ATLANTA – For retailers struggling to implement the data-security standard brought on by the major-credit cards called Europay MasterCard Visa (EMV), advisors on a 2016 NACS Show panel and workshop said planning is a critical step, especially as the Oct. 1, 2017, deadline for upgrading outdoor point-of-sale (POS) devices nears.
Panelists Kara Gunderson, POS manager for CITGO Petroleum, Houston, and Kristi Kuehn, vice president of compliance for Heartland Payment Systems, Princeton, N.J., and Linda Toth, director of standards, Conexxus, Alexandria, Va., outlined key aspects of the looming EMV standard and provided several tips to avoid liability for fraud once the October 2017 shift date arrives.
Here are their thoughts …
No two locations are alike. Take the time to develop individual site plans, assessing pump configuration, costs and area demographics. Some locations may not warrant a full upgrade, while others could benefit from a complete overhaul.
The demand for skilled technicians and required parts will ramp up as the deadline draws near. Planning ahead will be an important step.
EMV requires more bandwidth than a magnetic-stripe transaction. Consider business-grade connectivity along with cellular backup.
Some locations could benefit from a facelift. Retailers should consider the additional return on investment by adding video to the pump or cosmetic upgrades like painting. These improvements may help improve traffic and sales, offsetting a bit of the expense of EMV.
If certain locations require a reworking of cable already in the ground, consider the expense of breaking concrete. This may lead to environmental concerns and open the site up to new requirements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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