Walmart has rolled out new technology at its self-checkouts that serves two purposes: making shopping safer and easier for honest customers, while making things harder for those trying to steal.
This technology helps detect when something is not recorded correctly at the tills, preventing thieves from taking advantage of errors.
This measure responds to the increasing loss of inventory that the company has faced in recent years.
New self-service system at Walmart
In a video that went viral on TikTok, a Walmart shopper showed how she scanned Great Value brand products without using the traditional barcode.
The system, which has generated a lot of interest, is part of Walmart’s partnership with Digimarc, a technology company that specializes in advanced barcodes.
Walmart has invested $3 million annually in this collaboration, integrating advanced technological solutions to optimize its store operations.
According to Digimarc’s website, the technology includes codes invisible to the human eye that are integrated into product packaging.
These codes can be easily detected by self-service machines, making scanning easier and reducing opportunities for theft.
Advantages of the new system
Invisible codes: Codes embedded in products are not visible to the human eye, ensuring a seamless shopping experience.
Enhanced security: Technology makes it harder for thieves to bypass the scanning process.
Operational efficiency: The system streamlines store operations and improves the shopping experience.
According to Digimarc technology partner Datalogic, scanning speed has improved significantly.
In a press release, Digimarc noted that there is no longer a need to search for barcodes on products, making self-service easier for customers.
Cameras can detect multiple products at once, speeding up the checkout process.
Walmart’s response to rising thefts
During an earnings call in August, Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner revealed that the problem of inventory shrinkage — losses due to theft, damage and other factors — has grown at its stores.
Estimated losses due to theft amount to $3 billion annually, according to a Gitnux report.
Faced with this challenge, Walmart strengthened its self-service technology with the aim of reducing both accidental and intentional theft, seeking to better manage its inventory and mitigate the financial impact of the loss.
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