How to work the self checkout computer at Safeway
by Smrt
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This is a very quick summary on the operation of the self checkout computer at Safeway locations, and may prove useful for other stores.
LAYOUT
When you see the screen, it has a typical "cell" layout. Each checkout stand corresponds to one cell. The cells are oriented so that their layout mirrors the layout of the checkouts from a birds-eye view.
Example: A store with 4 self checkout tills would be a 2 x 2 layout.
OUTLINE
When a customer scans an item through the checkstand, it displays both on their screen
and on the screen at the operator's (employee's) computer. Each item has been
programmed with an average weight. The bagging area acts as a giant scale, so when you
place an item down, it checks the item's weight with the allowable average weight that is
in the database. If it is under or overweight, a few things happen:
- The customer's checkout gets automatically disabled
- An alarm rings
- The employee at the computer receives notification of this, and can allow the customer to continue, or suspend the order
The same thing happens if an item isn't recognized, or another "security breach" occurs.
OPERATION
Each cell on the operator's display has a few buttons on it. The largest one is usually
colored green, but will turn red if one of the above "security breaches" occurs. To override
most security breaches, the operator must simply touch that button when it turns red, and
it will turn back to green and allow the customer to continue. Occasionally a prompt will
appear (depending on the type of error), and the operator just has to touch "OK" on the
screen to allow it to continue.
There is also a row of buttons along the bottom of every cell. These will do some more
advanced functions, like shut down tills, and enter operator mode. Should you need an
operator key to proceed, there is almost always one laying around the till area. It is a
barcode that is typically printed and laminated, but may also simply be on a piece of
receipt paper.
MISC
The self checkout computers all run Windows XP, however, the computers are hidden
away, so it would be impossible to use a USB device or similar to override anything. They
are connected to the internet, however.
Use your imagination.
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