Given that we live in an ever-changing era and digital is ubiquitous, more and more retailers have decided to make major changes such as store automation. In such stores, customers will find neither cashiers nor cash registers.
There has been an increase in shoplifting. Photo: Shutterstock (Archive)
In this way, customers could end their shopping session much faster.
Although digitization comes with advantages, the disadvantages should not be disregarded either. Apart from the changes in the labor market, such as the decrease in the number of jobs, there has been an increase in shoplifting.
Such a digitized store can also be visited in our country, according to ProTV News.
“We have 523 cameras that analyze the human path inside the store. We have 1,000 sensors on our shelves that help detect products. Each product has a well-defined place in the store”said Mircea Bucur, the IT director of a retailer.
More precisely, when you choose the desired products, they are assigned to the account registered in the store application and, when you want to pay, the products are automatically entered on the receipt. All you have to do is pay with your card the amount shown on the screen.
“A beneficial thing for the population as well”
Intelligent systems of this kind are increasingly common in stores. Whether it's grocery stores, clothing stores or pharmacies. Supermarkets have also made self-service cash registers available to customers, where they can scan their products themselves.
“Of course, if the number of jobs were to be reduced and this percentage would be found in prices, in the reduction of prices, then it would perhaps be a beneficial thing for the population as well. But I am convinced that in commerce we will not encounter this situation, as we reduce jobs and they become automated, and I mean houses“, stated Dragoș Frumosu, representative of Sindalimenta.
In addition, given the automation and absence of employees, theft cases have also started to increase. According to security agents, the number of thefts from shops is currently higher than that recorded in the case of house burglaries.
“It departs from the pattern of the man who tries to hide certain more expensive products under the basket. Or there are the more complex patterns where they hide in bags that are wrapped in aluminum foil“, said Flavian Crizboi, representative of a security company.
In this sense, chain stores in Great Britain and France have decided to use the traditional methods, with staff.
