Independent Edeka retailer Kim-David Eggert has fitted his store in Sörup, Schleswig-Holstein, with technologies from Anystore. The solutions from the Austrian smart store specialist, formerly known as Eccovia, are designed to enable autonomous operation outside regular opening hours.
In addition to two traditional checkouts, the store near Flensburg, which covers just under 3,000 square metres, has installed six self-checkout systems. These were self-developed by Anystore. Using built-in cameras and age estimation software, the system is designed to identify customers’ ages, thereby helping to reduce the need for staff checks.
To monitor operations at the self-checkout systems and detect potential scanning errors, Edeka Eggert uses software that analyses the camera footage. Monitors above the checkout area broadcast the video live to customers. As reported by Lebensmittel Zeitung, the solution, known as Scan Guard, is still in beta testing.
Cameras and sensors monitor autonomous operation
During autonomous operation, customers can use an Anystore terminal at the entrance to open the doors to the store. They must identify themselves using a payment card or their smartphone. Video systems monitor the shopping process, supported by sensors that can report potential incidents.
Lebensmittel Zeitung reports that Anystore is working on further developments of the AI-supported camera system. In future, users will be able to search video content specifically for certain terms or events. Furthermore, the system is intended to provide preventive alerts regarding incidents on the shop floor. These functions are still in an early stage of development.
Central hub controls the systems
Anystore has developed its so-called Retail Hub to manage operations.
With its pre-configured plug-and-play architecture, this is designed to monitor systems and processes at the store and consolidate data centrally. This is aimed to reduce complexity for users. At Edeka Eggert, Retail Hub manages access control and exit gate, SCO systems and cameras, as well as digital signage, lighting and the audio system. Furthermore, the system handles energy management.
In addition to Edeka Eggert, other Edeka retailers are using Anystore solutions. Bünting is deploying the technology at its C-Box stores.
