Technology has dramatically changed from what used to be a routine trip to the grocery store.

Thanks to new self-service checkout systems, customers no longer have to wait in long checkout lines.

Mark Shanahan, manager of the Lincoln Center Hy-Vee, said that Hy-Vee’s U-Scan machines allow people to checkout up to 14 items and pay for them.

A touch screen and voice instructions help shoppers scan items, put them in plastic bags and choose a payment type. Customers can pay with cash, credit cards or debit cards.

The U-Scan machines also serve as Automatic Teller Machines that enable the customers to withdraw money.

“It is quicker for the customers in getting through the transaction,” Shanahan said.

He said these machines have been used for one year by Hy-Vee stores in Ames, Cedar Falls, Des Moines and Omaha.

But grocery stores aren’t the only places you will find self-service systems.

When the Ames Public Library began using a self-service checkout machine, library patrons who used it responded positively, said Joyce Fisher, circulation department coordinator.

“They enjoy doing the checkout process and operating the machine because it gives them a sense of independence,” she said.

Moreover, Fisher said the self-service checkout system reduces the workload and is convenient for customers.

“For some people who don’t want the circulation desk staff to know what books they are checking out, the machine gives them more privacy,” Fisher said.

One of the systems, located in the children’s area, is preferred by young mothers because they are able to keep an eye on their children while checking out, she said.

Becky Burns, Hy-Vee cashier, said that most people operating the system are under 40 and are comfortable using the machines.

Fransiska Juliana, senior in hotel, restaurant and institution management, said the operation of the machine is not complicated. “At first, it took me a while to get everything done,” she said.

With a little practice, self-service checkout saves time, Shanahan said.

“The machine is pretty user-friendly, and it guides shoppers step-by-step through the transaction,” he said.

However, these machines are not perfect.

Shanahan said problems occur if more than 14 items are checked out or if items are too heavy to be scanned.

“Even though it is faster, sometimes it is annoying when the machine keeps telling me to put the item in the bag, which I can’t do because it is too big,” said Andrew Kurniawan, Hy-Vee customer.

Burns, who assists customers who have difficulties using the machines, said that most customers who need help aren’t familiar with computers.

Some people choose not to use them because they prefer to be assisted by cashier staff and don’t want to lose the “person to person” feel, Burns said.

Shanahan said the checkout system doesn’t save his store any money. “It is only an alternative for the customers,” he said.

Some library items, including videos and DVDs, can’t be processed by the machines, said Fisher.

She also said that people who have too many fines or who need to make an address change on their library card can’t use the machine.