What is meant by Self Checkout?
The term "self-checkout" refers to a self-service checkout system where customers independently scan their items, calculate the total, and complete the payment process without the assistance of a cashier. Self-checkout systems are used in supermarkets, hardware stores, and other retail environments to speed up the checkout process and optimize staffing resources.
Typical software functions in the area of "self-checkout":
- Product Scanning: Customers independently scan their items using a barcode reader or RFID scanner.
- Price and Discount Calculation: Automatic calculation of the total amount, including any applicable discounts or promotions.
- Payment Processing: Support for various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, mobile payment methods (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), and cash.
- Weight Control: Verification of the item's weight as a security measure to ensure all scanned items are correctly accounted for.
- User Guidance: Simple and intuitive user interface that guides customers step-by-step through the purchase process.
- Customer Support: Integration of a help system that provides assistance in case of issues, such as displaying instructions or calling for staff assistance.
- Integration with Inventory Management: Real-time updating of inventory data after a purchase.
- Receipt Issuance: Automatic creation and issuance of a receipt, either digitally or on paper.