APPLICATION: Providing self-service kiosk functionality and one-hour photo services at the independently owned pharmacy

CHALLENGE: Finding a cost-effective and simple way to provide customers with instant digital prints

SOLUTION: Mitsubishi digital photo printers and DPS Kiosk System were utilized to create a highly efficient digital print center, accessible to retail photo staff and customers alike

The small town of Odon, Indiana has a fast new photo service option these days. Odon Pharmacy, independently owned and operated since 1987, has recently installed a Mitsubishi DPS Kiosk 9000 system, providing its customers with a new and simple way to get digital photo prints through both its kiosk and one-hour photo services.

In addition to traditional customer self-service, Odon Pharmacy has uniquely deployed the Mitsubishi DPS Kiosk 9000 for its one-hour photo service as well. Providing one-hour service using an Agfa minilab MSC 101.d chemistry lab computer station and Pixtasy software, Odon Pharmacy frequently encountered occasions where customers were behind the counter, picking and choosing which images they wanted to have printed from their file. As a result, Odon Pharmacy staff members were losing valuable time and resources. To solve the problem, Odon Pharmacy has networked together the Pixtasy and kiosk system via a wireless connection, allowing the kiosk unit to send photos directly to the chemistry lab.

“This networked system has taken away a certain margin of error for us because a customer can see picture file number 1234 is in fact the image they want printed, saving us time and reprint hassle,” said Susan Huelsman, OTC/Photo Manager at Odon Pharmacy. “Not only do customers have direct viewing input from the ‘customer’s side’ of the counter, but our staff members do not lose time trying to find the one correct image out of 50 in a file.”

Odon Pharmacy’s digital photo kiosk system consists of one Mitsubishi DPS Kiosk 9000 unit situated on the photo center counter with two CP-9550DW dye-sublimation printers for instant prints, one providing 5” x 7” prints and the other providing 4” x 6” prints. While not being used for the one-hour photo service, the DPS Kiosk 9000 remains unmanned as customers simply walk up, insert their data and proceed with prints.

“We’ve had a great response to the new Mitsubishi photo kiosk unit,” said Huelsman. “Our customers love the fact that it is simple to use and that they can control the process of their prints.”

Mitsubishi digital photo systems include several different configurations with the DPS Click 5000 and the DPS Kiosk 7000 models. High-quality dye sublimation printers available with both kiosk models are the Mitsubishi CP-9550DW-U, outputting to 4 x 6, 5 x 7, and 6 x 9 prints, and the Mitsubishi CP-3020DAU, outputting to 8 x 10 and 8 x 12 prints. In addition, Mitsubishi digital photo printers have demonstrated such reliability that these units are backed by a unique 24-hour Express Replacement Assistance program.