Smart store

Retail is entering a new digital era. In the past few decades, store operations relied almost entirely on human labor: from updating prices, managing stock, to preventing theft. Today, this approach is changing significantly. Smart solutions based on computer vision and digital systems enable more efficient operations, better customer experiences, and tangible business savings.
Self-checkout systems, advanced AI-based surveillance, and electronic labels now form the foundation of the new retail reality, where data accuracy, security, and savings become key competitive factors.

Faster Shopping with Self-Checkout Systems

Self-checkout systems (Self-Checkout - SCO) have become the standard in retail, offering customers greater autonomy, faster shopping, and a sense of control. According to the 2023 Capgemini Research Institute study, 80% of consumers prefer stores that offer self-checkout systems due to their speed and convenience. In European stores using these systems, checkout times were reduced by up to 35%, contributing to more efficient customer flow and increased satisfaction (Preprints.org, 2025).

Over 60% of customers also prefer SCO when buying fewer items or wanting to avoid queues (Zebra Technologies, 2023). The benefit of these systems is not only in relieving cashiers but also allowing staff to focus on other important tasks, such as assisting customers or maintaining full shelves. Advanced versions of SCO systems, such as those by NCR Voyix, include features like weight sensors or computer vision, which further enhance security and reduce errors in scanning.

Video Surveillance and AI: Reducing Shrinkage with High Accuracy

Shrinkage in retail remains a significant challenge. According to an ESM Magazine report from 2023, annual losses in European retail due to theft and operational errors amount to €49.2 billion, which represents 2.05% of total sales.
The implementation of specialized AI-based software for video surveillance enables retailers to more accurately identify discrepancies, such as incorrectly scanned products or suspicious behavior that may indicate theft. These systems use existing store cameras, analyze video footage in real-time, and alert staff when intervention is needed, reducing the risk of losses and improving security. Partners like Trigo provide AI solutions with high-accuracy shrinkage detection.

Electronic Labels: Speed, Accuracy, and Transparency

In an environment where prices frequently fluctuate, speed and accuracy in updates become crucial. Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) allow for automated, centralized price management, eliminating data entry errors and reducing employee workload.

According to Hanshow data from 2024, stores using electronic labels reduce the time needed for price changes by over 80%, while simultaneously increasing price compliance between shelves and checkout. Additionally, ESL systems enable dynamic management of promotions, allowing retailers to adjust offers in real time and ensure greater transparency for customers.

Technologies Working Together

While each of these technologies can function independently, their integration brings the greatest business benefits. Retailers who implement self-checkout systems, AI-based video analytics, and electronic labels into a coordinated ecosystem achieve measurable results: reducing shrinkage by an average of 25-35% (Zebra Technologies, 2023), increasing operational efficiency by up to 40% (Deloitte, 2023), and saving staff time between 25 and 60% (NCR, 2023), depending on the level of digitalization and implementation strategy.

These technologies can be introduced gradually, without large upfront investments, and seamlessly integrate with existing business systems, providing retailers with greater accuracy, security, and competitiveness.

M.A.I. Solutions: Technologies Delivering Tangible Results

Self-checkout systems, advanced AI-based surveillance, and electronic labels together form the backbone of a smart store. In synergy, these technologies provide customers with increased speed, convenience, and accuracy, while offering retailers savings, enhanced security, and competitiveness.

At M.A.I. Solutions, we help retailers implement these technologies. Our solutions include self-checkout systems that reduce waiting times, advanced AI-based surveillance that reduces shrinkage, and electronic labels that enable instant price changes and dynamic promotion management. If you want to learn how we can help your store become faster, more efficient, and more profitable, reach out to us at sales@mai.hr .