Tesco technology Essay Example

errors. Workers also need to be aware of the implementation costs. Currently, supermarkets like Deco's use barcode reading systems and Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) for credit and debit cards. The borrowed reading system determines prices, stock availability, and reordering needs through codes read by the supermarket computer system. EFTPOS allows customers to transfer funds from their account instead of using cash. Additionally, Tests employs Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) as another technology.
This method of electronically connecting suppliers directly to Deco's computer database speeds up order transfers. The effective implementation of such technology ensures profitability and success, particularly in the face of increasing competition in the supermarket industry.

Tests maintains a mutually beneficial relationship with their customers, constantly striving to improve efficiency in buying, handling, and selling products on their behalf. With a deep understanding of consumers' desires and needs, Tests continuously innovates to maintain customer loyalty and grow as a business.

Tests' business model combines scale and growth by taking advantage of economies of scale with suppliers through increased purchases in its stores. This allows the company to invest more in building the Tests brand, leveraging Group skills and scale, innovating its offerings, creating valuable assets, and operating responsibly.

Keeping track of consumer opinions is crucial in an ever-changing market as it provides opportunities for innovation. For instance, Tests implements new technology in its stores to enhance the shopping experience. Staying up-to-date with evolving technology gives Tests a competitive edge and enables better communication in training and development.Tests can evaluate the financial and non-financial impact of training and developing staff, providing a long-term advantage over competitors. The company benefits from assessing the investment of time

and funds in this important aspect. Workers' excellent customer service development ensures superiority over competitors. Tests stores implement new technology such as scan-as-you-shop features, allowing customers to scan products in real-time and reduce waiting time at checkouts. Kinetic Road Plates and smart trolleys are another example of I-J supermarkets' commitment to sustainability. These plates generate green energy by utilizing vehicles driving over them, producing both AC and DC current through a special mechanism.The output of the road plates depends on vehicle weight, typically generating between 5 and 10k every 20 minutes. They are safe to use, require minimal maintenance, and can power supermarket checkouts. Additionally, the generator can store electricity like a battery. Energy usage in the supermarket can be monitored through web-based technology, which automatically adjusts usage if it exceeds requirements. Installing kinetic road plates costs around EYE,OHO to EYE,OHO but they can pay back the investment within 2-3 years. While these plates offer an opportunity to make supermarkets environmentally friendly, it raises doubts about whether they are truly the best option for achieving green practices such as reducing energy needs or utilizing renewable sources like sunlight or better insulation.

It takes a significant amount of energy per hour to operate checkouts in a supermarket. However, upon calculation, this seems unlikely unless there have been 238,000 cars driving over these plates within an hour. Upon closer examination of their functionality, it becomes clear that these road plates are not as environmentally friendly as claimed. In reality, stores are not fully embracing green practices by reducing energy needs or using sustainable energy sources like sunlight or improved insulation.Instead of relying solely on supermarket heads, both

workers and customers need to be educated on how kinetic road plates operate. These plates increase resistance between the road and tires, capturing and harnessing the energy used to roll over them. While this technology may save supermarkets money, it can lead to increased fuel usage for consumers in parking lots. The true benefits of energy-saving for customers paying to run supermarkets are therefore questionable. To effectively utilize this improved technology, workers must receive training on maximizing energy production and minimizing electricity usage. Closed fridges and freezers can help save cold air and electricity by not constantly powering open ones, reducing energy consumption. Managers also require comprehensive training on ways to save energy. Without properly trained staff, using new technology can be cost-ineffective and hinder progress. With proper training, workers can effectively use kinetic road plates that only require 1/5 of the kinetic energy from moving vehicles, making customer fuel usage nearly unnoticeable.When vehicles drive over these plates, the kinetic energy is extracted as the plates are pressed down by the weight of the vehicle and released after it has passed. Catalina Marketing recently acquired Modem Media, a handheld store scanner and mobile app that enables shoppers to scan items and ring them up while navigating supermarket aisles.

This means that customers can utilize a portable mobile device known as a Self Scanning or Personal Shopping Solution (ASS) to scan items while shopping. At the entrance, they can identify themselves with their club card, allowing Deco's to gather information on preferred products. For convenience, the handheld scanner can be placed in a holder attached to the shopping cart. Instead of scanning items at the checkout

counter, customers scan them before placing them in the cart.

