Refuel on top of the world with BiCA: A new fuel & rest experience in Porta Samedan
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“Spuntino”, bistro, is the name of the new petrol station in Samedan near St. Moritz in the Engadin, Switzerland. Although both “bistro” and “petrol station” would be a gross understatement. Visitors to the newly built Porta Samedan can expect an exquisite experience for the eyes and the palate. The digital payment solution is exquisite, too. Thanks to BiCA's flexible BiRS 4X checkout system, customers can choose where and how they pay most quickly and conveniently.
Soon to be completed, the building already catches the eye when approached. The polygon with a roughly triangular ground plan presents itself as surprisingly light and inviting for its massive size. The facade is wrapped in a wave pattern that changes depending on the light and the perspective — a reference to the water-rich region at an altitude of 1,700 meters. This is made possible by around 800 three-millimeter-thick aluminum units perforated with a diamond pattern. No two are alike, thus contributing to the dynamic effect.
One of the galleries leads to the SOCAR petrol station. With its bistro café, bakery and spacious shopping area, it is also a meeting place for locals and Engadin tourists. On the way to Samedan airport, right next to the junction of two main roads, it is hard to pass by the service area without stopping. Regional bakers and butchers supply the kitchen, making the café a popular go-to spot for workers. Guests are greeted by high-quality furnishings. Grey porcelain stoneware flooring contrasts with wooden elements, most of which come from the region. The bistro counter draws a curved line into the spacious interior. This is a definite contrast to the maze of shelves found at many petrol stations. "St. Moritz, as 'Top of the World,' is also a place for good design and quality furnishings," says Cinzia Pfister, of operator Auto Pfister AG. "When designing the convenience store and bistro, we were very demanding in terms of both materials and assortment. It was important for us to create a nice customer experience that can stand out from traditional stores. We offer a variety of regional products which are not packaged and do not have a barcode. This proved a challenge for traditional petrol station POS. That's why we chose the BiCA solution, which effortlessly tackles those challenges."
One can pay for fuel directly at the pump, with a smartphone, and with any method at the counter. Thanks to the BiRS 4X POS and merchandise management system from Lucerne-based BiCA AG, all customer touch points are connected. The device-independent system is flexible and additional services can be integrated at any time. For example, a car wash service will be available in July in time for the official opening of the shopping center.
"In this project, our BiRS 4X software shows its strengths," says Pamela Dotti, CMO of BiCA. She says it gives petrol station customers freedom of choice, while staff can keep an eye on all points of sale and all inventory in real time. "Especially at such high-end locations, it's important to focus the attention on the store customers, rather than complicated technology."
The checkout solution already contributes to the pleasant atmosphere at the pumps and in the store. The innovation will be even more noticeable when Porta Samedan becomes a popular destination with two Migros stores, a drugstore, a shoe and outdoor store, a fabric boutique and a fitness centre. Pamela Dotti doesn't doubt it for a second: "Large assortment, long opening hours and lots of customers — that's what BiRS 4X was designed for."
To find out more about BiCA payment solutions, take a look at their new website or get in touch directly.
