SPAR university Windesheim installs first self-checkout for wheelchair users

On the campus of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in Zwolle, a supermarket is being run under the SPAR university formula with a product range tailored to the wishes and needs of the university's students. Checking out groceries at the SPAR university shop is easy and fast with self-checkouts from Pan Oston.

SELF-CHECKOUT FOR ALL

The Disability Committee of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences requested that Spar install a self-checkout that wheelchair users can easily use as part of accessibility and inclusivity. SPAR believes their shops should be accessible to everyone and was, therefore, open to the idea of a self-checkout for wheelchair users at the SPAR university branch in Zwolle. So, supplier Pan Oston was approached about the possibility of developing such a self-checkout.

ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVITY IN SELF-SERVICE

As a specialist in checkout, self-service and kiosk solutions, Pan Oston considers accessibility and inclusivity to be important issues. In the context of evolving laws and regulations in this area, several initiatives are underway within Pan Oston to develop versions of both new and existing checkout systems that are accessible to people with disabilities. In cooperation with SPAR and Windesheim, Pan Oston has developed a self-checkout for SPAR university Windesheim that is suitable for wheelchair users.

ERGONOMIC ADAPTATIONS

In the process, ergonomic guidelines drawn up at the European level were followed. For example, more knee and foot space was created in the unit's base for easy wheelchair access. The touchscreen is not placed above the printer and scanner in the central unit as in other self-checkouts but to the side. This allowed the touchscreen to be placed at a lower position and made it possible to mount a bracket for height adjustment. The payment terminal was also made height-adjustable.

SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION

The result is a compact self-checkout that is easily accessible for wheelchair users and where the touchscreen and payment terminal can be adjusted to a comfortable height. As a result, large reaching distances are avoided. The self-checkout has been in use since August 2024, to the great satisfaction of the users and SPAR university Windesheim. Pan Oston is working with SPAR to further refine and simplify the concept, after which more SPAR shops with wheelchair-accessible self-checkouts will follow.