1. Specifiying Your Self-Checkout System Hardware
When specifiying your self-checkout system hardware requirements, we recommend you consider the following factors:
* Screen Size
* Operating System (Windows, Android, Linux)
* Size & type of barcode / QR Code scanner
* Size and position of receipt / voucher printer
* Type of Mounting (Wall-mount, Floor-standing, Counter-top)
* EFT Card Machine bracket option
* Shelf Type and Size
* Security Scale option (with carrier bag holder)
* Magellan Scanner/Scale option
* RFID Tag option
* Hand-held Scanner bracket option
* Assistance Light/Acoustic option
* WiFi & Antenna option
* Cash Processing Module option
* AI Security Camera
* AI Product Recognition
* EAS Integration
* Real-time Remote Management
You may also wish to consider any customised housing for the self-service kiosk and any corporate branding.
Lead time for standard configurations is typically 3-4 weeks. For special order configurations or volume orders the lead time can be upto 12 weeks. We can usually obtain core equipment earlier for software development and testing. We advise you therefore to allow sufficient time in your project plans for equipment delivery, your software customisation and pilot testing prior to live implementation.
We provide the manufacturer's software developer documentation, device drivers and API information for each of the hardware modules once an equipment order is placed. Consultancy services, developer support and project management services are available to purchase at our standard fee rates - please contact us with your project details.
2. Links to Self Checkout POS Software Apps
If you are not using or developing your own self-checkout pos software to use with our SCO hardware, below are some links to some off the shelf retail pos software solutions. You will need to check with the software provider for hardware compatibility.
These 3rd-party links are provided by TecStore in good faith without responsibility. Please check (i) the suitability of the provider and their software app for your requirements, (ii) suitability for your region, currency and card payment service, and (iii) its hardware compatibility with your intended equipment and module options prior to any purchase.
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Magestore - Self-Service Add-on for Magento and Shopify retail stores.
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Erply - USA-based Retail POS software with Self Checkout module.
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KoronaPOS - Retail POS software with Self Checkout module
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LS Retail - Retail POS software with Self Checkout module
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Flooid - Retail POS software with Self Checkout module
The above list is not exhaustive, there are many other POS software solutions with self checkout modules available on the market.
3. Self-Checkout POS Software vs Conventional POS Software
Conventional POS software is designed for a trained cashier to use, with access to numerous function keys to process different scenarios thst may occur. Whereas Self Checkout POS Software is designed for ordinary members of the public to use of different age groups and varying technology-literacy and experience. The latter therefore needs to be more user-friendly, simpler and intuitive to operate, with fewer buttons to choose from, visual and acoustic guidance at each step, yet still able to cater for various scenarios such as weighed items, items requiring age verification, calls for staff assistance, charging for carrier bags, lookup of non-barcoded items and support for features like loyalty cards, vouchers and multi-buy discounts.
Self-service checkout software requires a timeout feature so if one customer walks away without completing a transaction, the software can automatically revert to the 'Welcome' screen ready for the next customer to avoid locking up the till.
If the self-service checkout has restricted payment methods (eg. Card payment only) then this should be clearly highlighted at the outset, either by signage, on-screen message or both. Otherwise the customer may waste time scanning their items but then not be able to complete the transaction using their intended payment method.
Where items are not barcoded, such as fresh bakery items, self-picked salad boxes or loose fruit and vegetables, the checkout pos software needs to have an easy selection facility, usually with pictures or using AI recognition cameras, where the required item can be chosen from a menu or list. Where loose items are sold by weight it needs to interact with the integrated weighing scale and guide the customer accordingly.
Where the self checkout system includes a Security Scale then the pos software's product database will need to have pre-registered weights and weight ranges for items to be cross-checked after scanning. Similarly, where Age Verification is required for tobacco, vapes, alcohol, knives and other age-restricted items then this requirement has to be accommodated in the pos software either relying on AI camera features or calling for staff assistance.
Further considerations apply to handle situations where a card payment may be declined, or where the customer wishes to use mixed payment methods eg. Cash and Card.
In some locations like international airports the self checkout pos software may also require multi-language support for different customers. Provision must also be made for customers in a wheelchair and similar mobility vehicles.
In summary, you cannot readily use conventional EPOS software on self service checkout systems. There are a number of unique requirements which must be implemented using specially designed Self Checkout pos software with a more specialised interface, additional features and security controls.
4. What makes a Self Checkout System successful?
There is considerable investment involved in setting up a self-checkout system including the equipment cost, pos software, installation, customised housing and signage, installation of cameras, allocation of customer assistance staff, staff training and allocating space within the retail store.
Some retail businesses go through the process of installing self-checkout systems, only to later find out that customers are not satisfied with it or the security issues are causing disproportionate financial losses, and so the business ends up scaling down SCO usage and reverting to more reliance on conventional cashier-operated tills.
To help ensure your investment in self-checkout systems is successful with your customers willing and satisfactorily able to make full use of the self-service checkout facilities and loss prevention is maximised, there are a number of issues we at TecStore advise you to address.
i. Sufficient Number of Checkouts
First, you will need to ensure you have a sufficient number of self--service checkouts. If you do not have enough checkouts, then queues will build, throughput will be slow, customers will be dissatisfied and you will not benefit from the main purpose of the self-checkout till which is queue busting.
