Self-checkout

NCR Corporation model of self-service checkouts and fast-lane at a Sainsbury's store
NCR Corporation model of self-service checkout at an IKEA store

Self-checkouts (SCOs), also known as assisted checkouts (ACOs) or self-service checkouts, are machines that provide a mechanism for customers to complete their own transaction from a retailer without needing a traditional staffed checkout. When using SCOs, customers scan item barcodes before paying for their total shop without needing one-to-one staff assistance. Self-checkouts are used mainly in supermarkets, although they are not uncommon in department or convenience stores.[1] Most self-checkout areas are supervised by at least one staff member, often assisting customers process transactions, correcting prices, or otherwise providing service.

As of 2013, there were 191,000 self-checkout units deployed across the globe, and by 2025, it is predicted that 1.2 million units will be installed worldwide.[2][3] It has been estimated that "the self-checkout system market in the U.S., which accounts for 41% of the global market, reached $1.4 billion in 2021."[4]

The machines were originally invented by David R. Humble at Deerfield Beach, Florida-based company CheckRobot Inc., with NCR Corporation having the largest market share.[5][6] They were introduced to the public in July 1986; the first machine, produced by CheckRobot, was installed in a Kroger store near Atlanta, Georgia.[7][8]

  1. ^ "Self-checkout Systems Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Components (Systems, Services), By Type (Cash Based, Cashless), By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027". Grand View Research. April 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  2. ^ "SELF-CHECKOUT: A GLOBAL CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE" (PDF). NCR Whitepaper. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
  3. ^ "NCR Named Global Leader in Self-Checkout for the 18th Consecutive Year". NCR Corporation. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  4. ^ Moran, Catherine Douglas; Silverstein, Sam (14 March 2022). "As self-checkout expands in grocery, here are 4 ways the technology is leveling up". Grocery Dive.
  5. ^ "Self-Checkout Reaches Critical Mass - LPM". losspreventionmedia.com. 2 January 2006.
  6. ^ "Self-service distribution system".
  7. ^ Dowell, Sharon (20 May 1987). "Self-Checkout Latest Innovation In Grocery Stores". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  8. ^ Meyersohn, Nathaniel (10 July 2022). "Nobody likes self-checkout. Here's why it's everywhere". CNN Business. Retrieved 10 July 2022.