A method of operating a retail system which includes a plurality of
self-service checkout terminals, a first remote supervisor terminal, and
a second remote supervisor terminal includes the step of operating the
first remote supervisor terminal such that the first remote supervisor
terminal monitors operation of each of the plurality of self-service
checkout terminals during a first period of time. The method also
includes the step of maintaining the second remote supervisor terminal in
an idle mode of operation such that the second remote supervisor terminal
does not monitor operation of any of the plurality of self-service
checkout terminals during the first period of time. Yet further, the
method includes the step of operating the first remote supervisor
terminal such that the first remote supervisor terminal monitors
operation of a first group of the plurality of self-service checkout
terminals during a second period of time. In addition, the method
includes the step of operating the second remote supervisor terminal such
that the second remote supervisor terminal monitors operation of a second
group of the plurality of self-service checkout terminals during the
second period of time. A self-service retail system is also disclosed.