New Jersey-based RFID and RF technology firm Checkpoint Systems has joined forces with PoS manufacturer Partner Tech Europe to develop self-service checkouts (SCOs).

This will see Checkpoint’s RFID technology integrated into German company Partner Tech’s PoS terminals. Shoppers can place their garments directly in the kiosk and it will automatically identify the RFID tags, determining whether the garment has been paid for or not. The aim is to create a frictionless retail environment that lets customers check out quickly, while providing loss prevention.

This will also allow apparel retailers to tackle many of the problems they face in self-service checkout areas, such as detecting theft, and identifying multi-packs, multiple items, non-barcoded items and non-readable QR codes.

The intelligent option will deactivate soft tags when a payment has been verified, reducing false alarms and improving loss prevention. With the shopper simply placing items into an area on the checkout desk, barcode scanning issues are also instantly removed, speeding up the payment process and enhancing the customer’s shopping experience.

The RFID-based SCO will also provide data about individual purchases, that, when combined with inventory information, can help stores replenish merchandise quicker and reduce the number of out-of-stock scenarios. Studies have proven that implementing RFID and increasing stock accuracy levels to above 93% can, in turn, increase sales by 9%.

“Over time, SCOs have become an important part of improving customer experience, yet retailers have not always been able to guarantee security in their bid to provide a seamless, low-hassle payment experience for customers,” said Patrice Bahuaud, strategic partnership director at Checkpoint Systems. “Fortunately, thanks to the integration of our RFID systems, retailers can be safe in the knowledge that both are being met, and enjoy all the benefits of a secure checkout, such as saving shop space, increased sales and freeing up employee time to spend on other jobs.”

Denis Christesen, managing director of Partner Tech, added: “As a PoS focused company, we recognise the growing importance of SCOs in elevating customer experiences. Retailers have faced challenges in balancing security with a seamless and hassle-free payment experience. Our collaboration with Checkpoint Systems enables the integration of RFID systems into our PoS, effectively addressing both concerns. This partnership empowers retailers to enjoy the advantages of a secure checkout, such as optimising shop space, boosting sales, and allowing employees to focus on other essential tasks.”

Other Partner Tech products include: Alfred, a compact and modular self-checkout for multiple retail segments which includes an all-in-one touch PoS, intelligent three-light and video camera; Ace self-checkout for grocery and general retail with security and frictionless shopping features; and Bora Bora, the futuristic SCO developed in 2022, which includes holographic touch, as well as integrating all the traditional components such as a scanner, printer and payment terminal.

The Fashion RFID SCO will be available in a range of sizes and colours, enabling retailers to tailor it to the design of their stores.