Easy Checkout

Smart Technics, Colruyt Group’s innovation team, developed the Easy Checkout with the support of internal services and Superellipse; it’s an innovative checkout system that enhances the existing process through smart technology. Using AI-powered cameras, products are automatically recognised and recorded during transfer from one trolley to another. 

Easy Checkout is not a checkout of the future, it is the reinvention of a pared-down checkout system following a long period of tried and tested service, resulting in substantial productivity gains and ergonomic improvements. A logical but not obvious next step in the Colruyt Lowest Prices journey. Simplicity, efficiency and respect for people and resources are key.

The jury on Easy Checkout:

Colruyt has always had a very unique approach to its checkout system. It now deploys smart image recognition technology, allowing it to continue to apply its personalised customer interaction model. More importantly, it means the employee can lift and move items with both hands and no longer needs to handle a scanner, which is a major ergonomic improvement.

What does this award mean to you?

Recognition of the time and energy we have invested in the Easy Checkout project over several years. The impact of the project is now perfectly tangible in our stores, so this award is a great recognition of the milestones we have achieved.

How did the idea for this project come about?

Colruyt is known for its unique trolley to trolley checkout system. This system has provided a fantastic service to our customers for many years, making it hassle-free. Yet we felt it could still be improved, especially in terms of speed and ergonomics for our employees, which is how the idea of enabling hands-free scanning was born, which after many prototypes culminated in Easy Checkout. We were only able to take these steps recently thanks to advances in technology such as AI.

What makes your project so special?

The extent to which we succeeded in elevating an existing, mature product to the next level. In doing so, we remained loyal to the original concept while thoroughly modernising it with the help of technology.

How does it contribute to a better world?

It helps our employees perform their work in a more sustainable and ergonomic way.

Do you have any further plans for this project?

Yes, in the coming months we will roll it out to all Colruyt Lowest Prices stores.