Introduction

Ever imagined being able to interact with a touch screen without actually touching it?!? Yes, technology has now made this possible. By using computer vision to recognize objects just like a human eye can, touchless self-Checkout systems are now being introduced in several retail outlets. Artificial Intelligence and Image Recognition are the two important technological tools that ensure a seamless self-checkout process and also increase security, avoid fraud and provide a better customer experience – which at the end of the day is the ultimate goal of a retailer.

Industries that have a target market where customers want to be in control of their purchasing experience have much to benefit by incorporating digital signage displays that offer an interactive, yet touchless experience.

How it works

According to an article in the Forbes Magazine, after the drop in overall global economies since 2020 and the coronavirus, retailers are relying on whatever possible revenue that comes their way, which means that there is no room for error when it comes to pleasing customers. Moreover, in their report, “60% of survey respondents prefer self-checkout over cashier-assisted checkout if given the option”.

The concept of self-checkout is very common in today’s world. But the idea of retailers introducing self-checkout is now gaining popularity over the last year or so. The main aim of a self-checkout system is to increase the efficiency of checkout time and to also go paperless by offering receipts that go direct to the customer’s email.

The LED sign software responds to touchscreen-like actions prior to the shoppers actually touching the electronic sign. So, if your index finger intends to select the “Confirm and Proceed” button on the LED display, the touchless technology can read the action and instruct the software to proceed to the next screen before the shopper’s finger actually comes in contact with the surface of the digital screen.

A self-checkout machine comes with high quality interactive indoor digital displays that are very attractive and appealing. Because these are highly portable, self-checkout machines can be placed at different intervals inside a big store. Consumers don’t have to then walk all the way to one cashier point to be able to checkout their goods.

How retailers can benefit

Interactive electronic signage provides a direct means of connecting with customers and:

• Upselling products
• Informing about exclusive offers
• Brand messaging
• Informing about safety measures being practiced in the store

Self-service checkouts are customizable. So, you can put across offers in a way that makes customers feel that you are simply suggesting a complimentary item rather than selling something. Upselling can also be done without slowing down the checkout process. Several customers are likely to be convinced with such point-of-sale offers, which will help increase your revenues.

Moving on, let’s discuss what impact this new system has on your employees. What does self-checkout mean for them? Will their jobs be at risk? Since customer experiences are always better with a human touch, it is highly unlikely that employees will be laid off as a result of self-checkout systems. Instead, they are given the opportunity to move on from mundane tasks and focus on more value-added tasks instead. In addition to the convenience and safety feature resulting from self-checkout systems, if your staff can give added attention to customers, your overall customer service and loyalty will be increasing.

Employees who would otherwise be standing behind a cash register can stroll around the floor and do other productive things such as personally greet customers at the entrance, sanitize parts of the store to keep up with the regulations, lookout for shoplifting, and assist customers who are struggling to interact with indoor led signs within your store.

Another interesting and effective task that you can put your employees to is to offer curbside service so your customers don’t even have to leave their vehicles. The staff can list down the items required and collect the cash/card for payment, quickly run inside, pick up the items, proceed to self-checkout and bring the items to the customer while they wait in their car. This is a great way to utilize staff while giving them an opportunity to experience more, expand their skill set, and work towards the provision of more convenient, contactless services.

How customers can benefit

Despite several statistics that show the increase in popularity of E-commerce platforms, there is still a vast majority of shoppers who prefer to purchase their requirements in store. But again, a majority of this market are not happy with their in-store experience that involves long queues at checkout. So, instead of encouraging these customers to switch to online purchasing, why not focus on making drastic changes to your checkout experience with a self-checkout system? With “touch” and “physical contact” becoming a highly taboo feature after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, consumers will be ecstatic to see that they can experience faster self-checkouts without having to physically come in contact with the screen and without the inconvenience of having to wait in long queues.

As a result of this brilliant hybrid autonomous solution, users can purchase products with a completely touchless process assisted with voice technology – leading to a checkout experience that is up to 3 times faster! Safety and convenience are two major benefits that this innovative system is offering customers, thereby guaranteeing a revolution in how customers shop within the next 3-5 years.

Conclusion

One aspect that has become a permanent one with regard to the way business is done is that the public continues to be health-vigilant even after the inoculation of Covid-19 and reducing Covid restrictions across the world. By adding a touchless self-checkout option to your shopping experience, you can not only ensure that customers don’t have to wait in line and don’t have to interact with a cashier, but they also don’t need to touch a screen to checkout their items!

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