Canadian firm A2Z Smart Technologies showed off its Cust2Mate smart cart platform at January’s NRF show in New York. This can provide major retail chains with market-ready technology that is fun for shoppers to use.

“Our team of has decades of experience and already proven successfully implementing new retail PoS systems in supermarkets and other retail chains that have been widely adapted globally,” said Rafael Yam, CEO of Cust2Mate Technologies. “NRF is an opportunity to showcase our market proven platform which is already being installed, backed by a service and support infrastructure that supermarkets are already working with. We’re delivering on our promise of unparalleled personalised shopping experience while providing the retailer with valuable new intelligence, with system support to increase profits.”

Cust2Mate’s technology can reduce shrinkage with anti-fraud technology. The smart cart seamlessly integrates several technologies using AI, computer vision and secure edge computing. These provide inventory control that reduces stockout risk as well as real-time business intelligence that personalises the customer experience and increases purchasing.

Using Edgify’s collaborative AI and computer vision for real-time updates of new SKUs and pricing changes, Cust2Mate recognises non-barcoded items such as fruits and vegetables. Using algorithms, Edgify enables any SKU information change to be updated in every computer device under each cart, in every store across the entire chain.

That can reduce the security needs of costly servers and infrastructure compared with a less secure and private, cloud-based system. Shopper data stay in the store.

“From the moment the shopper’s smart cart passes the designated entry gate, the system engages the customer to offer promotions and discounts as well as add to their purchase with suggestions to augment their menu,” said Yam. “The system will learn and remember customer’s habits and trends in the store, allowing the retailer to leverage this valuable retail business intelligence across the chain in accordance with all privacy laws.”

Customers want to shop with greater frequency at a store that is convenient, quick and fun and combine the best of the online and physical experiences. The all-in-one Cust2Mate smart cart has a barcode scanner that records items for fast and accurate pricing. The cart mounted touchscreen table offers shopping suggestions, coupons and discounts.

Every smart cart uses contactless tap-and-pay and QR scanning that can be integrated with loyalty programmes or instore promotions available at the point-of-sale.

The mobile payment pad allows shoppers to pay using bank card or e-wallet where they have funds – Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal – use buy now pay later accounts, loyalty points and even many types of cryptocurrencies.