Unfortunately, automation also eliminates jobs. I remember a long time ago, going to a fast food place, would employ tens of people. Those who work the registers and take the orders. Those who fill in the orders, ensuring drinks and burgers reach quality benchmarks. Those who ensure the place is clean and without loiterers. 

Recently, I went back to the fast-food place and found kiosks to place the order, drive-thru calls routed to a call center, a computer who fills drinks and a machine that flips burgers. Usually, savings in the Supply Chain benefits the consumers of the products, by having a lower cost as a way of enticing more clients. But, this isn't always the case.

Last week, I went to my favorite grocery Store and tucked away in a small corner was an of looking computer. It has a scale, a scanner and a tablet screen. With no line, I gave it a try, scanning a few items, and paying by credit card. Not bad. The manager stood at the end of the aisle, watching those who are going through self-checkout and decided to strike up a conversation.

The manager asks, "Any questions about the checkout?"

I reply, "Nope. Worked well for me."

"Great. There is a rumor that three more are coming at the end of the year."

"Are they quicker if slower than a human cashier?"

"Faster, once people know how to use it."

"So, are you laying off people?"

"I can't tell you that."

Noticing that there was no longer a "Help Wanted" sign outside, they didn't need to hire anyone else.

"So, if I am doing my own scanning and the store prices are set at corporate, who also include the labor involved for checking out your order."

"Yes."

"How do I get my money back?"

"What?"

"If I am checking out my own food, then why am I paying you extra for the right to check out my own groceries?"

"No, we are providing you a service by providing these machines."

"So I can check out my own groceries and give the store more money?"

"Yes."

"No wonder everyone is Shopping online."

The bottom line, people's livelihoods depend on you shopping at a store, providing you with a smile, and checking out your stuff. Their kids will get dinner tonight because of this job. Once these jobs are gone, what are people going to do for their daily bread? Jobs like manufacturing, cooking, warehousing, and cashiering are all being automated and phased out of the supply chain. Who is that really going to benefit in the end? Not you! They won't even reduce the price of your food order when you self-check it.

If you have any questions please write them in the comments below. Thank you for reading!