Self-checkout shoppers have been hit with major changes as barcodes have been replaced by cameras and the service area has been flipped amid spikes in theft

SELF-CHECKOUT kiosks have evolved to provide easier ways for customers to call up items and deter shoplifting amid a rise in theft.

Traditional self-checkout kiosks are fairly simple, with shoppers quickly scanning and bagging items themselves.

1

However, retailers have updated their self-checkouts to include cameras, which are used in place of barcodes and “flip” service areas.

A newer type of these machines are convertible checkout machines typically found in supermarkets such as warehouse clubs.

These types of kiosks can be flipped or flipped vertically.

The purpose is that the checkout area can be used by both cashiers and customers depending on the service needs of the day.

According to Forbes, retailers typically switch their machines to self-service during slow periods when there may be fewer staff scheduled.

One security measure that businesses have used is placing RFID tags, which look like stickers, on items in the store.

The security tag will be deactivated after a shopper taps the tags on a scanner, according to the outlet.

RFID tags are typically used at self-service checkouts that do not weigh items.

Sometimes stores use multi-item RFID solutions, where shoppers place all of their items in an RFID-enabled box.

This box makes it possible to read all tags at once, reports the outlet.

Cameras are used in place of barcodes in settings such as sporting events where a large quantity of the same menu is sold.

According to the point of sale, products are identified visually using an algorithm.

Vending machines are also a form of self-checkout.

While you might think of items like chips and sodas sold from the vending machines, kiosks have been made selling full meals and even expensive electronics.

TOP IN THEFT

Retailers like Walmart are implementing more security measures in light of the increase in shoplifting.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillion warned shoppers.

“Theft is a problem. It’s higher than it has been in the past,” McMillon told CNBC in December.

If this issue isn’t addressed, “prices will go up and/or stores will close,” McMillon warned.

Walmart has gone to great lengths to stop theft, like spider wrap on meat and anti-theft barriers on vitamins.