Application of RFID tags in unmanned convenience store systems

With the continuous progress and development of technology, more and more enterprises are introducing automation, intelligence and other technologies into their daily operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance user experience. Among them, RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) is widely used in logistics, warehousing, retail and other fields, and "RFID Unmanned Convenience Store" is also a major emerging industry in recent years. This type of convenience store achieves unmanned operation through RFID technology and has great advantages in consumer shopping experience.

 

The implementation principle of RFID unmanned convenience stores is to use RFID technology to store product information, prices, and other data in RFID tags. After entering the convenience store, consumers can scan the QR code or log in using a mobile app to enter the store interface, browse product information, and select the products they need to purchase. After the consumer selects the goods, by scanning the RFID tag on the shopping basket, the convenience store system will automatically calculate the price of the goods purchased by the consumer, and automatically deduct the amount of the consumer's Alipay or WeChat payment account, thus realizing unattended.

 

Compared to traditional convenience stores, RFID unmanned convenience stores have the following advantages:

Firstly, RFID unmanned convenience stores can provide uninterrupted services to consumers 24 hours a day, solving the problem of traditional convenience stores being unable to operate 24 hours a day due to labor costs and other factors, greatly improving the operational efficiency of the store.

Secondly, the management cost of RFID unmanned convenience stores is lower. As there is no need for manual attendance, it reduces labor costs and rental expenses, lowers operating costs, and improves profit margins.

In addition, RFID unmanned convenience stores can reduce consumer queuing time and unnecessary waiting, as consumers only need to scan the RFID tag of the product to quickly complete the purchase process without queuing for checkout.

Finally, RFID unmanned convenience stores also have significant advantages in ensuring the quality of products. Because RFID technology can achieve real-time monitoring of goods, stores can use monitoring systems to constantly understand the sales, inventory, shelf life, and other information of goods, and take timely measures to ensure the freshness and quality of goods.

Step 1: Scan the code to enter the store

When entering the store for the first time, consumers need to use their mobile phones to scan the QR code at the entrance of the store, and then follow the prompts to verify their identity (sign the terms of data use, privacy protection statement, Alipay withholding agreement, etc.), and enter the convenience store through the automatic entrance door. After entering the store, consumers can freely browse products and choose the products they need to purchase.

Step 2: Choose products

In unmanned convenience stores, products are usually placed on shelves and equipped with corresponding barcodes or QR codes. Consumers can choose the products they need to purchase and put them in their shopping bags. In convenience stores, customers can pick up any product at will, without any difference from regular shopping. The difference is that each product will have an RFID product label to calculate the price of the product in the next payment stage.

 

Step 3: Self settlement

After purchasing goods, consumers can directly settle through self-service cash registers, and use mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat to make payment. There are two main modes:

① Integrated settlement of person and object

The settlement area of this convenience store adopts a person object integrated settlement method. Entering the settlement area requires a double door design. After the door is closed, the system card reader will scan the product labels and make a list. After the customer confirms payment, the exit door will open and allow customers to leave the store; If the customer gives up payment, the exit door will reopen and return to the purchasing area.

② Separate settlement of person and object

After the customer places the selected product in the checkout area, the system will automatically display the product information and price, and calculate the total price. Customers can place unwanted products in the disposal area. After the customer confirms that there are no errors, mobile payment can be made through scanning codes or other methods. This settlement method avoids the interference of customer manual operation on product labels, simplifies the disposal process, and makes it more convenient for customers to choose products.

 

After the settlement of the goods is completed, they will leave the store through the last inspection area. The detection area is a security area for the small shop. When customers pass through this area, the system will automatically scan the products on their bodies. If any unsettled items are found, the system will prompt the customer through voice or image. If all the items carried by the customer have been settled, the automatic door will be opened. Consumers can complete the shopping process without directly interacting with the store staff.

 

As the core of the entire unmanned convenience store system, the software part plays an extremely important role. The software system of this system includes the following important parts:

Product settlement and anti-theft system: After the product enters the store, it is written into the corresponding label information through a read-write device and stored in the database to determine the type, quantity, and unit price of the product. After reading the label information, the checkout counter displays the corresponding product information, unit price, and total price on the screen, making it convenient for customers to make payments. After payment, the corresponding label information is fed back to the database and marked as paid goods. When a customer carries goods through the inspection area, the system scans the customer, reads the product label information, and compares it with the database to confirm whether there are any unsettled goods. If there are unsettled products, the system will prompt the customer "If a certain product is not settled, please return to the settlement area for settlement".

 

Product inventory system: By comparing product statistics and sales statistics, the system automatically generates inventory reports, making it convenient for staff to supplement products in a timely manner. The staff regularly use handheld devices to conduct inventory checks on the products in the store, forming a statistical data of inventory products, and comparing it with the inventory system to count the number of reported damaged products.