The handheld device also allows customers to add multiple quantities of an item and provides options for returning or voiding scanned items. It displays a total count of products and offers a breakdown of what is currently in the cart, enabling customers to control their spending. Additionally, it notifies customers about any nearby promotions or offers related to specific products.

Once finished with their shopping, customers proceed to checkout as usual. During checkout, personnel assistants have the choice to conduct a re-scan if they doubt the accuracy of items in the cart. If a re-scan occurs, then the customer is checked out by an assistant; otherwise, they proceed directly to payment.The payment process for shopping can be completed either at a traditional check out or an unmanned kiosk, which is often a combination of both methods. At a regular check out, the customer hands their handheld device to the cashier who scans it quickly and easily. This technology allows for a seamless checkout experience that takes no longer than 30 seconds. On the other hand, with a kiosk terminal, the customer places their handheld device in a holder and the screen displays the amount to be paid. When considering the cost of implementing this technology, it is important to think about both financial and environmental aspects.

There may be job losses for cashiers if this technology is introduced, potentially increasing unemployment rates in the UK. However, it would also create jobs in departments such as design, materials, suppliers, and installation. The loss of cashier jobs could be offset by job creation in other areas like human resources (HER).

It is worth noting that there will still be a need for some cashiers to sell age-restricted items and manage malfunctioning self-service checkouts.

Self-scanning is an advanced shopping method that enhances overall shopping experiences. Deco's self-scanning saves time by allowing customers to pack goods while they shop. Additionally, it creates a more relaxed atmosphere compared to traditional checkouts where customers have to transfer groceries multiple times under time pressure.Self-scanning offers the advantage of eliminating queues, reducing shopping time. Customers can proceed directly to the self-payment kiosk using a handheld scanner that allows them to control their budget. This technology has the potential to gain popularity among shoppers, benefiting retailers with increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. It also optimizes customer cash flow and helps control Deco's operational costs while providing faster service and a relaxed shopping atmosphere. However, for this device to be successful, workers must be trained and developed to reach their potential. The skills needed when using this technology are different from what is currently required. Older customers may struggle with mobile phone or internet usage, potentially hindering their ability to use the self-scanning system effectively. Additionally, they may lack computer literacy skills that younger generations possess naturally. Therefore, many customers would require training on how to use the technology properly, which could cost Deco's more in the long term than anticipated. A Kingsbury franchise in Heartbeat has already implemented self-scanning handheld devices successfully for an extended period of time.

Many customers may be honest and scan all the items they require when using self-scanning technology, but there is a possibility that some people may walk out without scanning certain items. However, despite the few

dishonest individuals, this technology can still affect Deco's profit. The decision to implement self-scanning technology is based on a cost and risk assessment. Using a scanner, it only takes 30 seconds to scan and pay for packed shopping, whereas at a checkout, it takes around 3-4 minutes to scan, wait for someone to pack, and then pay for the same amount of shopping. This time-saving leads to cost savings in staffing as resources are allocated more efficiently. However, there is an expectation of losses (theft) through self-scan so a margin is included to account for this. Initially, supermarkets trial these products in stores because people may attempt to avoid paying during the early stages when potential loopholes are identified. The supermarket compares losses from non-payment with the savings they would make if self-scan were fully implemented over the same timeframe. If the losses outweigh the savings, self-scan is withdrawn; if it saves money, it is implemented.This approach is based on a simple business logic. In today's ever-changing world, automation and improved shopping efficiency are highly sought after in the consumer environment. The advancement of technology, specifically with RIFF, knows no bounds. These small chips have the capacity to store large amounts of data. Most relevant information is stored in a database and linked to tags through unique numbers. This technological advancement reduces information reading time and eases memory strain. The development of smart trolleys in supermarkets aims to save time for shoppers and enhance their experience. These trolleys are fully equipped with a smart system that improves product management for businesses. One way this technology operates is by synchronizing a customer's mobile phone with the

