Dive Brief:

• New York City-based Westside Market has introduced a scan-and-go program that includes a self-service scale that can quickly recognize weight-measured items like fresh produce and bulk foods, according to a press release from Tiliter and FutureProof Retail, the tech companies powering the integration. This is the first such scan-and-go program in the U.S., the companies said.
• Customers put their produce selections on the Tiliter self-service scale, which recognizes the items and produces a barcode that can then be scanned using the scan-and-go app provided by FutureProof. 
• Tiliter's software relies on artificial intelligence and computer vision to recognize items, and says its method is faster than mobile checkout systems that require shoppers to enter PLU numbers. The new scan-and-go integration will roll out at future supermarket locations in the near future, the companies said.  

Dive Insight:

Scan-and-go technology has seen a spike in demand from customers looking to limit their time in the store as well as their interaction with store associates. 

However, weight-measured items like fresh produce and bulk foods can add friction to the mobile checkout process, as they often require shoppers to punch in PLU numbers or search for items within the program. Tiliter's tech-enhanced scale, which quickly flashes a barcode for shoppers to scan, aims to cut down on the time and labor involved.

Many retailers have adopted or ramped up scan-and-go technology in their stores during the pandemic. New York City-based Fairway Market added FutureProof Retail’s app as a part of its shopper safety recommendation to customers. The grocer noted that it has seen a more than 300% increase in the app's adoption since incorporating it. 

Sam’s Club, which has also tested image recognition software inside its scan-and-go app, noted that the number of shoppers using the app has increased more than fourfold since the pandemic. Kroger announced it is making improvements to its Scan, Bag, Go system and Wegmans is rolling out its new SCAN service to more locations.

Companies are introducing other high-tech ways to help consumers skip the checkout lane, from expanding self-service terminals to installing fully frictionless systems. Amazon Fresh utilizes Dash Carts that automatically recognize products as they're dropped inside, and the company's Go Grocery stores feature Just Walk Out technology. Earlier this month, frictionless checkout company Grabango announced its commercial deployment at a Giant Eagle convenience store in the Pittsburgh area.