Woolworths trials new cameras to 'watch over' customers at self-serve checkout
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Woolworths customers have taken to social media to voice their conflicting thoughts over the latest security camera trial being conducted at the supermarket's self-serve checkouts.
It has been reported that the retail giant is planning to install overhead cameras at self-serve cash registers in select Sydney locations in order to assist in reducing the number of scanning errors that may occur.
The following is some information concerning this newly developed camera technology that you ought to be aware of.
The test is presently being conducted at Woolworths in Seven Hills, and over the next few months, it will also be implemented at store branches in Hornsby, Neutral Bay, Chullora, and Carnes Hill.
The new security system continuously monitors customers while they scan their products at self-service checkouts, utilising camera vision and artificial intelligence to determine when items are not scanned correctly.
In the event that an error occurs, shoppers will be shown footage of the item that was scanned incorrectly on the screen of the cash register, and they will be offered the option to re-scan the item.
Additionally, a light on the camera above the cash register will change from green to red or orange if there are scanning errors detected by the system.
The new security cameras have been installed above the self-service checkouts. Credit: 7News.
According to a representative for Woolworths, the new camera technology will allow customers to improve their speed at the register by lowering the number of mistakenly scanned items.
By allowing the customer to rescan the item, the security system can readily discover and resolve 'errors' at the checkout.
"While the majority of customers use our self-service checkouts correctly, we're all busy and mistakes can easily occur," explained the supermarket spokesperson.
"This technology, which is used internationally, should make the self-serve scanning process more accurate for our customers."
For those of you who may have been wondering, Woolworths guarantees customers that their personal information is protected.
They claimed that the camera footage is not watched in real-time and that any recognised faces are obscured so that shoppers cannot be identified.
It is also stated that PIN pads are obscured in the clip and that Woolworths has implemented stringent security measures to protect customer privacy.
A discussion over the new camera technology has been sparked on social media by shoppers, with many of them believing that it was a good idea.
On the social media platform TikTok, one user said that the overhead checkout cameras at his local Woolies are "amazing," while another user noted that installing such a security system is a "wonderful idea."
On the other hand, several people had more negative reactions to the idea, with one arguing that the cameras gave off an eerie vibe.
"No, thank you," one shopper said, adding: "More cameras on us, what are we turning into?"
A second user agreed and wrote: "Okay, now I think they're overdoing it."
According to a source, Woolworths will take serious time to consider both customer and team responses to the trial in the upcoming months.
Members, what are your thoughts? Do you believe that the newly installed video security system will be as beneficial as they say it will or not? Or do you tend to just avoid self-checkouts entirely?