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From: rjd@faron.UUCP (Robert DeBenedictis)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Re: UPC Scanners (and how to deal wi
Message-ID: <435@faron.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 16-Jan-86 14:47:30 EST
Article-I.D.: faron.435
Posted: Thu Jan 16 14:47:30 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 18-Jan-86 01:11:57 EST
References: <247@bocar.UUCP> <84800006@haddock.UUCP>
Reply-To: rjd@faron.UUCP (Robert DeBenedictis)
Organization: The MITRE Coporation, Bedford, MA
Lines: 17
Summary: 

I would like to add a few points to the discussion of UPC codes at
supermarkets.  

First, the probability of the scanner reading the code incorrectly (as
opposed to not being able to read it at all) is very low.  There is error
detection and or correction built in to their coding scheme.  Errors in
prices are almost always caused by "clerical" errors -- someone making a
ytpeo at a computer terminal somewhere.  These kinds of errors occur whether
you used a scanner at the checkout or not.

Second, you guys seem to have overlooked the a much more important reason
behind these scanners.  They give _precise_ inventory control.  For example,
a grocer knows exactly how many cases of Frosted Flakes he needs to replace
what he sold yesterday.  I would guess he might even have the ordering done
automatically.  Margins are very, very tiny in the grocery business and any
system which cuts costs gives a grocer an edge.  A grocer can tell exactly
which days are busiest, how effective a given ad compaign is, etc.