- Target introduces cameras to identify theft at self-checkout machines
- The new system will be implemented in all Target stores by the end of 2024.
- Called TruScan, it can supposedly identify unscanned and repeat offenders.
Target is deploying a new weapon to combat theft at its self-checkout machines.
A new system uses cameras and sensors to detect items that shoppers can’t scan and will notify them with audio and visual cues.
But the secret technology, known as TruScan, is different to simply having CCTV cameras focused on the area being monitored by security staff.
Instead, it is believed to use computers with artificial intelligence to monitor shoppers as they scan items.
Target began rolling out the cameras several months ago and will equip all of its U.S. stores with them by the end of the year.
Target is rolling out new scanners to combat theft at its self-checkout machines, which will roll out to all stores by the end of the year.
Self-checkout machines are especially vulnerable to theft, as thieves cannot scan the items or scan the cheaper items.
TruScan will identify buyers ‘who repeatedly fail to scan their items even after being asked,’ documents seen by Bloomberg presented.
There is little information available on how the technology will work. Target did not respond to DailyMail.com’s request for more information.
The Bloomberg report avoids the term “artificial intelligence,” but the new system can supposedly identify repeat offenders.
Retailers introduced self-checkout machines as a way to reduce labor, but in many cases it backfired.
The machines are more vulnerable to theft than traditional cashiers, as thieves cannot scan items or scan incorrect, cheaper items.
While many self-checkout systems now have scales that require shoppers to weigh items after scanning them, they are not entirely effective against theft.
Target’s latest move comes after it announced last month that it would limit self-checkout to 10 items or fewer at most stores. He also said he planned to open more traditional payment lines.
The company has said the changes would help reduce “shrinkage,” retail industry slang for merchandise losses due to theft, damaged items and clerical errors.
Chief Financial Officer Michael Fiddelke told analysts last year that “shrinkage growth remains a significant financial headwind and we are determined to continue making progress in the coming years.”
Last month, Target announced it would limit self-checkout to 10 items or fewer in most stores.
Dollar General is among retailers that have announced sweeping changes to automated checkouts at stores across the US.
Recently, Dollar General also announced that it would completely remove self-checkout kiosks from 300 of its stores with the highest levels of shoplifting and unscanned items.
Experts say the decline is mainly related to fears about theft.
But retailers say they are also trying to provide a better shopping experience for customers by imposing limits on self-checkout, making the process faster and easier.
At another 9,000 stores, Dollar General said it would convert some of its self-checkouts to regular checkouts and limit self-checkout purchases to five items or fewer at another 4,500 stores.
“We believe these actions have the potential to have a material, positive impact on the loss,” Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said on a call with analysts last month.
Kroger also recently acknowledged an increase in thefts at self-checkout stations.