We bring you new experiences with unmanned stores

In the continuing pandemic, the COVID-19 virus signals the beginning of a retail technology revolution that will impact the future of shopping and demand for socially-distanced and contactless shopping experiences. The cost-effectiveness of such solutions makes retailers look into them when they want to modernize their stores and streamline services. With the assistance of electronics, RFID tags, software, sensors, security cameras, unmanned stores are able to connect and exchange data using online payment systems, so there is no cashier needed.  

How does an Unmanned Store work? 

Through our integration of EASI Unmanned Store Solutions, our system uses frontline retail technologies including CCTV cameras with back-end systems so that we can track shopper movements. Unmanned stores feature self-service and self-checkout capabilities, so there are no lines up at the cashier. Shoppers can just unlock the door with their smartphones by downloading the app, which has to be set up with their payment information. EASI RFID tags are attached to all items in the unmanned store so that the self-checkout machine will be able to read them. Having chosen the items they want, shoppers will head to the self-checkout machine to finish the transaction. Rather than scanning items separately, the shoppers simply present everything they are buying at once. In the end, the payment shall be settled with an e-wallet on the smartphone, contactless payment card or physically through cash payment. The shopper can check their receipt upon completion of the transaction via mobile application. Upon paying for all items taken, the store's doors will open for the shoppers to leave. 

EASI RFID Tag Technology 

The Unmanned Store concept is built around EASI RFID technology. By automating inventory control, tracking the movement of products inside stores, and optimizing supply chains, it has become a well-established technology. At self-service stations, the EASI RFID tag gives fast and accurate reading, even in bulk. Retailers can gain valuable information about their customers' shopping behavior through RFID chips, which contain more data than traditional barcodes. The data can then be analyzed and used to identify market trends.  

RFID-based solutions allow for the detection of goods being purchased and authorizing those purchases automatically. It is not only integrated into the self-checkout system, but must also communicate with the back-end servers and exit door controls. Cameras can be used to monitor shopping areas, checkout locations, and entrance gates. Having the system in place makes it more difficult to steal from the store. 

EASI Image Recognition Solution 

Besides RFID technology, EASI offers Image Recognition as part of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for unmanned stores. This advanced technology reads an item based on their visual appearance without using barcodes. The camera system detects the items the shoppers place on the machine and analyzes the photos to identify the items accurately, including apparel types, colors, sizes, shapes, patterns and categories. The scanner is able to determine the differences between the individual items. It speeds up checkout performance, protects customers' privacy, and gives them control of the checkout. This will increase profit at the retail shop as well.  

In Short 

To replace the traditional features of a store, unmanned stores utilize smartphone technology, RFID system, and Image Recognition solution. Unmanned stores have become more popular as businesses recognize the benefits of streamlining and improving the entirety of their operations with such technology. Retailers in this segment are poised for significant growth, and we are working closely with our customers to implement RFID solutions or AI integrations to develop the unmanned concept for seamless, touch-free shopping experiences that consumers demand today.