Computer check-out is first for supermarket

Press, 14 March 1978, Page 14

Computer check-out is first for supermarket

The computer checkouts are a novel feature of the new supermarket. They are the first of their kind to be installed in Christchurch and are a very recent innovation in the food retail trade in New Zealand.

Although computerised check-outs are used widely in North American and European supermarkets, so far they have only been placed in single supermarkets in Taradale, Blenheim and now Christchurch.

A unique feature of the N.C.R. system, which costs $lOO,OOO, is the description of the item which is printed on the customer receipt. This allows the customer to check his or her docket quickly and easily to see that it is correct.

Prices must also be correct as these are altered in the memory of the controller by the store management whenever prices alter. This also applies to “specials” so that the customer is charged the special price and not the full price. The system consists of eight terminals located on the checkouts which are connected by a special cable to a mini-computer or controller. This controller contains the operating instructions for the terminals and also contains the codes, prices and descriptions of the merchandise in the store. When a purchase is made the operator enters

a code which is relayed along the cable to the controller. The price and description is “looked up” by the controller and sent back to the terminal at the checkout.

The price is displayed and printed on the customer receipt together with the description of the item. This all happens in 1.7 milli-seconds. At the same time, the sale of this item is recorded into the memory of the controller providing store management with information on sales, stock on hand and which lines need to be re-ordered.

The supermarket is provided with a vast range of valuable information in regard to what is selling, what is not selling, and which lines need to be restocked. Each checkout operator is now made responsible for her own cash as the system provides a balancing figure for each operator. There should be a lot less mistakes with the new system, said the retail systems consultant for N.C.R. (Mr G. Walsh).

The printer is the only mechanical part, so there should be fewer breakdowns.

If something does go wrong, the computer soon diagnoses that it is not 100 per cent fit and flashes the 999 figures on the display to inform the operator.

The computer may also warn if a “dud” cheque is being passed or if the customer has done so before.

A NW EXPERIENCE SOUTHMALL SUPERVALUE PHONE 68-A7D •06/03/78 SPE 1.25 SUGAR 3K GRO 1.02 EGGS 06 SPE .99 PUREX AS GRO .69 WEETBIX 030 2.59 HOGGET VEG 1.49 POTATOES CIG 6.40 ROTHMANS .32 ~DISCNT DEL .27 YOGHURT 031 .79 BEEF GRO .50 LEMONADE GRO .55 BUTTER GRQ .57 FLOUR 1.5 16.79 TOTAL 20.00 CASH 3.21 CHANGE 01 16 777 3 I 1.16 AM