"Help yourself!": Are self-checkouts the next big thing in retail?

Efficient everyday business, efficient shopping

In the digital age, retailers are continuously exploring new ways to enhance the shopping experience and meet the changing demands of customers. Self-service checkouts (SCOs) have emerged as an innovative technology that offers several benefits for both retailers and customers.

SCOs have revolutionized the traditional checkout process by providing a convenient and efficient alternative. Customers can now take control of their shopping experience and complete their transactions at their own pace. These automated systems utilize barcode scanners and touch screens to allow customers to scan their items, view prices, and make payments using various methods, such as cards or mobile wallets.

The benefits of self-service checkouts extend to both customers and retailers. For customers, SCOs reduce waiting times and provide a more seamless checkout experience. They eliminate the need to interact with a cashier, which can be particularly useful for shoppers who prefer a more independent approach. Additionally, self-service checkouts offer the convenience of allowing customers to bag their own items in a way that suits their preferences.

In conclusion, self-service checkouts are an innovative technology that offers an enhanced shopping experience for customers and efficiency for retailers. By providing a convenient and automated alternative to traditional checkouts, SCOs are transforming the way we shop in the digital age.

Furthermore, our self-service checkout system is built on either the Android or Windows platform, providing a flexible and familiar operating environment. This allows for easy integration with existing retail systems and ensures a seamless user experience.

One of the standout features of our self-service checkout is the ability to perform remote maintenance. This means that any software updates or technical issues can be addressed without the need for an on-site technician. It saves time and resources, ensuring that the system is always up-to-date and running smoothly.

In terms of setup, our self-service checkout can be quickly installed in a store in just a matter of minutes. This allows retailers to quickly adapt to changing demands and customer needs without causing major disruptions to their operations.

Additionally, our self-service checkout includes an integrated Bluetooth beacon for store recognition. This feature allows the checkout system to automatically detect and identify the store, providing a personalized and targeted shopping experience for customers.

The receipts generated by our self-service checkout include a QR code that serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it can be used to open the optional exit gate, streamlining the process of leaving the store after completing a transaction. Secondly, the QR code can be scanned to access the digital invoice, allowing customers to easily store and manage their purchase records.

Overall, our self-service checkout solution offers a comprehensive and convenient experience for both retailers and customers. It combines ease of use, remote maintenance capabilities, quick setup, store recognition, and efficient access to digital invoices, making it a valuable addition to any retail environment.

In addition to the features mentioned earlier, our self-service checkout solution also includes an employee app that offers various functionalities. This app allows employees to manage age checks, perform spot checks, control the exit gate, and configure the matrix or vector hardware.

While self-service checkouts greatly automate the checkout process and increase efficiency for businesses, there are certain situations that still require the assistance of personnel. One such situation is age verification for products with age restrictions, such as alcohol or tobacco. By law, human verification of age is often necessary. With the customers' checkout assistant app, employees can remotely perform age verification, ensuring compliance with regulations. For subsequent purchases, customers can use a stored face ID or fingerprint with biometrics to purchase age-restricted goods without requiring an employee's intervention.

To ensure the accuracy and integrity of the self-checkout system, spot checks are conducted. These checks involve randomly selecting customers based on predefined parameters set by retailers, such as the number of checks, the risk value of the store, or the value of the shopping cart. Employees can then perform visual checks, partial checks, or full inspection scans using the employee app. This helps to minimize risks and maintain the system's efficiency.

Furthermore, staff members play a crucial role in the success of modern self-service checkout solutions. They are responsible for answering customer questions and providing assistance in operating the system. Staff members can act as facilitators by redirecting customers waiting in line at traditional checkouts to alternative options like mobile scan & go or the matrix. Their presence ensures a smooth and satisfying customer experience, further enhancing the benefits of self-service checkouts.

How does the matrix protect against theft?

Our self-service checkout solution uses an optional exit gate with a QR code on the receipt to prevent theft and ensure that customers pay for their purchases before leaving the store. The gate can only be opened with a valid QR code, ensuring that all items have been scanned and paid for. While no system can entirely eliminate the risk of theft, our solution is designed to minimize risks, complementing traditional security measures such as cameras and employee monitoring.

What feedback have you received from users so far?

Our self-service checkout solution has received phenomenal feedback from users in the Netherlands, where it is already in use. Many elderly customers with rollators have appreciated the ease of use and independence offered by our system. Customers have also expressed their satisfaction with the addition of modern self-service checkouts at retail locations, indicating their enthusiasm for the solution.

It is interesting to note that customers often use self-service checkout systems for smaller purchases, while mobile scan & go (featuring pre-installed phone holders on shopping carts) is still preferred for larger purchases. This provides customers with the flexibility to choose the checkout option that works best for their needs and preferences.