Commissary installs self-checkout registers Published Sept. 6, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A quick run to the commissary is about to get even quicker. This weekend, the Fairchild commissary will receive new registers, which will include four express self checkout registers for shoppers to use. The new registers will "go live" Sept. 11, said Eric Quantock, store director. "Our current registers are about 10 years old, so they're being replaced with new IBM touch-screen registers," he said, adding that the change is being implemented across the Defense Commissary Agency with the signing of a new contract with IBM. "Eventually, we'll use the registers to scan checks, and then give the check back to the customer, which enhances the customer's security." The self checkout registers will also have the check-scan feature, as well as a money-back debit option. The four express lanes (versus the current one dedicated express lane, with a second opened for busy shopping times) will allow the commissary to offer two 15-item lanes and two 30-item lanes, and just like civilian grocery stores that offer self checkout, customers in these lanes will bag their own groceries. Cashiers and commissary staff are training for the upgraded system through the next week, and Mr. Quantock asks that customers realize they're going through a training period. "I remember when we switched to the old registers about 10 years ago; the first day or two was slow, and there were a few upset customers," he said. "We're learning a new system again, and initially you can expect some delays. After the first few days we'll zip right along like we always have; please be patient." Mr. Quantock also said the register changeover will not affect the commissary case lot sale coming up Sept. 14-16. He expects "very little impact" at the sale, as the cashiers will have had plenty of time to become acquainted with the new registers, and urges Fairchild's commissary shoppers to come out and enjoy the added savings those days.