Supermarkets

=IT in Supermarkets =

Inventory
Inventory computer systems are designed to keep automatic track of all inventory that the supermarket has. These computers are used as part of the checkout process, and hold information on what supplies are on the shelves, what supplies are in the warehouse and what the company's required inventory numbers are. Advanced systems can predict shortages and automatically order new inventory when necessary. Even simple systems allow users to check sales for accuracy and monitor inventory themselves. **RFID** RFID stands for radio frequency identification, a type of bar code that emits a radio frequency. With the help of computer monitoring systems, supermarkets can use RFID systems to track products as they leave the shelves and when they are checked out. This allows supermarkets to analyse what products particular customers are buying (the same way online markets do) and keep better track of inventory as it moves throughout the store.

media type="youtube" key="4Zj7txoDxbE" height="315" width="420"

Temperatures
Supermarkets deal with food groups that need particular types of climate control. The vegetables need to be keep moist; the seafood, meat, and dairy products need to be refrigerated; and many supermarkets also have industrial freezers that they keep extra supplies in. Supermarkets use computers to monitor temperatures and conditions in these areas, making adjustments when necessary.

Potential
As computers become connected with more and more systems throughout the supermarket, computers will be able to connect the cards customers use for discounts with the inventory systems. As RFID systems become more common, supermarkets will be able to automatically complete transactions and connect customer information with the cards they use. This will make the process even more personalized and streamlined.

EPOS=Electronic Point of Sales
Each EPOS terminal is connected to a database of product information, which will allow the scanned goods to have their own unique barcode which will correspond with the database.

The computer at the till is linked to the supermarkets mainframe via a telephone lines or satellite dish.

Input components Output components Advantage Disadvantage
 * Barcode scanner
 * Touch screen monitor
 * Keyboard
 * Monitor
 * Receipt printer
 * LED price
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Food orders can be made when stocks run low; shelves are always readily stocked
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Efficient and easy customer service
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Receipt of bought goods can be given for future reference
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Accurate sales of products
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Product patterns can be analysed
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Expensive install and upkeep
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Must stay competitive with rivals

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">A barcode has a unique 13 digit number which includes name of product, its country of origin and manufacturers details.

Finlay