Supermarket chain NTUC FairPrice has launched a device that allows shoppers to scan their items as they shop.

Called Scan2Go, shoppers get a handheld scanner from the supermarket, which they use to scan items as they shop. This lets them input purchases way before they reach the cashier counters. Scan2Go customers may pay at two dedicated counters where cashiers will do random checks to ensure that items are correctly scanned.

Cashiers then instantly process the shopper's purchase information. The handheld scanner is returned, shoppers pay, bag for their purchases and go.

The technology has been on trial at FairPrice Finest at Bukit Timah Plaza since December. There are about 1100 registered users, over half used the system more than once.

Launching Scan2Go on Thursday, FairPrice CEO Seah Kian Peng said: "This will enhance the operational efficiency and generate higher productivity at our stores."

The supermarket aims to increase productivity by up to 50 per cent for its cashiers and convert up to 20 per cent of all its transactions at its Bukit Timah outlet to this new system by encouraging shoppers to use Scan2Go.