doug@terak.UUCP (Doug Pardee) (12/16/85)
> The computerized cash register with UPC scanner is an interesting > animal--it has its advantages (like faster checking; probably more > accurate) and its disadvantages (no more price stickers so you can't tell > what you paid; price increases are retroactive to all stock). I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or even more cashiers). Add to the list of disadvantages the flat-out ridiculous notion of hefting a 50-lb bag of dog food onto the counter so that the cashier can slide it across the scanner. The retroactive price increases are a disadvantage to consumers, but they are one of the big draws from the supermarket's point of view. -- Doug Pardee -- CalComp -- {hardy,savax,seismo,decvax,ihnp4}!terak!doug
coller@utah-cs.UUCP (Lee D. Coller) (12/21/85)
In article <942@terak.UUCP> doug@terak.UUCP (Doug Pardee) writes: >I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* >than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or >even more cashiers). As a former grocery store clerk I can shed some light on this. A person who is fast on a ten-key cash register is faster than the fastest scanner. I would guess (I never actually used a scanner, but knew people who did) that your average checker is faster on a scanner. Actually, the key factor determining the speed of a checker is how good the bagger is. If the bagger is slow (the norm these days (1/2 :-)) the checker will slow down as the order progresses. A good bagger will keep checked merchendise out of the checker's way. >The retroactive price increases are a disadvantage to consumers, but >they are one of the big draws from the supermarket's point of view. Supermarket's have always done done price changes (either up or down) "retroactively," with the exception of those in the few states where this practice is outlawed. I spent many Monday evenings doing just that. The only thing scanners do is make this practice easier (and cheaper), especially when it comes to marking ad items. The real savings with scanners is that supermarket's no longer have to worry about marking prices. -- -Lee UUCP: {ihnp4, seismo, hplabs, decvax}!utah-cs!coller ARPA: coller@utah-cs "They say the mark of a good team is that it wins when it plays poorly." -- Jim Fassel, Head Football Coach, University of Utah
larry@kitty.UUCP (Larry Lippman) (12/22/85)
> > The computerized cash register with UPC scanner is an interesting > > animal--it has its advantages (like faster checking; probably more > > accurate) and its disadvantages (no more price stickers so you can't tell > > what you paid; price increases are retroactive to all stock). > > I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* > than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or > even more cashiers). I don't know where YOU shop, but I vehemently disagree. A cashier can make as little as three key operations on the cash register: (1) start transaction; (2) end transaction; and (3) enter remittance amount for making change. > Add to the list of disadvantages the flat-out > ridiculous notion of hefting a 50-lb bag of dog food onto the counter so > that the cashier can slide it across the scanner. I have never seen a cashier do that yet - they always key enter large items. === Larry Lippman @ Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, New York === === UUCP {decvax,dual,rocksanne,rocksvax,watmath}!sunybcs!kitty!larry === === VOICE 716/741-9185 {rice,shell}!baylor!/ === === FAX 716/741-9635 {G1, G2, G3} ihnp4!/ === === === === "Have you hugged your cat today?" ===
rhc@ptsfa.UUCP (Robert Cohen) (12/23/85)
Another real disadvantage for the consumer is that individual
items are not always marked and there may or may not be a
price sticker posted on the shelf. I find shopping frustrating
anyway, so when I can't find a price for an item ANYWHERE,
I may just throw it in the cart anyway. Now, do you think
I actually look to see what the unknowns are scanned as?
Note that I find these mystery items far more frequently
in the LuckSafe type of markets.
On a related subject, I really miss enforced unit pricing.
I once lived in Massachusetts where every item in the market
had to be priced by the ounce or pound. Made comparisons
between brands easy. In California, some chains do _some_
unit pricing, but usually not enough. Currently, my solution
is to use COOP, a cooperative chain which unit prices everything.
Alas, that means a special trip to another part of town...
