Interview

AI-driven scales: reducing queues and improving accuracy in supermarkets

W e speak with Wendell Trican, a Technical Solution Expert at Bizerba, to explore how artificial intelligence and object recognition are transforming fresh food sections in supermarkets. Wendell explains how AI-enabled scales can now automatically identify items placed on them, generating labels instantly and reducing the need for staff assistance. With self-learning capabilities, these scales promise a faster, more efficient shopping experience by cutting down queues and improving accuracy.
Text: Bizerba Southern Africa
Video & Photos: Matte Box Media and Wesley Poon
  • Experience
1
Wendell, can you tell us about the AI-learning capabilities of this new scale and how it benefits supermarkets?
Wendell Trican |

Absolutely! We have this amazing, advanced scale with AI-learning capabilities that detects products as soon as they're placed on it. The scale identifies the item instantly and prints the appropriate label, which not only speeds up the process in the fresh produce section but also makes the whole experience better for our customers!

2
How does this process enhance the customer’s journey in the store?
Wendell |

We all know how it is when you're shopping for fresh produce. You're busy weighing your items, but you're also busy waiting in line! It's a bit of a hassle, isn't it? In other countries, customers have to remember numbers, which can be tricky.

With this AI-driven solution, you'll never have to wait again. All  customers need to do is weigh their items, get their labels, and they're on their way. It's a totally seamless, self-serve process that makes shopping a breeze.

3
Can you explain how the AI improves its performance over time?
Wendell |

The scale is pretty clever. It can learn by itself, so it gets to know products better and better based on things like shape, colour and other features. Over time, this helps the scale to become even more accurate, which is great! If you ever need to make any updates or changes, we're here for you. We can support the scales remotely, so you can rest assured that they'll stay in top form.
4
How does object recognition prevent issues like fraud or product selection errors?
Wendell |

The camera on the scale is so precise, it can accurately identify the product you place on it. This amazing accuracy helps to make sure that fraud or mistakes where a lower-value product might otherwise be incorrectly selected are kept to a minimum. You'll find it almost impossible to pick the wrong product or bypass the system.

5
What kind of impact have you seen from these scales in stores like SPAR?
Wendell |

The feedback from SPAR has been amazing. I'm happy to say that they saw a return on their investment in this AI-enabled scale within the first year!  This technology is a real game-changer. Not only does it save time and money, but I'm confident it will be a valuable addition for other retailers too.

6
In summary, what would you say the biggest advantage of integrating AI technology in supermarkets is?
Wendell |

This AI technology is a blessing when it comes to shopping for fresh produce. It's all about making your life easier. It saves you time and money, and it makes your shopping journey smoother and more enjoyable.

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