EPOS

Tender description

LNER currently operates a retail solution enabling customers to purchase food, beverages, and other items during their journey. This solution offers two primary channels for purchase: customers can buy items directly from the onboard Café Bar via an EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) device operated by an onboard colleague, or order from their seat using a cloud-based platform accessed by scanning a QR code with their own device, with orders delivered directly to their location. Both platforms support multiple payment methods, including digital wallets, and are designed to offer a seamless, convenient user experience. The solution includes a comprehensive, auditable back-office system that enables LNER to manage product information and pricing, promotional offers and discounts, user activity (linked to sales, locations, and profiles), and transaction characteristics such as refunds, complimentary items, and discounts. In addition, the system supports both planned, (through the back office ahead of the day of travel) and ad-hoc ordering. (through the on train device and app). Orders are placed at the train level and integrate with LNER's third-party procurement partner. The back office incorporates journey-specific data, supporting both short-term and long-term operational planning. Integration capabilities are essential: the current solution interfaces with multiple third-party systems and must support open API access to ensure interoperability and scalability. The solution is required to agnostic to hardware, and currently provides access via iOS through company smartphones, but supplied hardware solutions can be considered.