Thursday, 25 September 2003

Tech

Further Vows of Silence

Just before tonight's gig I popped into Tescos in Cambridge. Armed with my Coke for the way home, my Lemsip for an ever increasing headache and my obligatory chocolate I headed for the tills. And here's the difference: four of the tills were 'self-service' - not a human in sight; scan your purchases, pack, pay and depart.

It seemed to work well (though I had trouble swiping my Clubcard). The logistics were a bit clumsy; after scanning each item the conveyor took them to the far end of the till where I'd pack them after paying... I guess it'd make more sense if there were two of you - one to scan/pay, one to pack. Overall I was probably slower than if I'd used a regular cashier, but with practice?

The geek in me took over as I drove home... Would I have had to sign if I'd paid by card? Would I have been challenged for a PIN? Does the till accept coupons, and how does it stop me pocketing coupons for re-use after I've scanned them? Are the tills being videoed to catch folk slipping extra items past? How do they handle age-related purchases such as alcohol? What about security-tagged items?

No doubt it's a worrying departure for some, but I was excited. Like paying for fuel at the pump for the first time it felt simultaneously natural and new. I guess we'll be seeing more of this kind of thing, but some weeks it's only in shops that I get to talk to people; I think I'd go mad if the cashier option was removed altogether.

Still, it must be good news for those of us who've taken a vow of silence.

Posted by pab at 00:24