Leading the pack:

Grocers with superior technology initiatives stand out from the crowd in terms of customer service, productivity and, ultimately, profitability.

From Grocery Headquarters, August 1, 2009

Rather than abandon innovation altogether during the current budget squeeze, tech-sav­vy grocers are upholding their reputations as IT leaders by augmenting existing solutions with smart upgrades that boost functionality while keeping a cap on operating costs.

...

Meanwhile, Ahold USA is proving more than one self-checkout solution can augment the front end. The company, which is owned by Royal Ahold, is in the midst of a large-scale rollout of handheld self-scanning technology. The solution, called Scan It!, was initially launched in the chain’s Stop & Shop banner in October 2007, is being used across 250 stores.

The Scan It! device is comprised of wireless handheld scanners from Holtsville, N.Y.-based Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions and software from Quincy, Mass.-based Modiv Media. Shoppers pick merchandise from shelves, scan the barcodes and put the items in their shopping cart. All orders are electronically totaled and transactions can be tendered at a dedicated stationary self-checkout lane. The units also deliver targeted electronic coupons and promotions.

Read the Full Article: Grocery Headquarters