self check out

Reflections at Self-Checkout

March 16, 2020 Published by
self check out

Customer preference for more convenience has given rise to self-checkout. But outside of enhancing the customer experience, self-checkout also offers retailers the added benefits of lower operational costs and higher levels of workforce efficiency.

Yet the added convenience and benefits come at a price – new forms of retail crime. An article published by The Atlantic candidly talks about these new methods, going as far as calling one act the banana trick.

As a result, retailers are leveraging PVMs at self-checkout to discourage unwanted behaviors and to enhance their loss prevention and customer experience programs. While there are many creative ways to deploy PVMs at self-checkout, here are the current configurations being used by today’s top U.S. retailers.

Placing PVMs at Eye Level at Self-Checkout Kiosks
Installing small format PVMs at eye level at self-checkout is quickly becoming a staple deployment across retail stores. This configuration serves as a visible deterrent while capturing the shopper and the transaction. It lets customers know the transaction is being monitored and effectively aids in any possible investigation.

Installing Extra-Large PVMs Overhead
In bullpen areas like self-checkout, it’s often best to deploy an extra-large PVM overhead. This configuration presents an initial impression of control before shoppers get to the registers. Often sequencing multiple camera views from the bullpen area on the PVM will reinforce the fact that there is substantial video coverage for the area. Additionally, the large overhead view allows associates outside of the bullpen area to view the PVM providing a quick assessment for customer service opportunities or to challenge suspect activity.

Using PVMs in Portrait Orientation at Self-Checkout Stations
Because of the rise of retail theft at self-checkout, retailers are also experimenting with the orientation of PVMs in this area. Traditionally, PVMs are installed with a landscape orientation, which does not present an optimal image of the shopper and transaction. When a self-checkout PVM is installed vertically, the entire transaction at the scanning bed is presented. This field of view has a greater deterrence value because the shopper is aware that their actions are being monitored.

Leveraging a Combination of Placement and Orientation
Quite often, a retailer’s brand strategy will determine the placement and number of PVMs deployed at self-checkout. As a result, many retailers often opt to layer deterrence at self-checkout with a combination of all the configurations listed in this article. Layering deterrence is an optimal solution that lets shoppers know that the area is well defended from unwanted activities. It helps the honest shopper feel safe while enhancing their shopping experience and lets the dishonest shopper know that illegal activities are not tolerated in the store.

Self-checkout is a hot topic across retailers of all sizes and industries. It’s why the self-checkout market is expected to exceed $5 billion by 2024. But as retailers continue to look at how they implement self-checkout as part of their overall store strategy, careful consideration must be placed on how they navigate the loss prevention challenges self-checkout presents. Working with a partner is a great way to identify which PVM configurations and placements will work best with the store’s loss prevention goals.

Interested in learning how PVMs can be deployed outside of just self-checkout? Let’s chat!

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