Grocery shopping goes hi-tech: Commissary set to upgrade checkouts, computer systems

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Dover Air Force Base Commissary is scheduled to receive state-of-the-art checkout stations Nov. 5.

This new front-end operation, known as the Commissary Advanced Resale Transaction System, features new cashier stations designed to make purchasing groceries easier and more efficient, said Robert Herms, Dover's store director.

"Customers can soon expect an improved level of service when they pay for their groceries," said Robert Herms, store director. "The system will also include self-checkout modules that will enable customers to scan and pay for their own purchases."

The same checkout upgrades slated for Dover will be installed at each of the Defense Commissary Agency's 261 worldwide stores, said Mr. Herms.

"Our customers will definitely benefit from this new system," he said. "DeCA wanted a checkout process that was simple to use, accurate and secure in scanning purchases, and reliable in (a way) that it wouldn't disrupt store operations - we have that with CARTS."

DeCA is especially excited about the enhanced self-checkout stations, which includes an automated teller machine, said Mr. Herms. "(The ATM) has become a staple of the banking industry and self-checkouts will do the same for the commissary's benefit," he said.

The commissary agency contracted with IBM in December 2005 to replace the commissaries' aging front-end system with a newer, more reliable operating system that was built specifically for retailers, said Mr. Herms.

The look and function of check stands improved, said Mr. Herms. "Thanks to an ergonomic design, the stand reduces a lot of unnecessary 'stuff' between the cashier and the customer.

"This system represents a new era of service for the customer," said Mr. Herms. "Our customers will be amazed at how this technology will improve their shopping experience."