#Japan #Shizuoka #Laurel Bank Machine #Teraoka Seiko #Vself

Introduction

Japan takes a significant step into the future of retail with the unveiling of an innovative self-service payment system capable of processing gift card transactions. Collaborating with Teraoka Seiko, a pioneer in self-checkout technology, Laurel Bank Machine has initiated a proof of concept (PoC) that is set to revolutionize the shopping experience for consumers and retailers alike.

The Birth of a New System

Starting November 2025, this groundbreaking system will be the first of its kind in Japan, allowing customers to utilize gift cards through an automated self-service payment system connected with Teraoka's point-of-sale (POS) systems. This initiative is designed to alleviate the burden on store attendants, thereby improving operational efficiency and responding to the growing demand for self-service options amid labor shortages in the retail industry.

Addressing Self-Checkout Challenges

Self-service checkouts have become increasingly popular, especially in supermarkets, with implementation rates surging to 37.9%. However, attendants often find their workload intensified when managing gift card transactions. The newly developed gift card self-payment system will allow for automatic reading and processing of these gift cards via Teraoka's self-checkout units. Customers can insert their gift cards following prompts displayed on the self-checkout screen and LED signals from the dedicated card reader, known as Vself™. Consequently, the need for attendant assistance is minimized, enhancing the operation rate of self-checkouts and optimizing the efficiency of cashiers.

Featuring Vself™ Technology

The Vself™ reader has been specially designed for seamless gift card transactions. By simply following on-screen instructions, shoppers can swiftly complete their payments using the self-contained system. This technological advancement signifies a major leap towards automating the previously cumbersome process of handling gift cards at retail outlets.

Cloud System for Gift Card Registration

Leveraging its expertise in currency processing machine technology, Laurel Bank Machine has developed a cloud-based system that facilitates the easy identification of various gift cards. The system will allow retail establishments to upload images of new gift cards, enabling quick registration whenever new promotional or regional gift cards are introduced. This ensures that customers can effortlessly use their gift cards at participating locations, as stores can manage their offerings from a centralized platform.

Details of the Proof of Concept

The proof of concept will take place at the Food Market Mam in the Suruga ward of Shizuoka City, Japan, from November 26, 2025, to late December of the same year. This pilot program will support various gift cards, including JCB Gift Certificates and JTB Nice Gift Certificates, totaling around ten different types of cards. It represents a critical test of the self-payment system, assessing its operational capabilities and user experience.

Conclusion

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration between Laurel Bank Machine and Teraoka Seiko stands as a beacon of innovation, paving the way for more efficient shopping experiences. This new self-service gift card payment system illustrates how technology can simplify the transaction process and reduce the strain on staff, a necessary step in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by retailers in Japan and beyond. Stay tuned for further developments on this exciting project and its potential to change the way customers interact with their shopping environments.

Company Overview

Laurel Bank Machine Co., Ltd. provides cutting-edge currency processing solutions and is committed to pioneering technologies that enhance consumer experience. For further information, visit Laurel Bank Machine.

Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd. specializes in retail technology and continues to innovate in the fields of logistics and processing. More details can be found at Teraoka Seiko.