trolley, allowing the transfer of the shopping list. The trolley then displays special offers and product availability based on the list. As customers pick up items, the trolley keeps track of them. Moreover, this technology enables automatic check-out by sending the complete list to the till. To initiate this process, customers simply press the Send button on their phone when they enter the shop and obtain a trolley.B.The trolley automatically sends the list to Inventory to check item availability and returns stock status to itself.
The list is sent to the Special Offers database to check for any available special offers. The trolley screen displays a customized offer list, and any discount is applied to the price. As the customer adds items to the trolley, the inventory is updated. When the customer finishes shopping, they click the Final Send button to send the final list to the Till. The Final Send button allows adding unlisted items or removing listed items. The Till calculates the final payable amount, taking into account applicable discounts.

The mobile phone pairs with the supermarket trolley to send the shopping list. The trolley also displays customized special offers and item availability in-store and sends the list to the Till.

Improving checkout efficiency is a top priority for many grocery stores as it is their main objective. This new smart trolley helps achieve faster checkouts and shorter queues by using RIFF technique that keeps track of placed products. This novel and cost-effective technique reduces checkout time by actively billing at trolley terminals.

The smart trolley accurately identifies items being placed in and taken out of it, displaying correct pricing information and item lists. At checkout, it

transfers the item list to cashier making receipt generation and determining payment amount easier.The system's computerized nature enables the storage of customer shopping history, which allows for direct promotions based on previous purchases. This creates a unique relationship with each customer, fostering loyalty. The introduction of this technology has greatly improved shopping efficiency by avoiding product shortages. With ongoing advancements, the possibilities for RIFF applications are limitless. These small chips can store large amounts of data and link it to memory costs. Our project relies on essential technology that enhances customer satisfaction and improves supply chain efficiency. Tests are being conducted to introduce supermarket trolleys equipped with satellite navigation systems for shoppers, allowing access to previous shopping lists and promotional information through attached mini computers and loyalty cards.Alan Townsend, a retail specialist from Wincer Incisor, a supplier of supermarket technology, stated that this innovation will eliminate the need for handwritten shopping lists and meet the desires of individuals who struggle to find their way through store aisles. The new intelligent trolley uses red warning lights to alert shoppers when they add junk food or items high in salt, fat, or sugar content to their basket. The items are scanned and displayed on an interactive screen, providing information about their origin, nutritional value, and potential allergy warnings. While the trolley cannot offer advice on healthier diets, it can direct shoppers to special offers on their preferred products. Soon Roberts, director of consumer industries and retail at DES (the technology company), hopes that the introduction of red lights on shopping trolleys will discourage customers from adding sweeties to their carts. In addition to advising customers on recyclable

packaging, these intelligent trolleys also assist them in navigating the supermarket. This intelligent trolley was unveiled at a conference in London and is currently being tested in some stores in the United States. However, despite technological advancements, there may still be issues with wonky wheels due to the increase in online grocery shopping prompting Tesco to explore new methods for improving order accuracy and delivery times.
Tesco has partnered with Experience, an IT company in Northern Ireland, to upgrade its trolleys used for online orders. This will be done by equipping 300 stores with 5,000 pre-imaged Exuberant Taiga tablet PCs. These tablets are mounted on the carts and are used by Tesco's personal shoppers to fulfill online orders. The tablets' computer screens display shopping lists from customers' online orders and provide prompts showing relevant items and their locations. An attached barcode reader allows efficient scanning of items into the system before moving on to the next item.

As one of the world's largest online supermarkets, Tesco faces significant logistical challenges in processing and delivering orders on time. The new smart trolleys aim to simplify these issues. The deal between Tesco and Experience is worth $11 million over four years, taking advantage of operational efficiencies gained from Tesco's recent strong performance. In the first half of 2004, Tesco saw a 27% sales growth to ?Emma and a 95% profit increase to ?El mm.

The new smart trolleys have been designed to connect with Tesco's existing back-end system through Wi-Fi technology for easy integration. Their clear displays and durable exteriors minimize the risk of errors and breakage during use. A key concern for online grocery shoppers is receiving incorrect orders

at inconvenient times. If the new system improves picking and processing reliability, it should increase consumer confidence and lead to sales success.