METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WIRELESS ASSISTANCE FOR SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT

A method of performing a supervisory function for a self-checkout system including sending a request for supervisory assistance from a self-checkout system to a portable, handheld wireless terminal, receiving the request by the wireless terminal, presenting the request via a display provided with the wireless terminal to a supervisory individual, determining whether the assistance request can be remotely performed through input by the supervisory individual, responding to the request through input by the supervisory individual. The input results in a response being sent from the wireless terminal to the self-checkout system. The response results in the supervisory assistance being performed when the assistance request is remotely performable, and the response results in a notification that supervisory personnel are being dispatched to a location of the self-checkout system when the assistance request can not be remotely performed.