces to varying levels of customer assistance, our self-checkout systems are tailored to integrate effortlessly within your environment. By aligning the solution with your retail ethos and operational mechanics, we ensure that customer satisfaction and ease of use are amplified.

Installation 

The transition from design to live installation can be an anxious time, with concerns about disruption and downtime. Our experienced engineers and project managers skillfully execute installations with minimal disruption.

Quality assurance and thorough testing are integral to our process, ensuring functionality and stability before customer use. Our aim is to not only install a system but to establish a new era of operational efficiency you can rely on.

Training and Service

The effectiveness of a system relies on its operators. That’s why we’re committed to making sure each staff member has a full knowledge of how to operate your new checkout solution. Our immersive training, led by knowledgeable professionals, covers both technology and your retail needs.

But our commitment doesn’t stop there. Ongoing support and maintenance are the foundation of our customer experience. Our dedicated support team is ready to troubleshoot and guide your staff, ensuring consistent productivity and exceptional customer service.

Embracing the Future of Retail

Embarking on a journey to a custom self-checkout can be tricky, but CPI is here to guide you every step of the way. As retail automation gains momentum, we are dedicated to making things simple and achievable, and to making seamless experiences the norm.

CPI is more than just an automated checkout provider. We design seamless, stress-free systems deeply rooted in the retail landscape. From inception to operational excellence, our dedicated support ensures a smooth and effective transition to custom self-checkout.

Ready to start today? Call GAD Vending.

Thank you to our Veterans

Thank you to our Veterans 2048 1365 GAD Vending

A big thank you to those family, friends, staff and customers that served our country.

November – National Our Favorite Coffee Drink Month

November – National Our Favorite Coffee Drink Month 940 788 GAD Vending

With two of our favorite coffee drinks having national days this month, we are officially declaring November “Our Favorite Coffee Drink Month”. November 8 is National Cappuccino Day and November 23 is National Espresso Day just to make sure we celebrate appropriately.

To join in the celebration, just contact the closest GAD office (800.798.2812) in either Omaha, Des Moines or Kansas City. Let us know the office size breakroom you are in charge of – and we’ll not only commiserate with what a pain coffee clean up can really be and we’ll bring you a cup of coffee from one of our Crane Vending machines.

We also work with lots of vending route companies that can do the upkeep for you. They are experts at servicing coffee vending machines as well as your snack and soda equipment.

Crane Vending machines features are numerous, so we’ll go over a few:

  • Fresh grounding of the beans
  • Easy maintenance
  • Lots of choices for users
  • Can be set to free or paid
  • Users can save their favorites on their phone and order in an app
  • The vending machine can notify you when it needs restocking
  • GAD stocks parts to keep your machine in working order

What’s in Stock? Kalkomat Boxers

What’s in Stock? Kalkomat Boxers 1500 1504 GAD Vending

Kalkomat is an international manufacturer of some of the best, most innovative arcade games available today. What does GAD love the best? The stand up boxer series!

GAD stocks various boxer arcade games. Available for purchase by the public for home use, office, breakroom or arcade. Currently in stock is the American Boxer, Fire Boxer, and Combo Boxer.

Contact GAD for all the information on the Kalkomat Boxer games.

Halloween – Trick or Treat and Pinball

Halloween – Trick or Treat and Pinball 753 751 GAD Vending

What a great combination for Halloween – do a little trick or treat and play pinball in to the night.

GAD favorites for Halloween – Elvira or Stranger Things (both in stock or look on Stern for places to play!).

But of course, we could be moved to play a rousing pin on any of the best music games available. Especially exciting is the new Metallica Remastered. If that isn’t your band – how about Foo Fighters, or Iron Maiden? Younger kids enjoy TMNT, Mandalorian, or Jurassic Park. Anything Marvel is always a good choice – Avengers, Venom, Deadpool or Guardians of the Galaxy. Not yes? How about from a favorite movie? James Bond? Godzilla? Jaws? The choices are amazing.

Amazing choices, in stock at GAD for pick up, delivery or ship out.

Halloween Costume Ideas!

Halloween Costume Ideas! 940 788 GAD Vending

What are you going to be for Halloween? That’s easy – your PINBALL character!

So easy to be anything Star Wars or Mandalorian. How about Ghostbusters or TMNT? Marvels? So many great characters, so few days to dress up!

But we’ll be so bold that if you dress up like your pinball, share the photos.