--
Robert Cohen
San Francisco, California
{ihnp4,dual,qantel}!ptsfa!rhcsmelser@wanginst.UUCP (Craig Smelser) (12/23/85)
>> The computerized cash register with UPC scanner is an interesting >> animal--it has its advantages (like faster checking; probably more >> accurate) and its disadvantages (no more price stickers so you can't tell >> what you paid; price increases are retroactive to all stock). > >I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* >than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or >even more cashiers). Come on Doug, justify your *ridiculous* claim!!!
ron@brl-sem.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>) (12/23/85)
> > I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* > > than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or > > even more cashiers). > > I don't know where YOU shop, but I vehemently disagree. A cashier > can make as little as three key operations on the cash register: (1) start > transaction; (2) end transaction; and (3) enter remittance amount for making > change. > The Giant Foods in Baltimore have had scanners for a long time. They took to them like a charm. They set two grocery bags on a small shelf directly in front of the scanner and start loading them up with both hands. The items are scanned as fast as they are put into the bags. Cuts down on waiting for things to be bagged and it is a whole lot faster than even the fastest manual cashier. There are hardly ever lines at Giant. When King Super in Denver got them, they refused to speed up. They dragged items slowly one at a time across the window. I tried to demonstrate to a manager that the two handed "directly to the bags" approach would make things go like lightning. He mentioned, that it was all very nice, but he didn't want to put the baggers out of jobs. =Ron
msc@saber.UUCP (Mark Callow) (12/24/85)
> I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* > than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or > even more cashiers). I tend to agree with this though a lot seems to depend on the type of scanner used. The IBM scanners used at both my local Safeway and Alpha Cheta (excuse me, Beta) stores seem to have considerably more trouble scanning than the Spectraphysics units used at Cosentino's a local independent store. A significant number of items have to be dragged over the IBM scanners two or more times before the scanner is successful. Usually there are several every shopping trip. Less than five items total have had to be rescanned by the Spectraphysics units in all my trips to Cosentino's. By the way, if you live in Silicon Gulch you might want to check out Cosentino's. It is a wonderful place for fruit and vegatables. Everything is very fresh and of the very best quality plus they have a huge selection of common and unusual items. They have unusual items in the rest of the store too. It's Cosentino's Fruit and Vegatable Haven, Bascom Avenue at Union in San Jose. -- From the TARDIS of Mark Callow msc@saber.uucp, sun!saber!msc@decwrl.dec.com ...{ihnp4,sun}!saber!msc "Boards are long and hard and made of wood"
werner@ut-ngp.UUCP (Werner Uhrig) (12/25/85)
1) my experience agrees with other posters in that a) most checkout people are faster with scanners. b) there are a few "keying-people" that still run circles around people with scanners. c) the scanner used (as Ron describes) 2-handed, direct-bagging, is fastest. 2) I like scanners, that speak to me, telling me what and how much, as the merchandise is being scanned (locally, I know of only HEB with those type scanners. HEB is a SAFEWAY-type chain food-and-more store, limited to Texas or the south-west, I believe) FLAME-ON (woooosh) 1) My experience is, that there is nearly *ALWAYS* a mistaken charge with scanners and NEVER lower, always HIGHER. 2) Without the vocal feed-back from the scanner, it is nearly impossible to catch those errors. 3) Many stores no longer mark merchandise, and not even label shelves, some don't even label shelves for advertised specials, telling you that the computer-scans the special price right. WRONG, I catch them weekly with problems. 4) While you are busy unloading onto the scanner counter, which you have to in many stores around here, it is nearly impossible to follow the processing of the merchandise and catch the errors. SO WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS? a) try to remember the prices you should be charged and watch like a hawk, slowing down the checker if necessary. b) when detecting an error, demand to speak to the manager to complain about this. Better even, call the distric supervisor or the store-headquarter. demand to get the item for free that is charged incorrectly to compensate for your time and effort helping them stream-line their operation. To my great satisfaction, I found that the Safeway in Boston advertised this offer and brought some signs back to show to my local store-managers who had, ni the past, refused to do this. (Note: the matter has not been resolved to my liking yet - I guess it takes some more customers demanding this besides me) c) make a (mental) list of what you would like to see your store doing: 1) marked shelves 2) unit-pricing 3) marked individual items 4) marked specials (whichever flavor) 5) checker emptying the carts 6) register LCD display for the customer, showing weight, unit-price, and total price. 7) synthesized voice announcing item, price, weight, etc. d) convince yourself that paying attention and making an effort in time and unpleasantness is worthwhile, we'll all benefit in the long run. Consumer Activism FOREVER !!! (raised fist here) AND A CHRISTMAS HORROR-STORY to boot: Went shopping late last week, nice wine-specials, about 10 out of 40 items didn't come out with the right price. The checker was unable to correct all of the things; had to wait for a manager to come around. Who then wanted the checker to write out a problem-report on all the items that didn't check out right, which, at that time, were already bagged, of course. And he was surprised, when I told him "not on my time, you don't". The extra waiting melted some ice-cream in my car, which I was forced to eat IMMEDIATELY when coming home - Blue Bell and Texas weather of 72 degrees in late December, eat your heart out, snow-bound netters ... (-:) Holiday Cheers, ---Werner
shprentz@bdmrrr.UUCP (Joel Shprentz) (12/25/85)
I heard a criticism of the voice synthesizer attached to a cash
register from a midwestern friend. His grocery will accept
a paycheck at the cash register in payment for food, returning
the balance of the paycheck in cash. His complaint is that
the voice announces the value of his paycheck for all to hear.
