Utilising and Controlling Self-scan Technologies

Introduction

Thank you for agreeing to help with this research – your time and insights are very much appreciated.

This survey is focussed upon understanding how retailers are using various types of Self-checkout and Pay technologies (SCO) and the ways in which they are trying to manage the risks associated with them. If your company currently does not use any form of SCO systems, nor has any plans for using them soon, please do not respond to this survey.

This research is being undertaken by Professor Adrian Beck on behalf of the ECR Retail Loss Group, which is an independent body representing retailers and their suppliers. All the information collected will be stored securely and the results will only be published in aggregate form – no retailers will be identified. The results from this study will be made freely available.

The study is interested in a range of SCO technologies and for clarification, here is a description of the main types that will be considered in this survey:

Fixed SCO: Consumers go to a fixed checkout and pay station where they can, in various ways, record and pay for the items they wish to purchase.

Scan and Go SCO: Consumers are provided with a ‘scan device’ which can be used to register items they wish to purchase. They are then directed to a payment point that processes the transaction and takes payment.

Mobile SCO: Consumers use their own mobile device to record items they wish to purchase (using some form of pre-loaded App). They are then either directed to a confirmatory payment point or pay directly within the App anywhere in the store).

Whole Store SCO: Consumers register when entering the store using their mobile device, and then in-store technologies automatically record the products they wish to purchase and pay for without any further interaction.

Smart Trollies (Carts): There are currently numerous types of ‘smart’ trolley in use or under development. Essentially, consumers can place items into a dedicated trolley and products are recorded and payment taken in various ways.

For further information about this study, please contact Professor Beck: beckbrc@gmail.com.