Scaling updates took 30 to 45 business days, and updates were only performed during the night service window (from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM), further compressing the timeframe. Centralized version control was lacking for the 3,700 cash registers.
At the same time, the company was implementing a state-mandated product labeling system, which required strict deadlines for updating its cash register software (labeling support for certain product categories from specific dates). The ongoing, lengthy updates prevented the company from meeting legal requirements.
To address these issues, the client decided to implement Kolibri-TsOD, a system for automated deployment, configuration management, and update management of cash register equipment, developed by ICL Services, a long-standing technology partner of the client.
Key Challenges
- Unify cash register management and ensure centralized version control
- Create a predictable and trackable update deployment process
- Reduce the time it takes to update cash register equipment
- Ensure parallelization of updates
- Implement version control of OS drivers, applications, and configurations at the cash register equipment level
First, an expert project team was assembled, consisting of six support engineers, an architect, and a project manager. The project was completed over six months in several stages.
1. Audit and Configuration Collection
All types of cash register equipment were collected, identifying differences in hardware, drivers, and network conditions across stores.
2. Piloting
The most common configurations were selected. The pilot was launched at 13 stores and 100 cash registers—first on the legacy solution (ES400), then on the new ICL Retail cash register software. The Kolibri-DC system was customized to meet the customer's requirements.
3. Image Optimization
Initially, installation per cash register took 1.5–2 hours. After optimizing the image size (taking into account the varying network coverage in the stores), the time was reduced to 30–50 minutes per cash register.
4. Scaling
Following a successful pilot, the solution was deployed to all stores. Migration occurred 24/7 without interrupting business processes. Uploading and configuration were performed remotely by the support team, while field engineers were on-site to check the equipment.
5. Forming a four-layer architecture
During the project, four independent configuration layers were identified and implemented:
- Layer 1: OS (Windows/Linux).
- Layer 2: POS equipment drivers.
- Layer 3: POS software and applications.
- Layer 4: Operator workstation configurations.
This architecture allows for updating or restoring any layer separately, without completely reloading the entire system.
6. Version control via Git
The solution maintains version control of applications and global settings for POS and stores via the version control system.
Results
Colibri-DC is actively used to restore and update both individual applications and the operating system from an image—remotely, without an on-site engineer (except for physical disk replacement).
The solution allows new cash registers to be connected during peak periods (for example, before New Year's sales) without lengthy preparation—simply connect the device to the network, and it automatically receives the latest versions.
As a result, the client received a fully automated cash register management system that reduced operating costs, eliminated manual labor, and enabled compliance with strict legal requirements. The company complied with all legal product labeling requirements on time, avoiding fines from the GIS MT system.
Products and technologies
- Colibri Data Center (ICL Services' own solution)
Results
- 3,500+ cash registers in 90+ stores across Russia have been transferred to centralized management.
- System installation time at the cash register has been reduced by 2-3 times (from 1.5-2 hours to 30-50 minutes).
- Updating all cash registers for hypermarkets now takes 4-6 days instead of 30-45 business days.
- OS, driver, software, and configuration version control is provided centrally.
- Remote cash register recovery is now possible without on-site engineer visits—on-site visits are only required in the event of physical hardware failure.
- Deployment now requires only one engineer (previously, 4-6 people were required).
- Rapid response to new regulatory requirements is ensured—updates are installed quickly and simultaneously on all cash registers.
- All cash register equipment has been standardized using 4 universal images for different hardware types and regions.