P.V.A. Systems Automates Retail Stores with I/O Controller 2, CS04

9. 5. 2024

The P.V.A. system solution integrates technologies for automated retail store operations. It uses I/O Controller 2 devices to monitor the status of technologies required to keep merchandise and customers safe.

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Issue description:

P.V.A. systems needed a controlling heart for its retail store automation solution and found it in HW Group's I/O Controller 2 device.

P.V.A. systems develops and distributes warehouse and POS software for all types of retail/wholesale stores. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, P.V.A. systems is a leading manufacturer and supplier of automated retail solutions that enable continuous retail operations for a variety of business customers, including COOP Group chains, the Flosman network and Můj obchod. The pilot store, owned by Jednota Volyně, has been in operation in Strakonice for 2 years. It is an automated store with 24/7 hybrid operation (part of the day manned, then automated).

The I/O Controller 2 from the Czech manufacturer HW group is used in the central control modules that P.V.A. systems supplies to automated stores and enables continuous operation throughout the entire security and control of the store. The customer receives a 1U blade server unit, housed in a secure rack, with built-in I/O Controller 2 for the critical part of the system operation. This runs automatically at all times, but in the event of an emergency the operator can switch it off by simply calling a designated number.

Retail automation and store operations must be under constant control, so P.V.A. systems' solutions must work even if the local Ethernet is down. The entire system is offered in two variants - with and without an internal server, as a cloud solution. Continuous operation increases the profitability of each individual retail location.

HW Group's I/O Controller 2 is the "control heart" within the system's central unit that controls virtually all functions of an automated retail store.
Before allowing a customer into the store, the I/O Controller checks:

The power status of the entire store
The function of the self-service checkouts
Store security information, including fire detectors
LAN connection
Number of customers in the store
Door positions

If all values are in the Enabled state, the I/O controller will allow the front door to open. Similarly, all systems are tested during a customer visit. If there is an error message, the customers in the store are alerted by local radio and asked to leave the store. The exit door opens automatically.

In addition to the 24/7 automated solution, P.V.A. systems also supplies containerized retail outlets that are also equipped with the I/O Controller 2. This project was initiated in cooperation between PVA Systems and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen and the first such container store is installed on the university campus.