New! Stern’s Metallica Remastered Pinball

New! Stern’s Metallica Remastered Pinball 1500 1483 GAD Vending

A remastered edition of Stern’s hit Metallica game, originally released in 2012.

● The iconic John Borg and Lyman Sheats pinball masterpiece enhanced with SPIKE 2 electronics and LCD display featuring all new animations, Insider Connected features, HD quality live concert footage, 8 new songs (for a total of 22), Expression Lighting system, expanded game rules and 2 all-new art packages by Metallica artist Rhys Cooper. Available now as Premium or Limited-Edition models.

● The game John Borg always wanted to make! His classic playfield architecture is enhanced with 3 new sculpts; Sparky, the Hammer and new rgb illuminated Skulls, a new Metallica logo spell-out on the back panel, and UV lighting effects throughout the playfield and on Sparky. Also available is a full accessory package including interactive topper, armor, and shooter knob. The game includes numerous quality and durability refinements based on observations of the game over its lifetime, such as improvements to the disappearing ball magnet sensing technology, the in-line drop targets, a new anti-bounce back steel diverter post, chrome wire-forms, ball guide refinements, ramp sensing optos and RGB LED’s.

● The legendary Lyman Sheats rule set has been carefully enhanced by Ray Davidson to add 2 new game modes based on “Hardwired” and “72 Seasons” and a new “Blackened” Wizard Mode. The software includes numerous refinements throughout and an enhanced insert array to support the new game rules. The 8 new songs have been seamlessly integrated into the game and include new supporting animations, movies and HD quality live concert footage provided specifically by the band.

● The presentation elements are all new; including all video content and animations, new sound effects, the integration of the Expression Lighting system for cabinet and speakers (standard on the LE, available on the Premium) and over 1000 new speech calls that include call outs by the band. The game also features UV lighting elements throughout the playfield and fully integrated into toys and game rules.

● The game now has Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected system which brings Achievements, Quests, Leaderboards and the full complement of IC features to the game. The integration features 4 “Crank it Up” Challenge modes and 1 Wizard Mode unlockable with IC.

Songs featured in the game:

Returning songs:

  • · Battery
  • · Blackened
  • · Creeping Death
  • · Enter Sandman
  • · Fade to Black
  • · For Whom the Bell Tolls
  • · Fuel
  • · Master Of Puppets
  • · One
  • · Ride the Lightning
  • · Sad But True
  • · Seek and Destroy
  • · The Unforgiven
  • · The End of The Line – IC Integration

New songs:

  • 72 Seasons
  • Hardwired
  • Frantic
  • Hit the Lights
  • If Darkness Had a Son
  • King Nothing
  • Moth Into Flame
  • Spit Out the Bone

Re-Imaging Brand Loyalty in 6 Square Feet

Re-Imaging Brand Loyalty in 6 Square Feet 800 557 GAD Vending

It’s hard to compete with Big Coffee when they have a shop on every street corner and a box on every grocery store shelf, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead, colonize the corner of every car dealership, bakery, gym, and daycare drop off with custom coffee machines. Your brew is there to earn new loyalists whenever, wherever they feel the urge for caffeine.

Our COTI customizable self-service coffee machine lets you design your experience. When your customers want a cup of coffee, you’ll be the first brand they see.

Gone are the days of instant coffee. If you think self-service can’t offer a premium selection, luxury experience and high-end taste, think again. We build and fill per your requirements. Just tell us what you want.

If you’re ready to promote your brand, open new revenue streams, and keep your propriety blends top of mind and palate for everyone, talk to us. We’ll provide the coffee for the meeting.

Stern Pinball Revisits a Timeless Classic with Metallica Remastered – Available Now

Stern Pinball Revisits a Timeless Classic with Metallica Remastered – Available Now 1500 1507 GAD Vending

STERN PRESS RELEASE – CHICAGO, IL – October 16, 2024 – Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., revealed Metallica Remastered – a technologically advanced version of one of Stern Pinball’s greatest hits. Metallica Pinball was originally released in 2013 and is one of the most successful and beloved pinball games ever. Metallica Remastered has elevated the game to the modern era with gameplay, electronics, and presentation improvements. Metallica Remastered pinball games are available now in Premium and Limited Edition (LE) models, along with a full line of accessories available soon.

