Page 258 - DMGT550_RETAIL_MANAGEMENT

Unit 14: Information System in Retailing

Although there has been much talk of replacing EDI with XML or VAN’s with the Internet, the Notes
reality of today’s EDI implementations is that the original standards are still viable and heavily
implemented throughout the retail industry. Millions of EDI transactions pass between retailers
and their supply chain every day. Some of these transactions travel through traditional Value
Added Networks, some are exchanged over the Internet, and some are sent with direct
connections.

Task Discuss about Bar Coding.

14.6 Bar Coding

Bar coding is a proven technology for automated data collection needs of the business. In
general terms, “a barcode actually contains any given alpha numeric information encoded in
the form of bars and spaces using international symbologies which are like language of the
barcode.” On retail products, the barcode normally contains the product ID (e.g. item code,
product code etc.) which is required to be entered into the computer system to update the data at
the time of billing, receiving or dispatch. With the barcode in place, the data is fed into the
system automatically by scanning the barcode using a bar code scanner instead of punching the
same through a keyboard.
The fast checkout and reduced queues attracts more customers and ensures that customer visit
the store again and again. The Bar Code scanners at point of sales help in the elimination of
queues with fast checkout by automating the data entry into system. The barcode scanner is
basically a device which plugs into a computer system just like another keyboard and feed the
barcode data into a computer. The benefit is that the data fed is nearly 100 per cent accurate and
the whole Item code is scanned in a fraction of second. The scanners come in lots of varieties to
meet varied needs of retailers. From handheld to hand-free, 1D Single Line or Omnidirectional,
2D, corded and cordless, the scanners are available for almost all business needs. Hand held
barcode Scanners, which are sometimes also called “barcode gun”, can be a Laser or CCD
(Charged Couple Device) scanner. Hands Free Scanners are normally omnidirectional scanners
and are essentially laser scanners. These scanners are mounted either on the table top or below
the table glass to allow the user to scan the barcode from any direction for faster operations.

In addition to Bar Code Scanners, the other barcode hardware for POS includes thermal/thermal
transfer printers and Portable Data Terminals (PDT). These PDTs, with high memory and with
latest Windows-based or Palm-based Operating Systems for complex mobile computing
applications, are also called Mobile Computers.

The printer is used to generate on-demand bar code labels (in case the items are not pre-barcoded)
for received goods. Unlike normal document printers, Bar Code Printers utilise rolls of labels
(die-cut, fanfold etc.) to generate the labels on adhesive labels. These printers include the logic
to generate the barcode for any given data which would be read by using barcode scanner. The
printers can connect to any software and enable the barcode printing for items directly from the
software application.
Barcodes solutions play an important role in utilising customised in-store marketing, increasing
up-selling and cross-selling opportunities, quickly locating merchandise, easily monitoring
inventory and checking prices. The state-of-the art solutions based on barcode technology enables
retailers to improve the customer’s experience at the primary point of decision – the selling
floor.

The Portable Data Terminals (PDT) allow the retailers to take the inventory status by scanning
the items barcodes without need of counting them.

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