It is a false economy to install just 1 or 2 self-service checkouts in a store which at busy times may require 5 or 6 to ensure good customer flow and to avoid queues at the cashier operated tills.
ii. Staff Assistance
Second, self-service may not be successful if suitably-trained human staff members are not on hand to assist customers and to keep an eye on things from a security perspective. Depending on the size of your store and how busy it is, this could require 1 person or several people. If there is a problem scanning an item, a customer requires assistance to remove items from their shopping bill, a card payment fails, a barcode is missing from a product, there is a spillage / breakage and other such exceptions, then such an event can block a self-checkout till from operating resulting in a bottleneck and increasing wait times for other customers. So having identifiable and dedicated support staff around the self-checkout area is very important and also enhances security, reduces theft and improves loss prevention.
iii. Monitoring for Temporary Malfunctions
Third, the checkout system needs to be proactively continuously monitored either automatically with remote alerts to relevant staff or manually by store staff or via CCTV monitoring, for issues such as till paper rolls running out and needing replacement, or an on-screen error message or a problem with the touchscreen, printer, card machine, cash handler, scale or other system component. The sooner any technical issues are identified then they can be quickly addressed and resolved, reducing down time, and thereby retaining the ongoing benefits of the self-service checkout.
The LED lights fitted to a SCO can help reassure customers with green lights showing available self-service checkouts.
iv. Encourage Customers to use Self-Service
Fourth, layout and signage. Your self-service checkouts should be placed in an easily accessible position in your store and clearly sign-posted so customers are naturally diverted to use the self-service checkouts in preference to queuing at the cashier-operated tills. A queuing area may be necessary for busy times.
We advise to have a generous supply of carrier bags accessible around each checkout so customers are not forced to tie up a till while looking around or waiting for carrier bags to be obtained by a staff member. This will ensure good throughput.
v. Product Database is up-to-date and correct
Fifth, your epos system's product database must be kept up-to-date and accurate so all the products with their barcode are present on the system, the pricing is correct and matches the price the customer saw on the shelf or on price-marked items, and that any advertised multi-buy offers and promotions, and any item quantity restrictions are properly implemented.
The same applies to non-barcoded products such as bakery items, fruit and veg items and seasonal items, with all size/colour variations and flavours included.
Otherwise where there are product database issues, this will slow down the checkout process and increase waiting times for other customers as staff are awaited to assist resolution with pricing errors or missing products.
vi. Security Scale Operation
Sixth, we advise to have a Security Scale on each of your self-checkouts so that you can ensure bagged items have been scanned and billed. Related to this, you should define a practical weight range defined for each product (PLU) to reduce false weight-related errors that can irritate customers, slow down the checkout process and increase waiting times for other customers. For example, not every carton of 6 medium-size free-range eggs will weigh exactly 130g so your products database should allow a reasonable +/- error margin and tolerance of, say, 5-10g.
There are a number other provisions to help ensure success of an SCO system and get maximum return for your investment, including the appropriate design of the SCO pos software, but in our experience at TecStore the above points are the most common considerations.
5. What are the benefits of a Self Checkout System?
Self-service checkouts offer a range of benefits that have led to their widespread adoption, significantly changing the retail landscape for both retail businesses and consumers.
Benefits to the Consumer:
For consumers, the primary benefit of self-checkout is convenience and speed. In a busy world, avoiding long queues at traditional manned retail checkouts is a major time-saver. Shoppers can scan their items at their own pace, making the process feel more controlled and efficient.
Reduced Waiting Times: The increased number of available self-checkout kiosks often translates to shorter lines, especially for customers with only a few items.
Privacy and Control: Some customers prefer the discretion of scanning personal items themselves rather than interacting with a cashier. The self-guided nature of the process offers a sense of autonomy.
Availability: Self-checkout machines are typically available during all store operating hours, providing a consistent service option even during staff breaks or shift changes.
Benefits to the Retail Business:
Retailers gain significant operational advantages from implementing self-service technology, primarily through improved efficiency and cost savings.
Optimised Labour Resources: By shifting some checkout tasks to consumers, businesses can allocate employees to other critical areas like stocking shelves, assisting customers on the floor, or managing inventory. This helps manage staff labour costs while maintaining high service standards.
Increased Throughput: A single employee can supervise multiple self-checkout machines simultaneously, allowing the store to process more customers per hour than with traditional manned lanes alone.
Space Efficiency: Self-checkout kiosks generally take up less physical space than conventional conveyor belt systems, allowing stores to install more checkout points in the same area and potentially boost sales volume.
Data and Analytics: These systems provide valuable data on purchasing habits and checkout flow, helping retailers optimize store layouts, stock management, and the overall customer experience.
In summary, self-checkout is a modern retail solution that creates a win-win scenario, offering a faster, more controlled shopping experience for the customer while providing businesses with the tools to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency.
Also see our Self-Service Kiosk solutions for hospitality businesses, such as food and drink takeaways:
Hospitality POS System with Self-Service Kiosks
Available To Order 