It seems that the quality of service provided by the UPC scanners
is more a function of store management than technology. At the
Giant food stores I shop in, every product's price and unit price
is on a large shelf label. I've seldom seen a mistake at the
register.
--
Joel Shprentz Phone: (703) 848-8614
BDM Corporation Uucp: {seismo,rlgvax}!bdmrrr!shprentz
7915 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, Virginia 22102bzs@bu-cs.UUCP (Barry Shein) (12/26/85)
Re: UPC scanners faster or slower I find that it depends on the skill of the cashier. If things won't scan it can really slow things down, especially because it seems more items these days aren't individually marked. A strange thing I see is that sometimes they key in the UPC code and sometimes they scream for a 'price check' (someone to go check the price.) Of course, before UPC scanners it was common to do a price check also, so speed really seems to be a matter of luck. One thing I try to do is grab a box or can with a price tag on it just in case, seems to help. As for not being able to find the price anymore, I am quite adamant about this, if I can't find a price I either won't buy it or I grab someone and ask them to get me the price. The most annoying thing I find about shelf pricing is when one bottle of ketchup is $12.96/quart and another next to it is $4.93/Lb, very obnoxious (and very common.) The really unfortunate thing is how many 'consumerist' things we all do that are certainly unnoticed (like not buying something which is not marked, most likely if the product actually didn't sell they probably came up with some other reason, like not enough TV ads or a competing product on sale.) Oh, you can express your opinion, try it, you'll likely get some gum-cracking adolescent who could care less. Sigh. -Barry Shein, Boston University
john@hp-pcd.UUCP (john) (12/29/85)
<<<<
<
< I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower*
< than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or
< even more cashiers).
<
One problem with manual cashiers is that there is a significant learning
curve until you can become proficient at it. Scanners allow a beginning
cashier to perform almost as well as an experienced one with a lot less
training. This allows a store to pick from a larger supply of unskilled
labor to fill its needs.
