Making Retail Outlets Unmanned
Unmanned outlets are set to become the norm in retail within a few years, and the technology to run them is available today. Retail Clouds is working towards 100% remote control and monitoring of outlets using IoT.
How an Unmanned Retail Outlet Works
From customer entry to payment and exit, Retail Clouds connects remote access control, self-checkout and video monitoring to manage the outlet with minimal on-site intervention.
- Remote door access The outlet door is opened remotely or through configured access control.
- Customers enter Customers enter the unmanned outlet using the configured access method.
- Pick and addCustomers pick items and add them to the WiFi Cart.
- Settle and exitCustomers leave with their goods once the cart amount is settled.
- Remote monitoring The outlet can be secured remotely while video analytics monitors activity.
Open, secure and close the outlet remotely
The outlet door is connected to the cloud, so opening and closing no longer needs staff on site. Retailers decide how customers get in.
- Allow customers to come in at any time of the day.
- Choose open access, or require authentication such as a card or app-based entry.
- Open and close the door remotely from anywhere.
Shop and check out on the cart itself
Customers use the WiFi Cart for checkout, so there is no separate billing counter to staff. Items are scanned and weighed as they go in, and the cart screen keeps the running bill.
- Barcode scanner and weighing scale built into the cart.
- Touch screen to browse, add items and pay.
- The customer's entire movement in the outlet is monitored using video analytics.
Walk out only when the cart is paid
The exit gate works with the WiFi Cart. A customer is allowed to leave with the cart only after the amount is settled, which keeps the outlet secure without a cashier or guard at the door.
- Gate opens only for a paid and verified cart.
- Unpaid carts stay at the gate and can trigger an alert.
- Video analytics keeps watch over the exit area.
Why retailers choose unmanned outlets
Built on Retail Clouds, the omnichannel retail platform, unmanned operation connects with your stock, billing and reporting.
Open longer
Let customers shop whenever it suits them, without extending staff shifts.
Lower running effort
Door control, checkout and monitoring are handled remotely, so fewer tasks need people on site.
Faster shopping
No billing queues: customers pay on the cart and go.
Always watched
Video analytics monitors the outlet and raises alerts when something needs attention.
Secure exit
Goods leave only after payment is settled and the cart is verified.
One cloud
Stock, sales and analytics stay in sync with the rest of your Retail Clouds setup.
Ready to see an unmanned outlet in action?
Talk to the Retail Clouds team about bringing remote control and monitoring to your outlets.