Otis

Rangers' new Otis

Otis has been under development for several years and is based on Ranger’s highly successful ‘Phoenix’ broadband barcode scanner, which is deployed widely in the UK. Phoenix/Otis operates over the cellular telephone network and frees the retailer from the expensive installation, wiring and connection issues normally associated with POS terminals.

Otis is the name of a new data capture system designed by Ranger for the entertainment retail industry. It consists of two elements - a tiny hardware module with an associated barcode scanner and a remote web server – which communicate over the Internet and make up the Otis system.

girl smiling with headphones

Each retailer is allocated a separate, secure, part of the web server. Each time a barcode is scanned, the item is decoded into artist, title and other details which are added the retailer’s personal history. By logging on to the web server using unique access details, the retailer can view the accumulated results in the form of weekly reports, or even see a real time display!

The Otis module connects to the Internet over a secure GPRS connection and continues to use this connection to transmit barcoded data direct to the secure server.

In addition to appearing in your personal real-time display, each bar code that you scan will be logged for chart reporting purposes. Barcodes cannot be undone once scanned and for this reason it is important not to scan items that are not actually being sold.

Benefits

Retailers benefit hugely from Otis. Sales results can be viewed, in real time of course, on any web browser anywhere. Simple equipment installation (It is not even necessary to have a PC in order to use Otis) guarantees minimum disruption, wonderful reliability and the shortest possible learning curve for staff.

Otis is designed to meet the needs of small to medium size retailers who perhaps don't have broadband or want to chart return on the move.

New versions of Otis are under development at Ranger and exciting announcements will follow in due course.