Background of the study:
University supermarkets are critical in supporting campus life, yet they often struggle with inefficiencies in managing inventory, customer flow, and transaction processes. In Maiduguri LGA, Borno State, traditional shopping cart systems are largely manual and fail to integrate modern technologies that can streamline the shopping experience. The optimization of IoT‐based smart shopping cart systems can address these challenges by incorporating sensors, RFID technology, and real‐time data analytics to monitor cart usage, track inventory, and guide customers efficiently through the store (Ibrahim, 2023). Such systems enable dynamic route optimization within the store, alert staff when carts require maintenance or repositioning, and provide shoppers with real‐time information on product locations and promotions (Adeniyi, 2024). The continuous data collection from smart carts supports predictive analytics, enabling supermarket managers to optimize inventory levels and reduce checkout times. In addition, the integration with mobile applications enhances customer convenience and engagement, ultimately improving overall shopping satisfaction. By automating routine processes and reducing manual intervention, smart shopping cart systems contribute to improved operational efficiency and cost savings. Furthermore, these systems can collect valuable data on shopping behaviors, which can be used to enhance marketing strategies and product placement. The adoption of IoT technology in retail environments aligns with global trends towards digital transformation, ensuring that university supermarkets remain competitive and responsive to consumer needs (Udo, 2025).
Statement of the problem:
University supermarkets in Maiduguri LGA face operational challenges due to outdated shopping cart systems that rely on manual tracking and management. This inefficiency results in poorly managed inventory, longer waiting times at checkout, and an overall unsatisfactory shopping experience for students and staff (Ibrahim, 2023). The lack of real‐time data on cart usage and customer flow hinders the ability of supermarket management to optimize store operations and reduce costs. In addition, traditional systems fail to offer interactive features that could guide shoppers or provide timely alerts when issues arise, leading to customer frustration and lost sales opportunities (Adeniyi, 2024). Financial constraints and a reluctance to adopt advanced technologies further compound these challenges, leaving many university supermarkets with inefficient processes and higher operational costs. Without an integrated IoT‐based system, the supermarket environment remains fragmented and unresponsive to dynamic consumer demands, ultimately affecting revenue and customer satisfaction. An optimized smart shopping cart system is therefore essential to streamline operations, improve inventory management, and enhance the overall retail experience on campus (Udo, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
To design an IoT‐based smart shopping cart system for real‐time tracking and management.
To evaluate the system’s impact on inventory management and customer satisfaction.
To propose strategies for integrating the system with existing supermarket operations.
Research questions:
How effective is the IoT‐based shopping cart system in reducing checkout times and optimizing inventory?
What improvements in customer experience can be observed after system implementation?
How can the system be integrated with current retail management practices to enhance operational efficiency?
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it demonstrates how IoT‐based smart shopping cart systems can optimize retail operations in university supermarkets. The enhanced system improves inventory management, reduces waiting times, and elevates the overall shopping experience, contributing to increased efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to the optimization and evaluation of IoT‐based smart shopping cart systems in university supermarkets in Maiduguri LGA, Borno State. It does not extend to other retail environments or regions.
Definitions of terms:
IoT (Internet of Things): A network of devices that communicate real‐time data.
Smart Shopping Cart: A technologically enhanced cart equipped with sensors and connectivity for real‐time tracking.
Inventory Management: The process of tracking and optimizing stock levels to meet demand efficiently.
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