Talk:Self-checkout

Is this page still a stub?
A significant amount of informatino has been added. There is still information that could expand on this article, with particular regard to the specifics of the technology used, but should the "Stub" status now be removed? --201.137.80.226 05:21, 1 January 2006 (UTC)


 * I think it's definitely big enough to be de-stubbed, and I went ahead and removed that stub tag. SchuminWeb (Talk) 06:17, 1 January 2006 (UTC)

wow, so biased: its bad for the economy? what about jobs that are created by makers of machines benefit to consumer is negligible? the cost savings translate to the consumer as well, in a competative environment not to mention these are crappy jobs that are lost —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.93.115.159 (talk • contribs)


 * You're welcome to try your hand at the article if you think it could be improved, Mr. or Ms. 65.93.115.159. SchuminWeb (Talk) 11:28, 4 January 2006 (UTC)


 * I have to disagree with the statement that there is no benefit to the consumer. From my experience, it is a lot faster to use the self checkout than wait in line at a regular checkstand.  Plus, I agree the article is highly biased.  Are ATM machines a bad idea because they replace bank tellers?  Are self-service elevators a bad idea because it eliminates the need for a elevator operator?  Are self-service gas stations a bad idea since it removes the need for a gas station attendant? 208.186.37.107 22:56, 6 January 2006 (UTC)

Adding/removing link to NCR Self Checkout
I am new to Wikipedia and have much to learn. I'm trying to understand why the link to NCR's resources - news, info, white papers around Self Checkout, continue to be removed yet IBM's link remains. NCR has about 55% of the installed base and has installed about 2/3rd's of all Self Checkout for the last 5 years and exceeds the next closest 2 competitors combined. As the dominant leader in this space I would think a link to NCR's resources would be more than appropriate.

This article is biased and contains poor information. I am willing to make verifiable improvements if the goal here is to represent the truth. If this is just a tit for tat excercise to serve someones agenda then I hardly see the point. Help me unterstand the requirements for the link to stick and I'll make efforts to improve the overall content. —Preceding unsigned comment added by RedRiverGorge (talk • contribs) 03:26, 13 April 2008 (UTC)


 * Good point about the link. IBM's gone.  SchuminWeb (Talk) 12:26, 13 April 2008 (UTC)

OK, I guess I am still confused. If IBM and NCR both have useful information in the form of white papers and such via the links shouldn't they both be on here instead of not? Is the issue that these are comercial sites? If so I would argue that the other links are as well. Everyone has an agenda, but if they are contributing valid and supportable data shouldn't they be included? Where's the line? —Preceding unsigned comment added by RedRiverGorge (talk • contribs) 18:39, 16 April 2008 (UTC)

This article is biased; the first automated self-scanning machines were installed prior to 1992. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Uksven (talk • contribs) 00:46, 22 April 2010 (UTC)


 * Does IBM have a self checkout system? I have never seen IBM Self Checkouts anywhere?Sunshine Warrior04 (talk) 16:54, 26 July 2017 (UTC)

No more automated than staffed checkouts
The first sentence tells me "Self checkout machines automated the process of paying for purchases from a retailer." This doesn't seem right. From the perspective of the customer, all that has changed is that the customer does the work previously done by a checkout attendant. Exactly what has been automated? HiLo48 (talk) 00:36, 30 August 2010 (UTC)


 * Four weeks and no response. I have attempted to correct the wording myself. HiLo48 (talk) 05:43, 27 September 2010 (UTC)

"Reduced time" source
In the Advantages section, it states, "The benefit to the customer is in the reduced checkout time because stores are often able to run two to six self-checkout units efficiently where it normally would have had one cashier." However, the source of this is linked to a page run by Fujitsu that is touting its own technology. Nowhere does the page say that the time is reduced b/c of being able to have more checkout capacity; rather it is saying that its unit is faster than previous units b/c of a more streamlined user interface.

Also, I am doubtful that it is faster since people will be self-scanning, bagging, and placing it back into their cart, which introduces three problems (theoretically and from personal experience):
 * 1) placing the item in the bag improperly or not placing it in the bagging area will force a delay since the machine does not detect it (which prompts the user),
 * 2) any type of problems require an attendant to be available and come over to check, whereas a cashier can resolve the problem faster (e.g.: check ID for certain products), and
 * 3) items can be placed onto a belt in a traditional checkout lane, thus freeing up space in the cart to placed bagged items, whereas un-scanned items remain in the cart in a self-checkout lane.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by Herenthere (talk • contribs) 05:08, 31 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Rather than your own research (with which I happen to agree), we need to be guided by the sources, and, as you say, the Fujitsu source does not support the "faster" claim. I will remove it. HiLo48 (talk) 05:27, 31 August 2013 (UTC)

Howard Schneider
I was searching to see if Howard Schneider has his own WP page and it redirected my search to here. What? His name isn't even on the page. Sgerbic (talk) 18:02, 4 December 2014 (UTC)

First in UK
If this is any use, I remember that the first supermarket in the UK to use this was Safeway in Horndean in 1994. I don't have a citation for this, but maybe someone else can find one. It was featured on Tomorrow's World, which might be a helpful lead. --Walnuts go kapow (talk) 14:59, 30 July 2015 (UTC)

Explanation of mechanism would be neat
Some photos or diagrams showing how the insides work would be cool. -- Beland (talk) 21:52, 13 July 2016 (UTC)