Reducing shrink at the point of sale (POS) is crucial for any retail business, and it can be achieved without compromising the customer experience. A significant portion of losses arises from accidental misreads or mis-scans by employees who are rushing to manage queues, inventory, or restocking shelves. The starting point for tackling these issues effectively is by equipping your store with the right barcode scanners.
Are Your Scanners Up to the Task?
You might feel confident about your current barcode scanners, but it's worth questioning if they're truly meeting your needs. Modern scanners equipped with 2D barcode capabilities, integrated cameras, hyper-sensitive scales, and other advanced loss detection technologies can significantly reduce both intentional and accidental losses at the POS.
Retail technology evolves rapidly, and many stores are stocked with outdated equipment, particularly scanners. Associates often struggle with managing inventory, shelf tags, and pricing markdowns using consumer smartphones, which require precise alignment to read 1D barcodes. This, combined with older single-plane and bioptic scanners lacking camera technology, leads to inefficiencies and increased risk of errors and fraud.
The Future of Scanning Technology
It's essential to distinguish between imager-based scanners and linear-based laser scanners. Imager-based scanners, with camera technologies, can read 2D barcodes without requiring perfect alignment, enhancing productivity and naturally replacing increasingly obsolete 1D barcode scanners.
Modern POS scanners can identify items more accurately than ever before. This is especially relevant with the GS1 project Sunrise 2027 and the growing demand for self-checkout (SCO) options. Effective loss prevention at the POS requires systems that can detect and respond to issues in real-time, beyond the capabilities of traditional 1D barcode scanners.
Enhancing Scan Accuracy
Utilising advanced scanners ensures that your operation can handle more than just barcode reading. Associates and shoppers alike are prone to making mistakes or engaging in fraudulent activities, and effective loss prevention requires real-time detection and response capabilities.
Outdated 1D barcode scanners fall short in several ways:
- They can't extract information from all barcodes on every item.
- They struggle to identify products without barcodes, leading to errors in produce, bakery, deli, meat, seafood, or bulk items.
- They can't detect ticket switching, even with calibrated scales.
- They don't provide feedback on whether the system is functioning correctly or if there's an item-related issue on the scale.
Choosing the Right POS Scanner
To truly minimise losses, your POS scanners need to incorporate AI-based computer vision systems. These scanners can:
- Identify items accurately, reducing the need for associates or customers to guess during label creation or checkout.
- Confirm that scanned items match the visual identification, preventing mismatches and ticket switching.
- Provide immediate alerts for suspicious activities, enabling prompt intervention.
What to Look for in a POS Scanner
When selecting a new POS scanner, consider the quality of the lens, lighting, and the intelligence of the image processing software. The system should capture multiple images in a split second to create a 3D-like rendition for accurate identification. Testing the scanners in real-world conditions is crucial to ensure they meet your operational needs and integrate smoothly with existing systems.
Additionally, consider the environmental impact. Opt for scanners designed to last longer, consume less power, and be recyclable at the end of their lifecycle. Advanced scanners should also support automatic performance improvements through software updates and machine learning.
Conclusion
Investing in advanced POS scanners is not just a technological upgrade; it's a strategic move to safeguard your business against losses and enhance the customer experience. Modern scanners, equipped with 2D barcode capabilities offer unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. They help reduce errors, prevent fraudulent activities, and streamline operations across all checkouts.
Ultimately, upgrading to the right POS scanners will not only reduce shrink but also pave the way for a more efficient, customer-friendly retail environment. Take the necessary steps today to equip your store with the best technology available, ensuring long-term success and satisfaction for your business and your customers.
To learn more about how Bar Code Data Ltd can support your business with cutting-edge retail solutions, get in touch with our team today. We’re here to help you optimise your operations and enhance the customer experience.