Metallica Remastered is updated with a full-color LCD display featuring all-new animations and live concert video footage. Stern’s modern Spike 2 electronics will power the gameplay experience.  Fans will enjoy expanded gameplay and improved presentation with 22 songs (8 more than the original) and expanded gameplay rules. Cabinet improvements include an Expression Lighting system and 2 all-new art packages by Metallica artist Rhys Cooper.  Players will experience the same great flow from the original Metallica playfield layout with geometry and mechanical improvements, new versions of gameplay toys, updated mechanical devices, and new UV lighting effects.

Since forming in 1981, Metallica has become one of the most influential and popular bands in musical history. Through their groundbreaking music, electrifying live performances, and a cultural impact that has extended beyond music, Metallica has garnered a massive global following of dedicated fans. Their critical acclaim and influence match the Hall of Fame band’s commercial success in the world of rock music and pinball.

Stern Pinball has ensured that extra care and attention to detail has gone into every facet of Metallica Remastered while respecting the timeless classic game created by pinball legends John Borg and Lyman F. Sheats, Jr. The design team, led again by John Borg and software engineer Raymond Davidson, has created a modern version of the original masterpiece.

John Borg’s classic playfield architecture has been enhanced with three all-new sculptures: Sparky, the Hammer, new RGB-illuminated Skulls, and a new Metallica logo spell-out on the back panel. Dramatic UV lighting effects have been implemented throughout the playfield and on Sparky, and the game includes numerous quality and durability refinements.

The iconic Lyman Sheats rule set has been carefully enhanced to add two new game modes based on Metallica’s two most recent albums, last year’s Grammy-winning 72 Seasons and 2016’s Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, as well as a new “Blackened” Wizard Mode. The Metallica Remastered software also includes numerous refinements throughout and an enhanced illuminated insert array to support the new game rules while preserving the classic gameplay feel from the original.

Metallica Remastered features an entirely new suite of presentation elements, including all video content and animations, new sound effects, and over 1,000 new speech calls that include callouts by the band. Eight new Metallica songs have been seamlessly integrated into the game and include new supporting animations, movies, and HD-quality live concert footage selected by the band. The Expression Lighting system for the cabinet and speakers comes standard with the Limited Edition version and is available as an accessory upgrade for Premium models.

Limited to 500 games globally, the highly collectible Limited Edition model includes the Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting. These integrated lighting systems are synchronized to custom light shows specifically designed for every song and dynamically responsive to game events. The LE version also includes a full-color Remastered mirrored backglass, full-color reflective high definition cabinet decals with hand-drawn artwork by Rhys Cooper, exclusive custom powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a signed Certificate of Authenticity.

Metallica Remastered includes Stern’s ever-expanding Insider Connected™ platform, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in multiple ways, including ongoing code updates from Stern Pinball to extend and improve the experience over time. Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific Achievements, and extend the fun with four “Crank it Up” modes and “End of Line” Wizard Mode as Challenge Modes only with Insider Connected. Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/ or in the Insider Connected App. Download it today on iOS and Android.

Metallica is one of the quintessential pinball games that has been treasured and respected for over a decade now,” said Seth Davis, President and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “We’re incredibly proud of the entire Stern team in collaboration with Metallica for their thoughtful yet modern recreation of this beloved game, staying true to the design philosophies that have shaped pinball today and for years to come.”

Pricing and Availability: 

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*:

 *MSRP for sales to USA end-users before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.                                         

Premium Edition:                                                   $US 9,699

Limited Edition:                                                     $US 12,999

Metallica Remastered pinball games are now available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers worldwide. This game is available for commercial or residential purchase at GAD.

About Insider Connected

Insider Connected™ is Stern Pinball’s community network that allows players and owners to engage with pinball games in rapidly expanding ways. The platform unites pinball players around the world and enhances fun through a variety of helpful online features. Insider Connected is included with every new Stern product and is available as an add-on for existing games.

Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com or in the intuitive Insider Connected™ mobile app on iOS and Android. By tapping a device on any enabled machine, players can track and resume game progress wherever they play, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the pinball community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests. In addition to offering benefits to players, Insider Connected allows Stern to serve its game owners worldwide by upgrading games, offering new features and quests, and extending the longevity of machines for years to come.

About Stern Pinball, Inc. 

Stern Pinball, Inc. creates compelling entertainment that inspires a lifetime love of games, sparks passion, forges friendships, and connects people everywhere through fun, innovative, technologically advanced pinball games and experiences.  Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise.  Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.

Recent Stern Pinball titles include Metallica Remastered, The Uncanny X-Men, John Wick, JAWS, Venom, Foo Fighters, James Bond, Rush, Godzilla, The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man.  A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games, from professional pinball players competing in high-stakes global competitions to novice players discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time.  To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.

