Scandit, a leader in smart data capture, has launched Age Verified Self-Checkout, a solution that automates the verification of age-restricted purchases at self-checkout lanes. The system uses vision AI to verify a customer's age in under 10 seconds via their smartphone, eliminating the need for additional hardware and reducing the need for store associate intervention by 80%.
How the Solution Works
The solution leverages a customer's smartphone as a secure age-check tool. No app download is required; shoppers can verify their age through face estimation technology or by scanning their ID. This process is six times faster than traditional manual checks, according to Scandit. The system is designed for retailers selling age-restricted items such as alcohol, tobacco, and medication.
Addressing a Major Self-Checkout Bottleneck
Globally, there are approximately 9 billion age-restricted self-checkout transactions each year, each requiring manual associate intervention. Scandit's solution resolves 80% of these checks automatically, reducing lane delays and freeing associates for higher-value tasks. The streamlined process leads to a 5% increase in transactions across a retailer's self-checkout fleet, particularly during peak hours.
Key Benefits for Retailers
The solution offers three main operational improvements: fraud prevention through photo-comparison technology that catches underage ID fraud; labor optimization by automating routine checks; and revenue lift from faster checkout queues. Christian Floerkemeier, CTO and Co-founder of Scandit, stated, “Retailers are under pressure to deliver faster, more convenient self-checkout experiences, yet age-restricted sales remain a persistent bottleneck. Age Verified Self-Checkout removes this tradeoff by automating compliance in a fast, secure and hardware-free way.”
