Datalogic
Datalogic Retail Business Solutions
Around the world the types of retail stores are as diverse as the
consumers they serve. However, they share common characteristics.
Retailers have the need to accurately and reliably collect item
level transaction data and to continually improve the operational
efficiency of the checkout. This operational efficiency translates
into improving the speed of the checkout which improves the
consumers' shopping experience while reducing costs.
Despite these commonalities different retail checkout
environments have different requirements for collecting item level
data. Checkout environments will vary based on the type of store,
merchandise mixes, cultural or geographic differences, and consumer
preferences. However, we can make some general assumptions on
requirements by looking at three basic transaction environments:
- High performance and high volume checkout
- Small counter checkout
- In-store distributed position checkout
In general we find upon examination of each transaction
environment that:
High performance and high
volume checkout environments
High performance and high volume checkout environments are
characterized by large numbers of checkout “stands” across the front
of the store. These stores need the highest throughput and
productivity available. They typically have large numbers of
customers each day and each customer transaction contains a fairly
high number of lower value items. Customers typically use shopping
carts and unload these carts onto a belt or counter that brings the
items to the cashier. Typical store types that us this checkout
style are:
- Mass merchandisers
- Supermarkets
- Hypermarkets
- Warehouse clubs
- Some larger DIY retailers
- Some large specialty stores - known as “category killers”
This environment is almost exclusively characterized by cashiers
who slide the items across an in-counter bar code scanner (usually a
high performance bi-optic scanner). Almost all items are moved
across the scanner with some exceptions being bulky or heavy items
that may be scanned with an auxiliary handheld scanner connected to
the primary high performance scanner.
Small counter checkout
environments
Small counter checkout environments are characterized by a small
number (usually 1 to 3) of checkout “counters” at the front of the
store. These stores also require accuracy and performance; however,
performance in this context takes on the characteristic of reading
small, damaged or other hard-to-read bar code labels. First pass
read rates, the ability to read difficult labels on the first try,
is critical to maximizing productivity. Customers typically have
relatively few items in their transaction and these items are of
medium unit price and usually small in physical size.
Customers typically do not use shopping carts but simply place
their items on the counter near the point-of-sale terminal. Typical
stores types that us this checkout style are:
- Drug stores and pharmacies
- Convenience stores
- Small neighborhood food markets
- Some specialty stores
This environment is characterized by cashiers who pick up the
items and “present” the items to a bar code scanner. These
presentation scanners must be small to minimize the amount of
valuable counter space they occupy and they must be able to read the
bar code at any angle (Omni-directional scanning). In many
instances, these stores have some items that are heavy and/or bulky
and it is easier for the checker to pick up and take the scanner to
the item to be scanned. Therefore, the ideal scanner for this
environment needs to be able to be used in a hand held mode.
However, the ideal scanner for this environment is not a typical
hand held scanner since the great majority of the items in the
transaction set are easier to bring to the scanner and because of
the need for excellent first-pass-read rates.
In-Store distributed position
checkout environments
In-store distributed position checkout environments are
characterized by checkout “counters” that can be found anywhere in
the store. Customers typically have relatively few items in their
transaction and these items are of medium to high unit prices and
usually smaller in physical size. They can also be apparel or other
soft goods items.
Customers typically do not use shopping carts but simply place
their items on the counter beside the point-of-sale terminal.
Typical store types that us this checkout style are:
- Department stores
- General merchandise
- Some specialty stores
- Apparel (or other soft goods) stores
This environment is characterized by cashiers taking the scanner
to the item. For instance, they may fold a clothing item then bring
a handheld scanner to the item's hanging price tag. Another example
of this type of environment may be transactions comprised of items
that have larger physical sizes and high value, like an electronics
store. Depending on the checkout design a handheld scanner may be
the most efficient.
The retail transaction environments discussed above are certainly
not all inclusive and many stores may not follow any one definition.
The descriptions above merely serve to address some of the
characteristics of a given transaction environment that need to be
considered when maximizing operational efficiencies. They may, in
fact, be a combination of different environments and as such, may
require multiple types of bar code scanners in a single store.
Datalogic Recommended Products
Mass Merchandise
Grocery
Club Stores
C Stores
Drug Stores
Gen Merch
Special Retail
DIY Stores
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