LC Waikiki has implemented a significant technology transformation in the retail sector through an open-source migration project covering more than 8,000 devices.
Developed as part of the project, the fully customized GNU/Linux-based operating system LCW OS is being actively deployed across operations. All of the more than 4,500 cash registers in Türkiye have been migrated to the next-generation open-source infrastructure, while work continues for over 3,500 cash registers abroad.
What’s Behind This Decision?
LC Waikiki positioned open-source technologies as a strategic approach to create a technology infrastructure that is better suited to its operational needs and more sustainable. LCW OS was developed with the goal of establishing a more customizable, manageable, and controllable infrastructure. This transformation reduced licensing costs while enabling more efficient use of existing hardware resources.
Next-Generation Open-Source Infrastructure
Developed specifically for the cash registers used by LC Waikiki, which operates thousands of stores worldwide, the GNU/Linux-based LCW OS was designed to support devices from different brands and models, with a focus on lightweight operation, performance, and low resource consumption.
To ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure, not only the operating system but also the management layer was completely redesigned using open-source technologies. Foreman Lifecycle Manager provides device inventory and lifecycle management, while Ansible enables remote configuration management. Through Katello integration, package management, version tracking, and updates were centralized. As a result, thousands of devices can now be managed sustainably through a centralized infrastructure.
From Pilot Deployment to Thousands of Devices
The project progressed in a controlled and phased manner. The pilot deployment, which began at a store in Istanbul, was rapidly expanded after being validated under real-world operating conditions. Today, the migration of more than 4,500 cash registers across Türkiye has been successfully completed.
Why is this Project Important?
As a result of LC Waikiki’s technology vision, this project demonstrates that open-source technologies are not merely a theoretical option for large-scale retail operations, but that genuine transformation is possible with proper planning and field experience.
Implemented through the long-standing collaboration between LC Waikiki and Profelis, this transformation demonstrates that open-source technologies can provide a sustainable and practical model for large-scale operations.
