WA Grocer Pilots Mobile Checkout Solution

[Sherman A1]

Following a successful pilot at an IGA supermarket in Snoqualmie, Wash., cloud-based mobile retail solutions company QThru has launched a new mobile platform for retailers that enables shoppers to scan items with a smartphone as they shop to speed up the checkout process.

“Given recent advancements in technology, consumers are realizing there is a better way to check out of a retail store without standing in a long line,” said Aaron Roberts, founder and CEO of QThru. “Current self-checkout stations only magnify the problem because they are slow and inefficient and create a bottleneck in the store. QThru provides a simple solution that saves time while also building customer loyalty.”

Hhere’s how the solution works: After installation, a retailer’s products and pricing are synchronized with the QThru cloud. Customers can then download the QThru smartphone app and start shopping. To complete the checkout process shoppers simply enter a previously stored passcode and scan a QR code at a checkout kiosk which completes the transaction from their phone. QThru uses a cloud-based, fully PCI-compliant, secure storage facility to protect payment and personal information. A receipt is generated from the kiosk, which is highlighted in a different color and is reviewed by a store employee at the door.

http://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-stories/headlines/technology/id35772/wa-grocer-pilots-mobile-checkout-solution/

The future appears to be getting closer and it includes fewer retail jobs........

[Zalatix]

1. And no jobs to replace those lost retail jobs.

And if you start talking about slowing down all this automation so the job losses don't outstrip the job gains you get called a Luddite.

And no one who calls you a Luddite gives a rip about those who lose their jobs and get thrown into a market without any jobs.

Does anyone recall how many people out there are fighting for every 1 available job right now? Ah yes, it's still stuck at 4...

[Sherman A1]

2. Precisely

While it would be absurd to believe you can turn back automation and technology there has to be some balance somewhere, but I am certain there will not be. The only thing that will slow the installation of these types of units is the potential loss to shoplifting (they are a gift to the organized shoplifting groups out there) as fewer people mean fewer eyes to catch those who would rather skip the part where payment is rendered for the goods in the stores.

[joshcryer]

4. Shop lifting is one reason Wal-Mart got rid of self-checkout.

Wage slaves make way too much of a deterrent, protecting the corporate bottom line to save their own livelihood.

[joshcryer]

3. Being against automation and for wage slavery makes you that in my opinion.

In the end there will be no work, being workerist is just, meh.

[Zalatix]

12. And if you think a world with no work will be a good world, you are naive.

That means most of the population will be discarded as superfluous - and if you're not wealthy, that means you and yours.

[joshcryer]

5. The whole "reviewed by store employ" trick didn't gain traction, as far as I can tell.

I mean, generally speaking it was everywhere but these days I simply don't see it. Customers simply don't like to be treated as thieves by default.

[JHB]

6. So instead of a bottleneck at the register, there's one at the door?

A thorough "review" would take as much time and attention as a check out line, and anything less encourages merchandise to grow feet and walk out the door.

[Downwinder]

7. Albertson's got rid of self checkout here because people preferred

to deal with people.

[RadiationTherapy]

8. We are a capitalist society, why would there be any surprise at this at all?

Human workers are only important if they are cheaper than a different solution. The bottom line for all companies at all times is profit. One's energy would likely be better served addressing this philosophical reality than worrying about technological advancements. Working a cash register doesn't mean anything one way or another, but having a functional community with a healthy economy does. I would rather concern myself with the function rather than the details of who is pushing the buttons on the register.

[SoCalDem]

9. So.. where does money to buy stuff come from, when all/most "service" jobs are gone?

What's next?

Trained chimps with scanners & shock collars to stock the shelves?

[Chan790]

10. This will go the way of self-check-out which is already receding.

People don't like to use the self-checkout lane unless they're only buying a few things, the units do not pay for themselves as stores end up having to have as many open cashiered lanes as before and the units are expensive to buy, maintain and repair.

So...we're seeing stores that have installed them, shutter them and sales have stagnated.

[Marrah_G]

11. I never use self checkout

[Sherman A1]

13. Excellent!

I avoid them as best as I can as well.