Tech Solutions by Scientific Games SCiQ Improve Retail and Supply-Chain Efficiency for North Carolina Education Lottery
Revamped Article:
- North Carolina Jumps on the Bandwagon with Scientific Games' SCiQ Technology*** Local Retailers* Scientific Games* our site
Looks like North Carolina's Education Lottery (NCEL) is about to get a major tech boost, as Scientific Games' SCiQ retail technology is rolling out at local retailers. This strategic move is part of NCEL's mission to revamp the retail environment for its scratch-off games. A whopping 1,000 SCiQ units will hit lottery retailers all across North Carolina. NCEL's Scratch-Off games raked in a staggering $2.9 billion in retail sales during fiscal year 2024, making NCEL one of the top 15 performing instant game lotteries worldwide, according to La Fleur's 2024 World Almanac.
SCiQ brings some serious benefits to the table—real-time scratch-game inventory-management data that bolsters the power of Scientific Games' SciTrak predictive ordering system used by NCEL. This technology streamlines the supply chain and increases scratch game sales. For retailers, SCiQ simplifies operations and reporting, optimizing the in-store experience for everyone involved. Lottery players can now enjoy digital displays that showcase available games, elevating the ordering process. SCiQ is already a hit in more than a dozen U.S. markets, as well as in Europe, where it recently made its debut.
Mark Michalko, the CEO and Executive Director of NCEL, is thrilled about the new tech's arrival: "We're stoked about bringing SCiQ to our retailers across the state. This technology gives our retailers a slick way to manage and sell NCEL Scratch-Off games, and we're confident it'll enhance inventory management, reduce out-of-stocks, and boost sales. Ultimately, it'll all benefit education in our state."
SCiQ isn't just another piece of equipment, either—it's the only technology of its kind designed specifically for managing the lottery category within stores. Retailers get a suite of top-tier features, including digital menu boards for sleek product display, automated inventory management for a serious reduction in manual labor, real-time store-specific sales and market basket performance reports, and secure locked bins for tamper-proof ticket distribution.
Michael Martin, VP of Retail Solutions for Scientific Games, praises the NCEL team for recognizing the need for technology that streamlines the management and sale of scratch-off games in stores. Scientific Games is also providing NCEL with instant games and managing the products at its Raleigh, North Carolina facility through the performance-driven Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership program.
In a nutshell, SCiQ improves both retailer efficiency and the customer experience, potentially leading to increased sales and a positive impact on North Carolina's education sector.
Enrichment Data Snippets:
- Improved Retailer Efficiency: By automating inventory management and offering real-time analytics, SCiQ reduces labor hours and helps retailers make well-informed decisions about inventory levels and game offerings[1][3].
- Enhanced Security: SCiQ utilizes locked bins and other security features to minimize product theft and improve overall store security[1].
- Deeper Customer Engagement: Digital displays and streamlined ordering processes create a better in-store experience for customers, potentially leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction[3].
- Supply Chain Optimization: SCiQ's inventory management capabilities help ensure a steady flow of products, reducing out-of-stock situations and boosting sales[1][3].
- The North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) is incorporating Scientific Games' SCiQ technology to streamline inventory management of its scratch-off games at local retailers, with the aim of optimizing in-store experiences and boosting sales.
- With the implementation of SCiQ, retailers in North Carolina can expect enhanced security features, such as locked bins for tamper-proof ticket distribution, as well as improvements in operational efficiency due to automated inventory management and real-time analytics.
- In addition to offering benefits for retailers, the integration of SCiQ technology is expected to elevate the customer experience by providing digital displays showcasing available games and streamlining the ordering process, potentially leading to increased sales and improvements in North Carolina's education sector.
