2022 RTIH Innovation Awards: payments shortlist announced

Grabango, Compass Group, AiFi, and CellPoint Digital are among the nominees in the Payments category at the 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards.

This award, sponsored by FreedomPay, recognises payment initiatives that are both innovative and customer and retailer friendly.

We’re looking to reward an initiative that has the potential to increase a retailer’s competitiveness and effectiveness, and to improve the shopper experience. Bonus points if the project could be considered a first in the market.

2022 shortlist as follows:

BEL

Brand Experience Lab’s (BEL) smart kiosk is powered by machine vision and artificial intelligence that keeps track of products and processes selections accurately.

Customers open the door by scanning a QR through the smart kiosk app that has their payment information.

They can then begin browsing and selecting products. Once the door is closed, the purchase is complete, and selected items are reflected in-app. The app also provides retailers with the ability to track customer activity and send push notifications with special offers.

CellPoint Digital

CellPoint Digital is a specialist in payment orchestration globally. With its Velocity platform, the company’s mission is to increase its retail client’s competitiveness by turning payments from a cost into a profit booster. 

Compass Group/AiFi

Compass Group UK&I has introduced its first ever completely frictionless store.

The store, pitched as a first for not only the UK, but across the whole foodservices sector in Europe, uses AI powered computer vision technology from AiFi, allowing shoppers to purchase items without having to wait in line or stop to scan or pay.  

Grabango

Grabango is a leading provider of checkout-free technology for existing, large scale store chains.

To get started, shoppers download the free Grabango app available for iPhone and Android and select items they want and exit the store. Payment is automatic and contactless, saving additional time for the shopper. 

The system uses machine learning and computer vision algorithms, running on fault tolerant edge computing hardware, to deliver high accuracy results at a low cost.

Grabango’s technology integrates with partners’ existing stores and payments systems, providing the capability to utilise promotional offerings and contribute to customer loyalty points and rewards programmes. 

InComm

Medicare health plans offer their members a variety of supplemental benefits that are delivered via prepaid benefit cards.

However, each offering has traditionally required its own card, an arrangement that can confuse plan members trying to access multiple benefits or determine which retailers will accept plan funds as payment for over the counter medications, health and wellness products, and more. 

To remove this challenge and streamline acceptance of health plan supplemental benefits at retail, InComm Healthcare has developed the Dual Network Benefit Card.

Zippin

Zippin says that it is a technology platform, not a payment platform.

This, it adds, is an important distinction for the customers it works with because the firm is on a mission to accelerate the adoption of checkout-free retail.

To do that, you have to help retailers run their business, not presume to run it for them. With that customer first focus, Zippin is shortlisted for this award because of the work it has done with and for its customers, from airports and sports to convenience and office spaces.

And the winner is…

It’s now over to our judging panel to decide the winner.

This will be revealed at an exclusive event in central London on Tuesday, 6th December.

If you’re interested in attending this networking/roundtable discussion/three course Christmas themed meal event, please fill out the form at the end of this article and we’ll get back to you asap.

RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, says: “Innovation and technology play a critical role in the success of the retail sector, so it is great to recognise standout examples through our awards.”

“Thanks to all those who have entered the 2022 event. We received a record number of submissions and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.”

“I’m now looking forward to deciding the winners with our judging panel and announcing them at our central London event in December.”

2022 RTIH Innovation Awards judging panel as follows:

Warren Richmond, CEO and Founder, Situ Live and Revium Group

Mike Cadden, Technology and Business Transformation Director, Start-Rite Shoes

Peter Waugh, Digital & Data Director, Compass Group

Paula Bobbett, Chief Digital Officer, Boots

Dan Saunders, Retail E-commerce Manager, Stanley Black & Decker

Martin Newman, Founder, The Customer First Group 

Toby Pickard, Global Insight Leader, IGD

Matt Taylor, Technology Transformation Leader at EY, Retail and Consumer Products

Amodini Chhabra, Investor, Compass Digital Ventures

Gary Newbury, Supply Chain Advisor and Delivery Executive

Sharon Peters, Head of Technology - Corporate Functions, Marks & Spencer

Nadine Neatrour, Marketing Director, Selfridges 

Wizz Selvey, CEO, WIZZ&CO

Simon Curtis, Chief Commercial Officer, PMC Retail 

David Polinchock, Co-Founder/President, Unified Brand Experience Lab

FOURTH TIME AROUND

Now into their fourth year, the RTIH Innovation Awards, sponsored by PMC, 3D Cloud by Marxent, CADS, FreedomPay, and Critzr, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Stay tuned for more shortlists over the next few days.