About Metallica 

Formed in 1981 by vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich and including guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, Metallica has become one of the most influential and successful rock bands in history, selling nearly 125 million albums worldwide and generating more than 17 billion streams while playing to millions of fans on all seven continents—more than 1.3 million of whom belong to the band’s fiercely loyal and consistently growing Fifth Member fan club. Metallica’s catalog of multi-platinum studio albums includes Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, …And Justice for All, Metallica (commonly referred to as The Black Album), Load, Reload, St. Anger, Death Magnetic, Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, and most recently the Grammy-winning 72 Seasons, released April 14, 2023 on the band’s own Blackened Recordings label. Metallica’s awards and accolades include nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, multiple MTV Video Music Awards, a 2009 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Sweden’s Polar Music Prize. In 2017, Metallica established the All Within My Hands Foundation to give back to communities that have supported the band. To date, All Within My Hands’ collective efforts have raised nearly $15 million – providing $8.2 million in grants to career and technical education programs, over $3.6 million to combat food insecurity, and more than $3.5 million to disaster relief efforts.

###

All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.

Combating Retail Labor Shortages: The Self-Checkout Solution

Combating Retail Labor Shortages: The Self-Checkout Solution 620 421 GAD Vending

(Crane CPI Vending) The retail industry at large faces a pervasive issue: labor shortages. For retailers, this isn’t merely a trend, but a pressing reality that demands innovative solutions. Traditional checkout operations with human cashiers, once a cornerstone of retail, are now strained under the weight of these shortages. Luckily, self-checkout has proved to be an effective solution for labor shortage issues.

Self-checkout wasn’t merely a stopgap when it debuted, but a burgeoning component of the retail experience. Fast forward to today, 66% of grocery shoppers prefer using self-checkout over attended lanes. It’s a paradigm shift that not only placates consumer desire for convenience but offers a reprieve for beleaguered retailers struggling with staff shortages.

Adapting to the Inevitable: Labor Management in the Digital Age

Self-checkout presents itself as a simple solution to labor shortages, but its efficacy hinges on proactive integration and thoughtful labor redeployment. Adapting to the digital age demands not just the adoption of technology but the harnessing of its full potential. Retailers must pivot their labor strategies to align with evolving consumer and operational needs. Self-checkout, when integrated holistically, augments the workforce, preserves jobs, and propels retail into an era of unprecedented customer engagement.

The Strategic Redeployment of Labor

As retailers grapple with the reality of labor scarcity, the strategic redeployment of staff becomes a crucial exercise in resource optimization. Rather than simply managing cashier to customer ratios, retailers can strategically redistribute these workers to either staff the sales floor or focus on backend tasks such as stocking and inventory management. This intentional alignment of labor resources with customer needs enables retailers to navigate the labor landscape more efficiently while potentially enhancing their offerings in the process.

The Customer Experience and Revenue Boost

A well-staffed store not only allows for more comprehensive customer service but also drives revenue growth. Recent research has shown that engaging with a store associate increases the likelihood of a customer making a purchase by 43%. By allocating personnel to areas of high customer engagement, retailers can ensure that every customer interaction and sales opportunity is maximized. Furthermore, the meaningful interaction between customers and employees fosters a sense of brand loyalty that enhances the overall shopping experience and encourages repeat business. By strategically redeploying labor and prioritizing customer experience, retailers can optimize their resources, boost revenue, and foster lasting brand loyalty.

Seizing the Self-Checkout Moment

Self-checkout is not an immediate fix for all the labor-related woes that retailers face, but it is an undeniably potent tool in the kit to navigate these challenging times. By reimagining the role of labor through the lens of automation and enhanced customer experience, retailers can not only weather the storm but emerge more robust and responsive than ever before.

CPI is a One-Stop-Shop for Custom Self-Checkout

In an era where customization is not a luxury, but a necessity for survival in the retail industry, Crane Payment Innovations (CPI) emerges as the one-stop-shop for custom self-checkout solutions. Our comprehensive approach to self-checkout systems includes the development of solutions tailored to each retailer’s specific operational framework. But even after installation, our commitment doesn’t end; our global servicing network stands by, ready to ensure minimal operational disruption.

Opting for a CPI custom self-checkout solution isn’t just choosing technology; it’s anchoring your retail operations in a strategic foresight that prioritizes adaptability, consumer satisfaction, and long-term resilience in an industry characterized by perpetual evolution.