Self-Checkout Integration

Access to a testing environment is available on request.

Employee shortages have been a persistent challenge in the canteen and communal catering sector in recent years. As a result, self-checkout solutions have surged in popularity, offering businesses a way to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences. Relevo's flexible REST API is designed to integrate seamlessly with a wide variety of self-checkout systems on the market. Our packaging experts are also available to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs.

Goals

Relevo supports most self-checkout solutions, enabling businesses to:

• Free up staff time and minimize waiting lines.

• Integrate self-checkouts alongside existing systems.

• Support unique integrations, such as employee badge systems.

• Adapt to existing setups without significant changes.

Once implemented, Relevo and self-checkout systems can be further enhanced to support gamification, loyalty programs, or sustainability tracking, offering additional value to your business.

Requirements

To enable seamless functionality between Relevo and your self-checkout system, the following components are required:

• Relevo integration data

  • Partner Key

  • Partner ID

  • Location ID(s)

  • Meta Category ID of items

• External QR code scanner

• (Alternative input method for Relevo User ID/Employee badge reader)

• (Alternatively RFID/NFC reader for item/meal recognition)

• Internet connectivity for simple HTTP API calls

Relevo's system is compatible with both visual scanning solutions (e.g., cameras detecting trays from above) and RFID/NFC-based systems. Even if individual items cannot be recognized visually, our placeholder system ensures accurate tracking by assigning responsibility to the Relevo User. Additionally, if your business already uses an employee badge system, a Relevo User account is not strictly necessary—our tracking only requires a 1:1 match between a unique item identifier and an employee number.

Process

Relevo supports two primary self-checkout scenarios:

1. Visual Detection Systems: These use cameras positioned above food trays to identify items.

2. RFID/NFC Systems: These rely on wireless transmitters embedded in dishware for item recognition.

Both approaches are fully supported by Relevo's API, allowing businesses to choose the method that best suits their operational needs.

Visual detection

NFC/RFiD Detection

Tutorial

The following tutorial outlines how to integrate Relevo with your self-checkout system using either visual or radiowave detection methods:

Relevo’s visual detection approach addresses challenges such as QR codes being located on the sides of our containers or detectable food hidden under lids. In these cases, the system detects the general category of the item (e.g., category type of container) rather than its specific identifier. The guest is then prompted to confirm their food choice and provide their Relevo User ID. Placeholder items are assigned during this process, ensuring proper tracking.

For RFID/NFC-based systems, item detection is automated through embedded or adhered transmitters. This method simplifies the checkout process by eliminating manual input from guests while maintaining precise tracking.

By implementing these processes, you can create an efficient and user-friendly self-checkout experience that aligns with Relevo's sustainability goals.

1

Verify the Relevo User ID

API Reference

Verifying the Relevo User ID is mandatory to ensure the user interacting with your checkout solution is allowed to and has valid payment information on file. You may allow Relevo Users to either enter their Relevo User ID manually or scan their QR code (prefixed with rlv://).

API Request

Request

// GET Request
// replace <userId> with the scanned Relevo User ID

https://api.relevo-admin.de/api/v1/users/<userId>/status

Headers

Response

API Response

If you receive back a 200 HTTP Status code, then you can proceed with the flow.

2

Assign multiple placeholder items

API Reference

Usually, a tray of food contains more than one item. Therefore, you can assign multiple placeholder items at once to a Relevo User with a single API call. The Relevo User will be notified about this action and his next steps.

API Request

Request

// PUT Request
// replace <userId> with the previously verified Relevo User ID

https://api.relevo-admin.de/api/v1/users/<userId>/items-categories

Body

Headers

Response

API Response

• Proceed only if your quantity and category appear in the assignedCategories object.

• If errors occur, review the notAssignedCategories object and communicate issues to users.

3

Assign known Items

API Reference

Should you have an RFID/NFC approach where the items on the tray are known, then you can simply use this method to assign them directly to the Relevo User.

API Request

Request

// PUT Request
// replace <userId> with the previously verified Relevo User ID

https://api.relevo-admin.de/api/v1/users/<userId>/items

Body

Headers

Response

API Response

• Proceed only if the items appear in the assignedItems array.

• If errors occur, review the notAssignedItems array and communicate issues to users.

Relevo's integration with self-checkout solutions empowers businesses to reduce operational strain while enhancing customer satisfaction. Whether through visual detection or RFID/NFC technology, our system adapts to your needs and ensures seamless functionality. Contact us today to explore how Relevo can transform your operations!