Exploring the New Beta Self-Checkout in Microsoft's Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Store Commerce App

In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience is king, the ability to streamline everyday tasks is more crucial than ever. Shopping is no exception. Over the last decade, self-checkout (SCO) systems have become increasingly common in brick-and-mortar stores, reflecting the shifting preferences of consumers who seek efficiency and speed. Recently, I had the opportunity to deploy the beta release of Microsoft's Self-Checkout for Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Store Commerce app, and I'm excited to share my findings with you.

The Journey Begins: Setting Up Self-Checkout

The deployment process for Microsoft’s Self-Checkout system starts on the Registers form, where you enable the self-checkout feature. This setup is crucial as it lays the foundation for how the self-checkout experience will function.

Customizing User Experience

One of the standout features of this system is its flexibility in tailoring user experiences. The POS permissions and Screen layouts play a vital role in determining what each user—whether a manager or a customer—will see on the register. This ensures that the interface remains intuitive and efficient for all parties involved.

Customer Self-Checkout Experience

For customers, the self-checkout process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. The system allows them to handle transactions independently, reducing wait times and improving their overall shopping experience.

Key Features:

• Call for Assistance Button: If customers encounter issues or need help, they can easily call for assistance. This feature prompts a manager or store associate to log in and address the customer’s needs.

• The customer can perform the following functions:

Manager Self-Checkout Experience

For managers, the self-checkout system offers additional functionalities. They can oversee transactions and assist customers as needed. This control ensures that operations remain smooth, and any issues are resolved promptly.

What’s Coming Next: Future Features

Microsoft is planning to roll out more features in October that will further enhance the self-checkout experience. These updates will include:

• Enhanced Call for Assistance: Integration with call for assistance functionality will be more intuitive, including visual indicators like lights to alert associates when shoppers need help.
• Expanded Payment Options: Support for additional payment methods such as gift cards and loyalty cards will be included.
• Automatic Assistance for Age-Restricted Products: Automatic calls for assistance will be triggered for age-restricted items (i.e. alcohol), ensuring compliance with regulations.

A Smooth Transition to Self-Checkout

With a few configurations and customized screen layouts, retailers can effortlessly transition to a self-checkout system using Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. The new features and intuitive design are set to make the self-checkout experience more efficient and user-friendly than ever before. Stay tuned for more updates and enhancements as Microsoft continues to innovate in the retail space!

If you’re considering implementing self-checkout in your store, this beta release offers a glimpse into the future of retail. With Microsoft’s ongoing development, it’s clear that the self-checkout experience will only get better, making shopping faster and more convenient for everyone.

Written by:
Nicole Conley
Senior Consultant