No more store cashiers

The world of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been steadily growing over the last number of years. Many retail organizations use RFID tags to help with inventory management and to reduce theft of products. If you have ever purchased a CD or DVD for example with a small metal sticker about the size of a postage stamp either in or on the package, then you have already seen an example of RFID.

Our client is hoping to take RFID to the next level to eliminate the requirements for people to be working at the cashier stand. Although there will be staff available to help answer any questions you have, the process of purchasing any items would be completely automated. Here is how it works….

You enter a store and on your way in you swipe your credit card or debit (Bank) card and enter any necessary information. As you do your shopping, there is a RFID sensor that monitors the contents that you put in or take out of your shopping basket. There is a small LCD monitor on the cart to show you the total price for all of the contents within your basket. Once you are finished your shopping, you pack the items into a bag and walk out of the store. Once you have completed your shopping, the system then calculates the amount you had in your basket and processes a charge to the credit card you provided when you entered. If you used a debit card, it then removes the appropriate money from your the checking or savings account that you specified when you entered the store. The store is set up with a central exit door and if the credit card or debit card transaction was successful then you see a green light informing you it is OK to leave. A red or stop light on the other hand means that there was some sort of issue with the processing of your payment and you are to go and speak with one of the staff to have them help you or to change your method of payment.

Type of technology: RFID system consisting of unique RFID tags on store items, and a full RFID monitoring system.

Features:

–> Turn key system that allows one store to get up and running. This includes a set number of RFID tags to be put onto the items being sold, a RFID programing unit so that you can program the price of the item into the system, a set of transceivers which are install throughout the store, and 50 shopping cart transceivers and status screens that can be attached to either new or existing shopping carts. Everything can be set up on your own however professional implementation services by the manufacturer are recommended.

–> Integrates with current credit card and debit card transaction equipment eliminating the need to replace current systems.

–> Software that includes real-time analytics of store performance, inventory levels, etc. This allows the store to automate a great deal of their processes and the providers software integrates into current accounting, and inventory management systems.

–> For consumers it will eliminate long lineups and waits at the cash, and the shoppers will have more freedom to purchase what they want, and come and go as they please within the store without being bothered by store clerks.

This company is hoping to see this type of technology being used in retail stores all over the world. They feel that their customers (stores) will realize a significant return on investment over the long run, and are hoping that it will allow shoppers (consumers) to shop within a no-pressure environment giving a much more pleasurable retail shopping experience.

So, now it is your turn to decide…Is this technology Hot…or Not?

The voting and survey for this technology has now closed. The following are some of the highlights from the responses received:

Average response was 8 out of 10 that people thought that this technology was Hot.

98% of people who responded said that they would shop at a retailer who offered this type of system.

98% of people who responded said they would pay a bit of an extra premium to shop at a retail store that offered this type of technology.

Our favorite comment from the “Are there any types of retail stores where you would most like to see this type of technology implemented?” question was: “media, home improvement, liquor stores, and car dealerships. Ok, maybe not that last one”

100% of people who responded said that they have not seen this type of technology before.