John Eaton
!hplabs!hp-pcd!john
ron@brl-sem.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>) (12/30/85)
> FLAME-ON (woooosh) > > 1) My experience is, that there is nearly *ALWAYS* a mistaken charge with > scanners and NEVER lower, always HIGHER. I used to track my budget against the scanner generated reciepts. I actually did a lot of checking becuase the store was offering rewards for any errors found. They even gave out free grease pencils to customers so they could mark the price with the shelf labels on the can (Giant never labeled items that had UPC codes on them). Never caught much, did get quite a collection of grease pencils though. > > 2) Without the vocal feed-back from the scanner, it is nearly impossible > to catch those errors. I watch what they are doing and am probably as in tune the the different types of beeps that this particular register makes. Enough feedback for me. The only thing I am careful, is sometimes they get items to scan too many times (especially when cheating by using the same item when you've bought lots of the same thing, rather than picking up and scanning each item individually). Actually, they've got clever about the quantity key now). You are also probably from an area which the normal register clerks call the prices while ringing things up. They've never done that here so I guess we don't miss it. > 4) While you are busy unloading onto the scanner counter, which you have > to in many stores around here, it is nearly impossible to follow > the processing of the merchandise and catch the errors. We've almost universally got conveyor belts here which I have loaded while they are doing the preceding customer. I know out west it is more common to either have just a counter, or have the cashier actually reach into the buggies themselves. > SO WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS? > > a) try to remember the prices you should be charged and watch like a hawk, > slowing down the checker if necessary. Actually, the stores here are fairly good about paying off on mistakes even when I've brought the ticket back to the store on my next trip. I suppose it is this piece of public relations is why scanners were so well received here, even with the skeptics. There were more comments about bitching to district supervisors, et al, about problems to get action. Evidentally, the Boston area Safeways you mention have a real problem. I've never had anything but satisfaction from the on-duty personnel at any of the Giant Foods I shop at. > c) make a (mental) list of what you would like to see your store doing: > 1) marked shelves > 2) unit-pricing We've had both of these even before the scanners hit. Nearly every other grocery in the area has followed suit to compete with Giant. > 3) marked individual items > 4) marked specials (whichever flavor) Marking the individual items seems senseless to me. You can always check your itemized receipt against the newspapers at your liesure if you are that paranoid. > 5) checker emptying the carts > 6) register LCD display for the customer, showing weight, unit-price, > and total price. I suspect the PLASMA panels used on the IBM registers would be sufficient? > 7) synthesized voice announcing item, price, weight, etc. > > d) convince yourself that paying attention and making an effort in time > and unpleasantness is worthwhile, we'll all benefit in the long > run. Consumer Activism FOREVER !!! (raised fist here) > > AND A CHRISTMAS HORROR-STORY to boot: > Sounds like the groceries down their really suck. -Ron
ron@brl-sem.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>) (12/30/85)
> I tend to agree with this though a lot seems to depend on the type of > scanner used. The IBM scanners used at both my local Safeway and Alpha > Cheta (excuse me, Beta) stores seem to have considerably more trouble > scanning than the Spectraphysics units used at Cosentino's a local > independent store. A significant number of items have to be dragged over > the IBM scanners two or more times before the scanner is successful. > Usually there are several every shopping trip. Less than five items > total have had to be rescanned by the Spectraphysics units in all my > trips to Cosentino's. Actually, I've noticed once the IBM scanners started giving problems, the cashier reaches down for the windex and cleans up the window a bit and it starts working well again. I'm always amazed that they work at all.
doug@terak.UUCP (Doug Pardee) (12/30/85)
> >I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* > >than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or > >even more cashiers). > > Come on Doug, justify your *ridiculous* claim!!! I don't have to "justify" what I observe. It exists whether or not I can explain it and/or justify it. Where the stores used to use 2 or 3 cashiers during normal periods, and maybe 8 during Saturday rush, now they have to use 3 or 4 most of the time, and on Saturdays the lines back up well into the display aisles even though all 10 check-out lanes are manned. From a personal view, where I used to get impatient if I had to wait for 2 minutes, now I have to be content with a 5 to 10 minute wait. However... I saw a posting by Ron Natalie which provides a plausible explanation: the stores in my area have made no changes in their checking procedures. Also, it