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Susan Caicedo IT 103 Project November 2, 2005

Retail

Retail stores have had significant impact on computers. Most shops have replaced their old-fashioned register with a terminal or checkout station linked to a computer system. Shopping has been made very convenient for consumers; everything is done with a touch of a button. (“Computers”) The checkout station may require that the clerk type in the code for the item; but often the checkout counter includes a bar-code scanner, a device that reads into the computer the UPC printed on each package. Cash-register receipts can then include brief descriptions of the items purchased, and the purchase information is also relayed back to the computer to cause and immediate adjustment in the inventory data. The inventory system can easily alert the manager when the supply of some item falls below a specified amount. Retail stores that are chained have the advantage to be linked to other networks so they can order new supply automatically which is generated and sent electronically to the supply warehouse. In a less automated way, the manager can send in the order electronically by a dial-up link to the supplier’s computer. These improvements have made shopping much more suitable and easy for employees as well as for consumers. The checkout process is faster; checkout lines shorter; and the desired item are more likely to be in stock. (Jim 129).