Metzgerei Mengis uses digital loading scales to modernise their sales counter

The small family business in the village wasn't initially looking for anything and got along well with their current scales for serving and accepting payment. Bizerba's scales were, despite years of use, still reliable but they could not be fiscalised.  

Changing the cash register system

Since the change in law back in 2020, a technical safety device is required for all electronic cash registers. Just like many other companies, Metzgerei Mengis had to change their cash register systems – namely the counter scale in their case, as it was directly linked to the cash register system. Special technical hardware and software requirements must be satisfied to ensure that every receipt has a valid signature. 

Space-saving & cost-effective modernisation

As the shop only has limited space, it was important that the scale took up as little space as possible on the counter. Another important factor for the company was the value for money that was offered. With one eye on retirement, the owners wanted to make sure that the financial load wasn't too severe. In order to find the best model for their shop, they looked at various models from different manufacturers of scales, including some from the Bizerba range. „We have been Bizerba customers for many years and find the scales and slicing machines very easy to use. This is why we also took a look at the latest scales from Bizerba", explains Mr Mengis. 

Metzgerei Mengis chose the Q1 loading scale, a particularly streamlined model that helps them in their operating processes and digitalises these. They correspond with the latest fiscalisation requirements and their design means more space on the counter.  

Modern design, smart & flexible 

The refined design of the Q1 is not just reflected in the flat load plate, which offers sales staff a clear view of the display whilst giving customers a clear view of the products on the scale. „Space on the counter was used in the most efficient way“, reports Franz-Karl Mengis. The handles on the sides of the scales, combined with its low weight, make mobile use straight-forward, such as for transporting it to a market place. 

Ease of serving customers  

The benefits of an intuitive touchscreen compared to a keyboard quickly became apparent to staff. The new scales are easy to use and can also be operated via a smartphone or tablet: Sales staff can swipe or use drag and drop to select items in the menu, search for items or navigate. Such support as provided by the Q1 quickly saved a lot of time after a brief induction period. Previously, sales staff had to work with a book or file, they can now search for items via the scale using the full text search option without having to interrupt discussions with customers. This makes work far simpler, such as when a customer asks for the exact ingredients that go into a sausage. Information about the product such as its origin, allergens or nutritional information can be accessed directly on the user interface. 

The RetailStore software means they remain very flexible in service sales or when carrying out price labelling in the butcher's shop. „It is very easy to amend the menu when we make changes to the product range“, says Ingrid Mengis. The labels are also ergonomically issued at the same level of the display with the Autocutter. At the same time, customers can follow the detailed order process on the customer display. 

A cost-effective solution

Furthermore, the four Q1 loading scales are a cost-effective solution for the owners of this family business. „In our opinion it provides excellent value for money with corresponding quality and service. The staff at Bizerba were always there during the transition phase“, says Mr Mengis.  

As pilot customers, the Metzgerei Mengis team weren't just impressed with the performance of the new product – they also played a part in further improving it: originally there were twelve sales buttons but this was reduced to nine for greater ease of use when serving customers. This is now standard for Bizerba's new Q1 loading scales.