Foodland Tests Infrared People Counter

[Sherman A1]

HONOLULU – Foodland Super Market here, which operates 32 stores, has recently installed thermal-powered people-counting and checkout-management systems from U.K.-based Irisys in a pilot program at four stores.

Based on infrared technology, Irisys’ thermal sensors counts people by detecting body heat at key points in retail stores such as the front door and over checkout lanes. The integrated data is used to predict how many staffed registers are needed in 15‐ and 30‐minute intervals.

“Irisys’ technology will help us run our stores more efficiently and ensure that our customers won’t have to wait in long checkout lines,” said Robert Murphy, chief information officer for Foodland, in a statement. “The pilot program with Irisys is the first step in testing the technology to determine how it may be deployed in nearly all our stores.”


Read More: http://supermarketnews.com/technology/foodland-tests-infrared-people-counter#ixzz2IE5r0ivO

[surrealAmerican]

1. That sounds needlessly complicated and ineffective.

This is a supermarket, right? Couldn't they just track the carts and baskets? That way two or three people shopping together would count as one customer in line.

[HiPointDem]

2. so needlessly complicated (& expensive?) that you wonder if there isn't another reason. i thought

that's what store managers were for, to keep an eye out (or respond to employees' requests) for how many lines should be open.

[CBGLuthier]

3. Early warning zombie detection?

My understanding of Zombie lore shows they do love to go shopping.

[HiPointDem]

5. i can't think of another reason, which doesn't mean there isn't one. i don;t think of lots of

lots of things that the ptb think of.

i would never think of taking out life insurance policies on my employees, for example. or using their pension money to pay my execs.

[Sherman A1]

9. It does raise questions

however, if you scan "X" number in, then "X - 2 " go through the checkout and you are seeing signs of loss, it becomes another tool for Loss Prevention.


In the end however, it all comes down to ways to cut labor.

[Buns_of_Fire]

6. Zombies don't show up on infrared.

But that Meat Conference in Nashville, now THAT might be interesting -- if perhaps a little strange -- to attend!

[CBGLuthier]

8. That's how it works

You scan everyone that comes shopping and the ones without body heat are the walking dead.

Otherwise, at some stores, at some times, it would be hard to tell them from the supposed living.

[DainBramaged]

4. It's also used to test how many automated registers to install

you don't have to worry about overtime when a machine is on the job

[OldDem2012]

7. I wonder if other food store chains are doing this? nt.