8211;- An emerging trend in the retail petroleum industry is the growing entry of retail outlets such as supermarkets, large discount stores, and mass merchandisers that are implementing
fuel dispensers in their parking lots to provide added value and convenience to their customers.
's8220;Hypermarkets that have ventured into the retail petroleum business, have met with considerable success due to competitive fuel pricing, discounted prices linked to loyalty programs
and cross-merchandising,'s8221; notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Aravindh V. 's8220;This has created a rapidly developing segment for point-of-sale (POS) terminal manufacturers
and they need to act fast to capitalize on the many growth opportunities available in this area.'s8221;
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan Payment Systems in the Petroleum Market, finds that the retail petroleum POS terminals market earned revenues of $710.2 million in 2006 and is
likely to reach $975.8 million in 2009.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the Payment Systems in the
Petroleum Market, then send an e-mail to Mireya Castilla with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. Upon receipt of the above information,
an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.
Bigger terminal manufacturers with strong global presence are moving beyond mere payment terminals to provide highly comprehensive solutions for the retail petroleum industry. These
solutions address both hardware and software aspects as well as meet customers's8217; expectations by being a one-stop source for the value-added applications that retailers demand such
as loyalty programs, gift cards, in-store management and Internet connectivity.
With access to considerable financial and human resources, these companies are able to provide globally acceptable solutions. Moreover, they have well-established infrastructure and
universal presence, which helps them render superior service as well as provide critical insights into local market dynamics.
However, despite the multi-application and value-added functionalities of POS terminals, many retailers in regions such as Asia and Latin America remain largely unaware of these benefits.
Although POS systems are instrumental in improving merchandising, inventory control, and bottom-line growth, several fuel station operators believe that they are not crucial enough to
warrant upgrades of existing equipment or installation of new terminals. This is particularly true in Asia and Latin America, which have traditionally exhibited less demand for store
automation.
's8220;Owners of convenience stores are unclear about the level of automation they require and tend to focus on price points,'s8221; explains Aravindh. 's8220;Given that they are
inconsistent in their definitions of automation, there is an urgent need to educate end users about latest technologies and how they can help retailers achieve strong
differentiation.'s8221;
Since price is such an important consideration for retailers, companies could consider offering options in hardware and software. This would require market participants to design the
terminals in such a way that they incorporate both open architecture and modularity. This is likely to expand the potential customer base to include especially those retailers that are
not particular about advanced technology, but prefer simple value-based devices.
As POS terminal manufacturers continue to offer greater functionality at the point of sale, fuel station and convenience store operators are bound to benefit from their enhanced value
proposition. Combined with increased awareness about the latest technologies and multi-application capabilities of these terminals, this is likely to reduce the focus on price and instead
attract more investments in terminal purchases.
Payment Systems in the Petroleum Market, part of the Retail Systems Subscription, includes a comprehensive analysis of the key market drivers and restraints as well as industry challenges
facing vendors in these markets. It provides extensive coverage of the two types of POS terminals, namely stand-alone and integrated systems. This research service also provides detailed
unit shipment and revenue forecasts for POS terminals in the retail petroleum industry. Interviews are available to the press.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company'ss
industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an
extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global
perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.
Payment Systems in the Petroleum Market
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