STAR MARKET STORE TO USE SELF-CHECKOUT

DEENA AMATO-McCOY

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Star Market here will go live this week with customer self-checkout stations in one store.

The store installation in Allston, a Boston suburb, follows a six-month pilot test of the technology at corporate headquarters. Chain officials declined comment but a company source confirmed the first store is to begin using the system this week.

The self-checkout system enables shoppers to scan their own groceries, bag and pay for their order without cashier assistance.

The system consists of four automated stations, which occupy the space of three traditional checkout lanes. An interactive touch screen and audio instructions guide the customer through the process.

Automated payment units and change dispensers allow payment by cash, checks, credit or debit cards, food stamps and store gift certificates.

A single operator monitors transactions in all four lanes via video cameras mounted above the units and provides price lookup numbers for produce and authorizes noncash payments.

The system, U-Scan Express, is manufactured and marketed by PSC Inc., Webster, N.Y., and the technology was developed by Optimal Robotics, Plattsburgh, N.Y.