The Scenario
You manage a retail chain with 3-10 outlets across Singapore. Your POS and e-commerce basics are in place, but customers still queue at checkout during peak hours, staff cannot keep up with in-store enquiries, and you have no data on how shoppers move through your stores.
The IMDA Retail Industry Digital Plan Stage 2 recommends mobile-enabled solutions, self-checkout, and store layout optimization to capture new markets and lower operating costs. PSG covers pre-approved self-checkout and mobile ordering solutions. EDG funds custom video analytics for store layout optimization that no off-the-shelf PSG tool can deliver.
Which Solutions to Adopt
| Solution Area | What It Does | Grant Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Order @ Shop | Customers browse and purchase in-store products via mobile, eliminating checkout queues | PSG |
| Self-Checkout | Kiosks let customers scan, bag, and pay without staff assistance | PSG |
| Store Layout Optimization | Video analytics tracks foot traffic patterns to improve product placement and flow | EDG |
| Resource Aggregation Platforms | Share storage, delivery, and staffing resources with other retailers via platform | EDG |
Grant Funding Details
PSG covers pre-approved self-checkout and mobile ordering solutions at up to 50% co-funding, capped at S$30,000 per company per year. Apply for each solution category separately to maximize the cap.
EDG funds custom video analytics and resource optimization projects. SMEs receive up to 50% co-funding with no fixed cap — funding is based on approved project scope. Video analytics projects typically cost S$40,000-S$80,000 depending on the number of outlets and camera coverage.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Audit current checkout and traffic bottlenecks (1 week) — measure average queue times, peak-hour staffing gaps, and identify which outlet locations underperform relative to foot traffic
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Select PSG self-checkout or mobile ordering solutions (1-2 weeks) — check the GoBusiness PSG catalogue for pre-approved self-checkout kiosks and mobile commerce solutions that integrate with your existing POS
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Scope video analytics for layout optimization (2 weeks) — engage a vendor to assess camera placement, data processing requirements, and integration with your inventory and promotion systems
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Apply for PSG first (1 week) — submit via Business Grants Portal for self-checkout or mobile ordering. Do not sign contracts or pay deposits before approval
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Apply for EDG for custom analytics (2-3 weeks) — prepare a business case with current conversion rates, dwell times, and projected improvements from layout changes
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Deploy self-checkout and mobile ordering (4-8 weeks after approval) — install hardware, configure payment integration, train staff on oversight procedures and exception handling
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Install video analytics and calibrate (4-6 weeks) — mount cameras, configure traffic flow mapping, establish baseline metrics for at least 2 weeks before making layout changes
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Iterate on store layout based on data (ongoing) — adjust product placement, signage, and promotional displays based on heatmap data. Measure conversion rate changes per layout iteration
Documents Checklist
For PSG (self-checkout / mobile ordering)
- ACRA BizFile extractNot completed
- Vendor quotation from PSG-listed supplierNot completed
- Brief write-up on how solution improves operationsNot completed
- Bank account details for claimsNot completed
For EDG (video analytics / layout optimization)
- Company financial statements (2 years)Not completed
- Project plan with timeline and milestonesNot completed
- Vendor quotes for analytics system developmentNot completed
- Current store performance data (sales per sqft, foot traffic estimates)Not completed
- Business case with projected ROINot completed
- CorpPass credentials for BGPNot completed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Installing self-checkout without changing staff roles. Self-checkout frees cashiers — redeploy them to customer service and merchandising. Keeping the same headcount at the counter wastes the investment.
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Deploying video analytics without a baseline period. Collect at least 2 weeks of traffic data before making layout changes. Without a baseline, you cannot measure whether changes actually improved conversion.
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Choosing mobile ordering that does not integrate with your POS. Disconnected systems create inventory mismatches. Confirm the mobile solution syncs real-time with your existing POS and stock management.
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Applying for EDG and PSG for the same scope. The grants cannot fund the same cost items. PSG covers the self-checkout hardware and software. EDG covers the custom analytics layer. Keep scopes separate in your applications.
Real Examples
A fashion retailer with 6 outlets deployed PSG-funded self-checkout kiosks (S$8,200 total, S$4,100 co-funded at 50%). Peak-hour queue times dropped from 12 minutes to under 3 minutes. Two cashiers per outlet were redeployed to floor sales, contributing to a 15% increase in upsell revenue within three months.
A home furnishing chain with 4 stores used EDG to implement video analytics for store layout optimization (S$55,000 project, S$27,500 co-funded at 50%). Heatmap data revealed that 40% of foot traffic bypassed the highest-margin product section. After repositioning displays based on traffic flow data, the chain saw an 18% increase in average transaction value over the next quarter.
Key Resources
- PSG All Industries Solutions — browse pre-approved retail solutions
- PSG vs EDG Decision Matrix — choose the right grant for each component
- EDG Grant Explained — detailed guide to the Enterprise Development Grant
- Grant Pitfalls Guide — avoid common application mistakes
- Corppass Setup Guide — set up Corppass access for BGP
- Business Grants Portal — submit PSG and EDG applications
- Retail POS Grants Guide — PSG for point-of-sale and inventory systems
- Retail Sustainability Retrofit — EEG for energy-efficient equipment
- Retail Omnichannel & Global Marketplace — EDG for cross-border expansion
- Retail Industry Digital Plan — full IDP roadmap for retailers