The Co-operative Group is making its in-house developed epos system available to purchase by other retailers.

The InControl-Evolution system is currently in 3,000 Co-operative stores in the UK and prices for installation start at £1,500.

It features a ‘Wake-up on LAN” programme that automatically switches off tills, operation screens, Chip and PIN devices and barcode scanners when stores close, and powers them up again the following morning before the stores open cutting down on warming up time before the shop is ready to open for business.

System users can also use the www.incontrol-evolution.com website to view and download applications such as stock control, enabling customers to cherry-pick the programmes that are specific to their requirements.

Co-operative director of information services Ian Dyson explained the benefits of the system. “We are extremely proud of our system and in particular the benefits that can be gained through improved control management information and scalability,” he said.

InControl-Evolution spokesman Lawerence Freeman said that even small retailers should consider installing this system. “The InControl-Evolution epos system has been specifically designed for small to medium convenience stores,” he said. “Even stores with just one till can benefit from have a system that allows retailers to monitor their stock and manage it more efficiently. We’ve already had significant interest from retailers.”