Consider the following applications of ICT as used at a checkout in a large modern supermarket of the 90's.

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Applications & Effects

Consider the following applications of ICT as used at a checkout in a large modern supermarket of the 90's: 

  • Each item is swiped over a bar code reader. The bar code is printed on the packaging by the manufacturer.
  • The computer looks up the current price listed against the bar code in a database.
  • Discounts or loyalty credits are taken care of.
  • The prices for all items are added up to provide a total - usually shown on a digital display.
  • The customer's debit card is scanned and the money is automatically transferred from the customer's bank account to the supermarket's account. If real cash is used then the correct amount of change is calculated.
  • An itemised receipt is printed.
  • Each item is automatically reordered from the warehouse via cable and made ready for the next delivery.
  • At a later stage various charts can be easily produced to compare monthly sales, calculate profits, etc.
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This is how it was done in the 70's and is still done in small shops today, without the use of ICT: 

  • Every item is priced individually using a sticky label put there by a shop worker - when prices change these have to be updated manually.
  • The sales assistant looks at each label and adds up the prices to provide a total, either mentally or using pen and paper.
  • He/she then takes money from the customer and calculates the amount of change required.
  • If a receipt is required it is hand written.
  • Every month ...

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