appears that there are significant differences in the kind of scanners used by different stores around the country, and ours must be the absolute worst. In the last year, a number of the groceries in my area have gone to the scanners, and they all seem to be of the same type. In all cases, the situation is the same: There is no conventional register... items are either scanned or (for produce) weighed. The scale has a keypad on which the clerk enters a code number for the type of produce. This keypad also serves as the entry point for "amount tendered", coupons, etc. The system has no capability to enter sale of non-coded, non-weighed items; so even the 50-lb dog food bags have to go up on the counter, and if you buy something by the case you have to open the case and take out one of the packages to be scanned. The cashiers use the one-hand approach, and probably 1/3 of the time have to make multiple passes over the scanner (if it missed the first time, it usually takes 3 to 5 passes before the scanner is happy). The Phoenix area stores never have used baggers on any regular basis, and still don't; the cashier bags the stuff after first scanning it all. Oh yes, we suffer the same scanner-related problems as others have noticed: the packages aren't marked (that being the big way the store saves money with scanners), and the shelves sometimes aren't properly labelled. Often, the merchandise is put at the wrong spot on the shelf (the 24 oz size appearing over the price sticker for the 16 oz size, or a national brand placed on the shelf with the store brand's price). And no unit pricing, of course. And it's impossible to monitor the prices being scanned, even if you can remember the correct price. Somebody posted a comment about the apparent failure of the "free market" to control this sort of nonsense. The situation here in Phoenix is terrible for supermarket operators -- almost a dozen major chains competing for far too few customers. In the last ten years at least a half-dozen grocery chains have failed (or pulled out of the market, same thing) because of the cutthroat competition. And yet, more and more stores here are installing equipment which inconveniences their customers. That tells me that scanners must be darn good at improving the profit margin (4% margin on reduced sales of $1 million beats 1% margin on sales of $3 million). -- Doug Pardee -- CalComp -- {hardy,savax,seismo,decvax,ihnp4}!terak!doug
strickln@ihlpa.UUCP (Stricklen) (12/31/85)
> <<<< > < > < I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* > < than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or > < even more cashiers). > < > One problem with manual cashiers is that there is a significant learning > curve until you can become proficient at it. Scanners allow a beginning > cashier to perform almost as well as an experienced one with a lot less > training. This allows a store to pick from a larger supply of unskilled > labor to fill its needs. > In the good old days before UPC scanners, I read somewhere (sorry I cannot produce a reference) that more often than not, grocery store cashiers made at least one mistake in ringing up one's bill. This was the bad news. But, now for the good news -- in the majority of these cases the mistake was in the customer's favor. UPC scanners, I presume, hold down the store's losses for these errors. Steve Stricklen AT&T Bell Laboratories ihnp4!ihlpa!strickln
mbr@aoa.UUCP (Mark Rosenthal) (12/31/85)
In article <823@bu-cs.UUCP> bzs@bu-cs.UUCP (Barry Shein) writes: >Oh, you can express your opinion, try it, you'll >likely get some gum-cracking adolescent who could care less. Last week I ran into this situation at the Fresh Pond Stop & Shop. Instead of settling for some "gum-cracking adolescent", I insisted on seeing the manager. I made sure I took up several minutes of his time. I told him that I usually shop at the Mt. Auburn Star because of their superior quality and selection, but I had decided to try Stop & Shop because the location was more convenient. I then said that I would not patronize a store which did not put price labels on all their products. He made a big show of being concerned (mostly by giving hell to some unfortunate adolescent, which was not exactly what I had in mind). I'll try them again in a few weeks and see if it did any good. The moral of the story (if it worked) is insist on speaking with someone who cares. -- Mark of the Valley of Roses ...!{decvax,linus,ima,ihnp4}!bbncca!aoa!mbr "There was an old woman, as I have heard say. She tickled the critters that came in her way. Hi, ho, fiddle dee dee."
wcs@ho95e.UUCP (Bill.Stewart.4K435.x0705) (01/01/86)
>< I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* >< than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or >< even more cashiers). I used to do industrial engineering for the company that runs Pathmark (a large New York/New Jersey area chain); other people in the department were working on scanners while I was there. The critical factor seems to be the fraction of merchandise that will scan successfully; the breakeven point was about 65-70%, which reflects the mixture of labelled/non-labelled goods being sold, as well as the accuracy of the scanning equipment and the skill of the cashier. The scanners first went in at the high-volume stores, and have been quite effective. This may not be obvious, since Pathmark *always* has longer, more annoying lines than the other stores in the area, but this was true in their non-scanner stores as well. Part of the problem is that the stores that get the scanners are mostly the heavy-traffic stores, but part of it is the "how-many-cashiers-to-use" algorithm. Official policy was "If there are more than 3 people in line, add another cashier", but in practice it seems to be "If you can walk near the cashiers don't add anyone". -- # Bill Stewart, AT&T Bell Labs 2G-202, Holmdel NJ 1-201-949-0705 ihnp4!ho95c!wcs
