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Somerfield Stores are the fifth largest Supermarket Group in the UK. In 2003 they commenced a trial of Self Service Checkout devices.
This device is an ideal Queue Buster as it allows a customer to scan, weigh and pay for their own purchases without the assistance of a Checkout operator.

Somerfield operations identified that the training of their staff was critical to the successful integration of the device into the stores.
The training needed to address operational requirements, as opposed to being purely technical.

In August 2005 Agora Solutions Ltd was selected by Fujitsu to transform the training material and delivery methods to suit Somerfields Operational requirements.

The following were achieved within 3 months 

• Re-designed and re-wrote the Training Manual into a format that was specific to Somerfield.
• Introduced focussed training sessions aimed at meeting the requirements of the different job roles associated with the Self checkout device.
• Created a new role within the store, which had specific responsibilities for the on-going success of the Self Checkout device.
• Produced a video and presentation outlining the reasons for introducing Self Checkout, and establishing the Stores responsibilities regarding the device.
• Created new User Manuals and Self Help material aimed at reducing unnecessary calls to Somerfields Helpdesk
• Created Training material to enable the Store Champion to train all new members of staff

 All stores were then delivered with this new Training process, thus ensuring a standardised approach across the brand.

Although initially asked to undertake the Training element only, Agora were instrumental in both selling the whole concept to store staff and the Retail operations managers and also introducing new in Store Processes and Procedures, which maximised the use of the new equipment.