How Walmart’s new security system scans products to prevent thefts at self-checkout
Walmart launches a new security system to combat theft at self-checkout. Now, products have codes invisible to the human eye.
With the implementation of self-checkout in stores and warehouses in the United States, several companies have fallen victim to losses resulting from theft. Such is the case of Walmart, where CEO John Furner recently revealed the problem of inventory loss has grown in its many outlets.
According to a report by Gitnux, estimated losses from theft at self-checkout counters amount to $3 billion annually, which has led Walmart to implement a new checkout system that will not only strengthen security to thwart theft, but will also make the shopping experience for customers faster and more effective.
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How Walmart’s new security system scans products to prevent thefts at self-checkout
With the new technology, Walmart customers will only have to swipe their products through the checkout machine’s sensors without using a barcode. This is possible thanks to a partnership between the supermarket chain and the technology company Digimarc, which includes an investment of $3 million annually.
According to information from Digimarc, its technology can create advanced barcodes that are invisible to the human eye and are on the entire surface of the product. By integrating the codes into the product packaging, they can be detected more easily by self-service machines, which optimizes scanning and reduces the opportunity for theft considerably.
In addition to improving scanning speed, Digimarc technology can also scan multiple products at once, resulting in a safe and efficient self-checkout system that will help the company reduce the financial impact of shrinkage and improve the customer’s shopping experience.