Self-service cash registers are a failure in many places, but they are needed

Although self-service checkouts offer promising opportunities, in practice both stores and customers face a number of problems:

Maintenance and errors: Maintenance of self-service systems is often complicated and expensive. Common errors include the machine not properly detecting the products placed in the bag or duplicates occurring during scanning. These errors not only cause frustration for customers, but also prolong the purchase process.

The need for human intervention: In certain situations, human intervention is essential. For example, when purchasing age-restricted goods, the system requires human approval. Such cases can slow down the process and sometimes make it even more complicated than with traditional checkouts.

Increase in thefts: The number of thefts also increases when using self-service cash registers. Some thefts are the result of deliberate fraud: for example, someone may pass off a more expensive product, such as deli meat, as a cheaper one, such as bananas. This phenomenon can cause serious losses for businesses.

Although self-service cash registers in their current form face challenges, the concept does not necessarily have to be completely discarded. Some foreign stores, such as Sam’s Club, already allow customers to scan products with smartphones while shopping. This innovation not only makes the process smoother, but also provides an opportunity to further develop the technology.