Coming soon: Self check out registers
Shufersal to be first retail store operating automated registers in Israel. Shop owners concerned with Israeli consumers' integrity can rest assured: Security measures put in place will alert of any attempt to cheat the system
Shufersal, the largest supermarket chain store in Israel, recently signed a contract with Retalix, an Israeli cash register software producer. At first, the automatic cash registers will be tested in a limited number of branches, with the intention to expand to all branches throughout Israel by the end of 2010. Initially, the registers will only accept credit card payments.
The self check out register allows customers to scan and weigh the products in their cart. At the end of the process, they can swipe their credit card and sign with a digital pen which will be attached to the register.
Will the Israeli consumer cheat?
"Up until now, the retail store owners did not trust the Israeli consumer's integrity, but lately the wall is beginning to crack," said Dror Kalush, Vice President of Israeli Business Unit at Retalix.
Retalix, who is one of the leading companies offering software solutions for retail stores in Israel and the world, has been marketing the self check out registers in leading retail chain stores abroad for the past five years.
Shufersal is the first Israeli customer to sign with Retalix, however the company is also in negotiations with the Tiv Taam chain store, which might be the next to feature the self check out registers.
Will the Israeli consumer take advantage of the loophole and try to steal products or weigh one less apple? These issues might prove to be very costly for the retail shop, however according to Retalix, these risks have all been taken under account. "Each self check out register has a warning light, and every three or four registers will have a supervisor, who will help customers scan their products and pay, but also be there in case the warning light goes off," explains Kalush.
As for the security methods, "our system identifies the exact weight of every item and compares it to the actual item placed on the register in order to make sure the items match," explaines Alon Goetz, Executive Vice President of Retail Solutions, adding that "if there is a mismatch, the system sends an automatic warning to the supervising cahier."
The goal: 4-5 registers per branch
Shufersal is not so concerned about theft, but is looking for ways to close "loopholes" like securing credit card payments. In addition, the chain needs to put in place structural changes in its branches in order to add the automated cashiers. According to Shufersal's plan, the first test registers will begin operating in the next two months, followed by nation-wide distribution within the next year.
"Even now Shufersal's registers are the most technologically advanced in Israel," says Retalix's manager: "These are the only registers with a customer screen that lets the customer follow their charges. Also, these are the only registers where you can pay your bills." Another of Retalix's developments is the cash back option in Shufersal stores and gas station convenient store registers.
Those who are interested to check out the self check out registers before they are launched in Israel can find them in retail chains around the world, such as Australia's Woolworths, Britain's Tesco and US's Fresh&Easy. In total, Retalix exported some NIS180 million ($48 million) in cash register software, 20% of which was self check out registers.
A self check out register costs around $40,000, which is a large investment for the retail store, yet cuts manpower costs, and offers more efficient, innovative service. "The idea is to have 4-5 self check out registers in every store," says Keren Rozen, Retalix's manager of Israeli sales.
The futuristic supermarket
Besides the self check out register, Retalix is introducing other innovations into the retail industry, some of which are already implemented. One of the innovations is a touch screen, directed at the customers, with which the customer can order products on sale, in addition to his current purchase. The ordered item will be brought to the register by one of the staff members.
Another innovation, called the Q-Buster, is a mini terminal operated by a staff member, where items can be scanned directly from the cart; a process which will shorten queues for the register.
Another innovation is a small USB device that will be given to the customers and allow them to scan items at home, putting together a "shopping list" that can then be sent via email to the supermarket. The supermarket will collect the items on the list, and the customer will be able to pick up his selection without having to go through the actual shopping process.
