IBM has partnered with Honeywell to unveil Mobile Shopper application, a retail technology that allows shoppers to scan items into a mobile phone as they shop and then check themselves out at an IBM self-checkout station.
The new technology incorporates Honeywell’s mobile scanning technology, SwiftDecoder Mobile bar code decoding software, that will scan virtually any bar code.
SwiftDecoder Mobile bar code decoding software currently runs on the Google Android and Apple iOS OS, the company said.
The new "digital shopping assistant" is powered by IBM ACE Store Integrator software and IBM Self-Checkout software, which provides shoppers with digital coupons, loyalty programmes and special promotions at the IBM self-checkout stations.
Honeywell Scanning & Mobility president John Waldron said the company provides bar code scanning for mission-critical applications where inaccuracy is not an option.
"Today, with IBM, we’re bringing those capabilities to consumers to help make their shopping trips more efficient and productive," said Waldron.
IBM Retail Store Solutions vice president John Gaydac said retailers can now deliver a more personalised shopping experience that is less of a chore and more of a convenience for consumers.
"By enabling consumers to scan and check-out a wide variety of products at their own pace, retailers can not only create a more customized shopping environment, but also increase in-store traffic,"Gaydac said.
