Data - Coding systems

Bar coding - Supermarket use

• Possible advantages for a supermarket to use bar codes.
  Reduce skills required for checkout operators
  Reduce time to pass through checkout
  Reduce checkout errors
  Easier to alter prices
  Allows automatic matching to stock system
  Reduces the number of staff
  Acccurate weighing and pricing of in-store goods
  Coupons easily processed (checkout can cross match with items purchased).

• Possible disadvantages for shoppers in a supermarket using bar codes.
  Individual items may not be priced
  If bar code missing an item check is required
  No old priced stock
  Customers must "hunt" for price attached to shelf.
  Is shelf label missing customer has no idea of price.