goudreau@dg_rtp.UUCP (Bob Goudreau) (01/02/86)
Several people have commented on the desirability of a voice-feedback for supermarket UPC scanners. However, I recall when one of the very first systems in the country was installed in a store in my hometown (Stop&Shop in Lexington, MA) about five (?) years ago, the company was forced to REMOVE the device due to customer complaints that it was annoying to constantly have the machine talking! As far as I know, they are still disconnected. Seems like some consumers don't know what's good for 'em :-)
dave@cylixd.UUCP (Dave Kirby) (01/03/86)
In article <952@terak.UUCP> doug@terak.UUCP (Doug Pardee) writes: >I find that scanner-equipped stores are actually significantly *slower* >than the old manual methods (and it appears that they use as many or >even more cashiers). I have observed the same phenomenon in several stores here in Memphis. It comes from the cashier not knowing how to use a scanner correctly. It seems most clerks think that the scanning beam is stationary, so they must whisk the product by in such a way as to make sure the beam traverses the UPC code correctly. I don't know for sure exactly how the scanners work, but from the pattern traced on the window I would guess that the beam scans in several directions so as to be able to pick up the code from any angle, PROVIDED THAT THE CRETIN PRESENTING THE PRODUCT HOLDS THE DURN THING STILL or at worst moves it slowly across the window. Incompetent clerks on a scanner are worse in the long run than incompetent clerks on a regular keyboard, for two reasons. First, scanner incompetence is less likely to be noticed; clerks can always blame their mistakes on "the computer." Second, those using a keyboard will usually eventually get better through practice; those who don't know how to use a scanner will never understand how to use it, no matter how many customers they have practised on. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Dave Kirby ( ...!ihnp4!akgub!cylixd!dave)
sieg@bocar.UUCP (B A Siegel) (01/06/86)
Here in New Jersey all Pathmark & Shoprite supermarkets have the UPC Scanners. Pathmark cashiers use the two-handed right into the bag approach (which really works fast). Pathmark pledges if the scanned price is incorrect they give you the item free. Shoprite cashiers use the traditional bagging approach, However, the "scanner" tells you the price aloud. One other advantage of the UPC scanners is the readable (an items description and price are listed) register receipt. Barry
wtm@bunker.UUCP (Bill McGarry) (01/06/86)
Our local supermarket (Stop & Shop) has a policy that if the scanner
price is higher than the marked price, then you get the item for FREE.
When the scanners were first installed, this policy was very publicy
displayed (i.e., a sign at each check-out counter), but now there are no
signs at all about it. So the catch is that you have to ask about the
policy whenever you find an error. Otherwise, the cashier will just
charge you the lower price.
I've never tried this at other supermarkets but I seem to recall that
many supermarkets had this policy when scanners were first installed.
Very interesting to note is that when you bring the price difference
to the cashier's attention and they merely charge you the lower price,
they do not make any note of what the item is so that the price can
be corrected on the shelf. But once you say "Doesn't your store
policy state that I am to get the item for free?", then someone is
ordered to immediately go to the shelf and change the prices.
You only get one of any particular item for free, no matter how many
are incorrectly priced.
Bill McGarry
Bunker Ramo, Trumbull CT
{decvax, ittatc}!bunker!wtmessachs@ihuxl.UUCP (Ed Sachs) (01/07/86)
> > There is no conventional register... items are either scanned or (for > produce) weighed. The scale has a keypad on which the clerk enters a > code number for the type of produce. This keypad also serves as the > entry point for "amount tendered", coupons, etc. The system has no > capability to enter sale of non-coded, non-weighed items; so even the > 50-lb dog food bags have to go up on the counter, and if you buy > something by the case you have to open the case and take out one of > the packages to be scanned. At the groceries stores I shop at, the cashier can enter a price for a non-coded item (typically pre-weighed per-pound items, such as meat, deli, and bulk cheese, but some stores even have scales which can print "machine readable" weight and price stickers), or for things like large bags of dog food, they enter the UPC code from the keypad rather than trying to drag it over the scanner. Often, if an item will not scan successfully, the checker just reads the UPC code and keys it in manually (faster than taking 10 attempts to have the machine read it). -- Ed Sachs AT&T Bell Laboratories Naperville, IL ihnp4!ihuxl!essachs
