IT leaders: check out how 2D barcodes and RFID are reinventing retail [Video]

Retailers are revisiting their reliance on self-checkouts, driven by a need to address shrink, reduce losses, and deliver a better customer experience. As new technologies change the landscape, it’s in the best interest of IT leaders to brace for what’s to come.

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The retail landscape has undergone massive shifts in recent years to adopt self-checkout systems. But major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Dollar General are starting to phase out self-check in some locations because they’ve contributed to higher rates of shoplifting and inventory loss. But is this the beginning of the end for self-checkouts?

Some industry experts believe the pull-back is only temporary, and the future for self-checkout is bright — as soon as new technologies begin to be deployed on a large scale. Two of which are 2D barcodes, similar to QR codes, and RAIN RFID. When combined and supported by industry standards, the technologies may be the …