Open Retailing Guide: Why Openness Matters for Self-Service

White papers

POS

Open Retailing Guide: Why Openness Matters for Self-Service

Explains why open APIs, modular hardware, and ecosystem flexibility are required to keep pace with evolving self-service checkout and consumer journeys.

Published

June 4, 2026

Read time

3 min read

Source

This white paper outlines the strategic need for openness in retail IT infrastructure. It details how open APIs, modular hardware, and platform-based services reduce vendor lock-in, lower TCO, and enable rapid integration of third-party technologies. The document links changing consumer behavior, including higher self-service adoption and omnichannel expectations, to the requirement for flexible, best-of-breed self-service solutions.

Key takeaways

Open APIs and modular architecture prevent vendor lock-in and reduce migration costs

Self-service checkout requires integration of multiple vendor technologies including payment, scanning, and security

Platform approach allows step-by-step upgrades without rip-and-replace projects

Consumer demand for faster, low-touch checkout is driving self-service adoption across grocery and retail

Open Retailing enables consistent consumer and staff experiences across kiosks, mobile, and staffed lanes

Market overview

SCR methodology note

Vendor landscape

Leaders

Implementation considerations

Important consideration

Original Source

Vendors mentioned in this report

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