terryl@tekcrl.UUCP () (01/10/86)
> Several people have commented on the desirability of a voice-feedback for > supermarket UPC scanners. However, I recall when one of the very first systems > in the country was installed in a store in my hometown (Stop&Shop in Lexington, > MA) about five (?) years ago, the company was forced to REMOVE the device due > to customer complaints that it was annoying to constantly have the machine > talking! As far as I know, they are still disconnected. Boy, are you right!!!! A local grocery-store chain has a voice-feedback systems at one of the stores, and they are VERY OBNOXIOUS. I just came back from Christmas/New Years, and now the local Albertson's has them. All of the employees of the store that I've talked to say they hate them. One, it speaks it a really boring monitone voice. Two, all of the boxes sound the same, which doesn't really matter because, three, the volume is so low you can't really hear it if the store is really busy/noisy. If customers are woried about mistakes, HOW ABOUT READING THE RECEIPT??? One good thing abou the scanner systems is that now the receipts show the actual product (like soap), and some even go as far as to identify each item by it's brand name!!! That should make it easier to verify. > Seems like some consumers don't know what's good for 'em :-) Natch, big business always knows what's best for the consumers, right? :-)
levy@ttrdc.UUCP (Daniel R. Levy) (01/12/86)
>[flames about scanners with voice synthesizer output] I guess it depends on the quality of the device and individual preferences, too. One of the local Jewel supermarkets has these at the checkouts and it is pretty good, the voice pleasant and distinct (there are a few bugs still, like it will say "Change: 1 cents" :-). A Dominick's I have visited does not have voice, but does have a very visible readout which flashes the name of the item as well as its price; this is nice too. I think the voice units were called "POSItalkers" but I could remember wrong. I think this extra info provided to the customer is a saving grace for scanners too, especially if the name of the item also shows up on the sales receipt (you couldn't very well expect a manual checker to type this stuff out with any efficiency). Maybe there could be a button at the checkout that the customer could push to optionally make the scanner talk? Maybe some people would be reluctant to do this because they would be embarrassed to cast doubt on the cashier, but it would be a way of controlling it according to individual preferences. Perhaps also the sound output could be directed by a horn or other means narrowly toward the customer standing near the register, so that others waiting in line need not suffer :-). -- ------------------------------- Disclaimer: The views contained herein are | dan levy | yvel nad | my own and are not at all those of my em- | an engihacker @ | ployer or the administrator of any computer | at&t computer systems division | upon which I may hack. | skokie, illinois | -------------------------------- Path: ..!ihnp4!ttrdc!levy
trb@haddock.UUCP (01/14/86)
I love UPC scanners (for their speed and the accuracy of the receipt), but here's something else to watch for (that happenned to me this week). I was buying three containers of orange juice; the cashier dragged one container over the scanner three times. Fine. Then, as she pulled the other two containers past the scanner, one of them "mistakenly" registered. I can't see how she missed it, as the printer makes noise with each scanner hit. I alerted her to the problem, and she voided the errant transaction, but I wonder how many times this happens. Andrew Tannenbaum Interactive Boston, MA 617-247-1155
rjd@faron.UUCP (Robert DeBenedictis) (01/16/86)
I would like to add a few points to the discussion of UPC codes at supermarkets. First, the probability of the scanner reading the code incorrectly (as opposed to not being able to read it at all) is very low. There is error detection and or correction built in to their coding scheme. Errors in prices are almost always caused by "clerical" errors -- someone making a ytpeo at a computer terminal somewhere. These kinds of errors occur whether you used a scanner at the checkout or not. Second, you guys seem to have overlooked the a much more important reason behind these scanners. They give _precise_ inventory control. For example, a grocer knows exactly how many cases of Frosted Flakes he needs to replace what he sold yesterday. I would guess he might even have the ordering done automatically. Margins are very, very tiny in the grocery business and any system which cuts costs gives a grocer an edge. A grocer can tell exactly which days are busiest, how effective a given ad compaign is, etc.
hosking@convexs.UUCP (01/24/86)
> Second, you guys seem to have overlooked the a much more important reason > behind these scanners. They give _precise_ inventory control. True in theory, but not in practice. Consider problems such as shoplifting, breakage, spoilage, etc. Scanners may reduce the frequency of manual inventories, but they certainly don't eliminate them.