Self checkout is becoming the norm. The retail outlets need a secure and safe environment to reduce the shrinkage. And need to adopt the digital transformation process & procedures for increase in efficiency and improvement. With every change, pros & cons is an ultimate story. Self checkout mechanism helps in granting an absolute freedom to the clients, reduction in shrinkage as long as the security control is dependent on the validation of credentials issued from the self checkout POS. Show the token, if it is genuine, gets validated otherwise rejected. The use of the credentials generated thereby helps in controlling the thefts caused by shoplifting or illegal transactions.
The self checkout POS machines at the retail store helps in purchasing the items by shop visitors without any assistance or let & hinder. The integration of the POS machine with the exit gate is an important task, either need to replace the existing exit gate with the unit incorporated with the barcode reading & validation mechanism or need to use the device that helps in integration & validation. The cost factor arises in replacing the existing exit gates so to use the mediator integration device called as PEGION box is a very acceptable solution.
What is PEGION box for self checkout?
The PEGION (POS Executable Generator for Input, Output & Networking) box helps in integrating the self checkout POS machine with the exit gate without need of cumbersome programing & firmware upgrades. The PEGION box acts as a mediator between POS & gate, and all processing is controlled & validated by the box during the synchronous mode of operation. The PEGION box is the combination of Barcode/ QR Code reader, I/O Module, LAN circuitry & associated central processing unit, Electric input using hardwired DC/AC power and PoE as an option. The firmware of the device needs to be updated based on the store identity as every store has a specific reciept, time & date stamp for the barcode.
Standalone PEGION Box for self checkout
This module does not communicate with the database of the store but the validation module identifies the barcode or QR Code, if it complies with the details fed in the validation head, the pulse is generated to open the door otherwise is rejected. The PEGION here identifies details and the validity of receipt issued is for the existing store and for a particular period of time ( 15 minutes default). The unit does not interfere with any of the softwares in the store environment and the exit data is not maintained in any space as the device is standalone & works on the validation principle. The communication protocol “Nundnet PCO 7.1” connects self checkout units to the network.
Network based PEGION Box for self checkout
The exit control date is stored and secured in the database for each & every receipt issued by the Self Checkout POS machine. The communication between the store network and the PEGION is bilateral, and every validation depends on validation from either side, either by the PEGION or store ERP. Here either the store computing device or the PEGION acts as a server depending on the requirements of the project, meaning client to server or server to client. The PEGION will provide the integration endpoint. The PEGION box can be upgraded as per project requirement.
Nundnet® is trademark of Nundlab, Inc. USA. The manufacturer & supplier of world class turnstiles, Checkout gates and accessories, access control systems and UHF long range readers across the globe.