CloudPick uses sensors and monitors to track shop customers, controlling payments via QR codes used in smartphone apps. The startup has installed its technology in 30 stores in cities including Shanghai and Beijing. NTT Data's new system will combine technology from CloudPick with its own Cafis cashless payment system, and market it to convenience stores, pharmacies and other retailers in Japan. Customers will scan a QR code via a smartphone app to enter the store, choose their goods and then leave, with payments immediately recorded when they exit the premises.

 

The tie-up represents NTT Data's entry into cashier-free store management. NTT Data chose CloudPick after close examination of the startup's technology and achievements, said Naoyuki Uchiyama of NTT Data's service and payment business unit. Inspite of being a relative latecomer to the field - behind Amazon.com of the U.S. and China's JD.com - NTT Data hopes to have the system installed in about 1,000 stores by fiscal 2022.

 

CloudPick is among many of Chinese companies already running cashier-free stores, such as the BingoBox unmanned convenience store chain. Cashier-free stores normally employ QR codes, facial recognition or biometric authentication. Amazon and many other companies employ QR-code systems due to their low costs. Seven-Eleven Japan is trying out a facial recognition system developed by NEC, while Fujitsu has developed a biometric system. Lotte is using Fujitsu's system at some of its 7-Eleven stores in South Korea.

 

Retailers are still not entirely sold on the idea of unstaffed shops due to the need to stock and display merchandise, as well as concerns about shoplifting. Similarly, Chinese consumers are staying away from such shops due to the dearth of goods for sale and issues with store cleanliness. In addition, according to one retailer in China, unstaffed stores cannot turn large profits owing to the large initial investment required to set them up.

 

Yet, China is still growing toward cashier-free retail outlets, with convenience store operator Bian Li Feng restricting most of its shops to one-person operations. In Japan it is almost a foregone conclusion that stores like this and other relatively cashier-free models will catch on due to the country's acute labor shortage. It is simply a question of waiting for the right technology solution to come along.

 

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Group - NTT Data's parent and one of Japan's tech leaders - invests more than 200 billion yen ($1.88 billion) annually on research and development. But the speed at which new technologies are appearing has forced it to look overseas to China and other countries for help in keeping up. The group barely relies on Chinese companies, but NTT Data decided on CloudPick due to its track record and low cost.

 

Other Japanese entities are following the same paths. SoftBank Vision Fund has invested in Paytm, India's biggest e-commerce payment platform, while parent SoftBank Group has entered the QR code-based payment field with Yahoo Japan using technology from India's PayPay - a joint venture between the group and Yahoo. SoftBank Group is also operating hotels together with Oyo Rooms, an Indian website for booking budget lodgings.

 

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