Installation of new cashier system to expedite commissary shopping

  • Published
  • By Rick Brink
  • HQ DeCA East Region PA
Hanscom Commissary customers will soon experience an improved level of service when they pay for their groceries. 

On Aug. 12, the commissary will install the Defense Commissary Agency's new state-of-the-art checkout stations.

 "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 Hanscom Commissary Store Director Sharon Washington. 

The system also includes self-checkout modules that will enable customers to scan and pay for their own purchases. CARTS is scheduled to be installed in each of DeCA's 261 stores, Ms. Washington said. 

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

"We are especially excited about the enhanced self-checkout stations," Ms. Washington said. "The automated teller machine has become a staple of the banking industry and self-checkouts will do the same for the commissary benefit." 

Ms. Washington said that 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. 

"We have improved the look and function of check stands, thanks to an ergonomic design that reduces a lot of unnecessary 'stuff' between the cashier and the customer," she said. 

The new checkout stands include features such as: 
-- A 15-inch, color-screen display to allow customers a better view of their purchases. The screen can also be used to remind shoppers of store specials and other promotions. 
--  A touch-screen display for cashiers that will speed up the checkout process. 
--  A hand-held scanner that allows cashiers to reach bulkier items in the shopping cart. 
--  Price-check stations that will enable customers to scan the price of products before they reach the checkout station. 
--  Electronic check conversion which speeds up the check-writing process by eliminating handling of paper checks and bank deposits by store personnel. (Scanned checks clear the banks faster than previous processes.) 

"This system represents a new era of service for the customer," Ms. Washington said. "[Commissary] customers will be amazed at how this technology will improve their shopping experience."