A&P TO TEST SELF-CHECKOUT TECHNOLOGY IN TWO STORES

COLE CORBIN

MONTVALE, N.J. -- A&P here is expanding its commitment to self-scanning technology with the upcoming pilot of a new stationary self-checkout system in two stores.

The retailer plans to install the new self-checkout system by the end of this month at one Michigan and one New Jersey supermarket, according to Frank Urbaniak, vice president of retail support systems, A&P. If the test of the new technology is successful, A&P will consider a wider rollout of the units, he said.

The two new units allow customers to scan, bag and pay for their purchases without the assistance of a store associate, according to Urbaniak.

Each system consists of four automated checkout units attended by a cashier who monitors customers' activity and offers assistance if necessary. The interactive checkout units have a touch screen monitor that guides customers through the scanning and payment of their orders.

Urbaniak said the test of the new self-checkout system, called U-Scan Express and developed by Optimal Robotics, Montreal, and PSC, Webster, N.Y., would last "probably no longer than two months."

This is not A&P's introduction to self-scanning technology. The retailer currently offers stationary self-scanning units provided by Productivity Solutions, Jacksonville, Fla., in 15 supermarkets. A&P began testing this technology in 1990.

"We're testing both systems to see if either of them has a significant advantage over the other," he said. "It's good to test them both to see what's the best payback and cost."