The decision was spurred in part by slow checkout times in its circulation module; furthermore, some features it had paid to have developed had ended up causing data problems.
Allowing people to scan and tally their totals as they shop promises reduced checkout times and staffing needs, more space for products and the chance to differentiate the shopping experience.
Retailers have grumbled that chip cards have increased checkout time by about 10 seconds per customer -- an eternity for a fast-food restaurant struggling to keep up with rush-hour demand.