The use of Computers at Somerfields Supermarket in Cheadle

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The use of Computers at Somerfields Supermarket in Cheadle

 

Each store in the Somerfields chain uses a computer to keep track of transactions (purchases) throughout the day.  The system uses real time processing so that at any time the manager of the store can check exactly how much stock there is in the shop.  For example, when someone purchases something the item is passed over a bar code scanner, which records the item’s code number.  This item is then immediately deducted from the stock held in a database.  If real time processing was not used then the manager would not know how much stock he had in until the end of the day.

 

Of course not all stock is sold.  Sometimes items are damaged, or wasted (eg. they go past their sell date).  In these cases the stock still needs to be deducted from the database but needs to be classified as waste so that a purchase is not recorded.  Staff use a portable electronic “wand” to scan the bar codes of these items.  The wand uses radio waves to send its data to the main computer.  They also use these wands to do manual stock takes (this is used to verify that the stock held in the computer database is correct).

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Every night the store’s main computer connects to the Somerfield main frame computer.  The main frame is a very powerful computer which connects to every computer in each of the Somerfield supermarkets.  This computer will check the stock in each store and then automatically order new stock if it is needed.  It will also change prices of stock, update the store on special offers and what to do to promote the offers etc. 

 

Somerfield also use an Intranet to keep its staff informed about promotions, special deals, changes to policy etc.

 

The supermarket chain ...

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