Overview
Associated Food Stores (AFS), a cooperative serving independent grocers, adopted rPivot to modernize and optimize checkout operations across multiple store locations. As a DUMAC-native solution built on the RORC POS system, rPivot enabled AFS retailers to convert traditional lanes into dual-use checkouts that flex between cashier-operated and self-service modes.
The result: smoother traffic flow, smarter labor use, and a consistent customer experience.
1. Checkout Flexibility & Availability
Before:
Checkout lanes operated in a fixed mode, limiting how many could be used during labor shortages or customer surges. Unmanned lanes sat unused, while active lines grew long.
After rPivot:
Stores could switch lanes between manned and self-checkout on demand, keeping more lanes open and better serving customers.
- Improved lane utilization, especially during peak hours
- Reduced bottlenecks by dynamically adjusting lane types
- Gave front-end teams more options without increasing headcount
“Teams aren’t forced to keep a full lane staffed during slow periods, and when traffic spikes, they can bring capacity online quickly without scrambling for extra cashiers.”
— Front-End Supervisor, AFS Store
2. Labor Optimization & Cost Savings
Before:
Traditional setups required fixed staffing patterns. Limited flexibility led to inefficiencies and constrained labor allocation.
After rPivot:
Employees could monitor multiple SCO lanes with minimal intervention, freeing up time for other competing priorities.
- Supported leaner staffing without hurting throughput
- Enabled redeployment of team members to service, stocking, or customer support roles
- Lower operating costs compared to third-party SCO systems
“Because rPivot leverages existing lane hardware, it can be installed in virtually any cabinet or configuration—and at roughly one-quarter the cost of other vendor SCO systems.”
— Cameron Bradford, Director of Retail Technology, AFS
3. Customer Experience & Speed
Before:
Long lines and rigid checkout flow led to frustration for customers with small baskets or quick trips.
After rPivot:
Customers could self-checkout quickly when they preferred, while full-service remained available for those who wanted it.
- Increased customer satisfaction and convenience
- Maintained a familiar, consistent interface across checkout types
- Reduced congestion during busy periods
“Rushes feel more controlled now. We’re not seeing long lines build up the same way, especially with small basket shoppers going through self-check.”
— Front-End Supervisor, AFS Store
4. Implementation & Ease of Use
Before:
Deploying traditional SCO systems meant steep learning curves and disruptive transitions for staff.
After rPivot:
Store teams picked it up quickly thanks to its similarity to existing RORC lanes.
- Fast training and onboarding
- Seamless tech adoption across stores
- Intuitive for both staff and customers
“We see less confusion and residual questions on the rPivot technology compared to similar products. Additionally, there has been less follow-up support or training, indicating that the technology has been more reliable and easier for store teams to use and maintain.”
— Colby Schroeder, Lead Technology Account Specialist, AFS
5. Oversight, Control & Reliability
Before:
Managers had limited visibility into self-checkout lanes and had to rely on floor presence to address issues.
After rPivot:
The mobile management app allowed store leaders to remotely monitor and support all SCO lanes in real time.
“Staff appreciate not having to manually label aisles, reducing workload for both the market and inventory teams.”
- Handled age checks, voids, and other alerts from one interface
- Reduced time spent troubleshooting at the lane
- Improved consistency across all checkout operations
“The mobile tablet oversight is a consistent highlight—supervisors can see what’s happening across lanes, respond faster, and avoid getting pulled into constant interruptions at a traditional podium.”
— Front-End Supervisor, Lee’s Marketplace
Final Takeaway
With rPivot, AFS stores gained a more flexible, efficient, and user-friendly front-end checkout environment. By pairing self-service capabilities with their trusted RORC infrastructure, these stores modernized without compromising service and created a scalable model for the future of grocery retail.
Ready to pivot your checkout strategy?
Contact DUMAC today to take the first step towards smarter, flexible lanes.