The scanner is a device used to deduct items from the store inventory electronically. This is done with the use of a low energy level laser.
The scanner is a hand held model and is located at the end of the conveyor belt. It is positioned facing inward, away from the customer, in its holster next to the register keypad. The model you will be working with is beige and resembles a razor in shape, with a rectangular head angled slightly forward from its handle. The handle of the scanner is designed to fit comfortably in any hand or remain in the holster. The head of the scanner contains a smaller device that emits a red light. The red light, a Class 1 laser, reads a UPC (Universal Product code)/bar code and transmits the code to the store computer.
The UPC/bar code is found on the side or bottom of an item. It is a little square with black and white vertical lines. Below the lines is an 8 or 12 digit code. The bar code is a designated identification number assigned to a food or product. Bar codes are similar to Social Security numbers given to individuals in that each code is unique and assigned to one type of product or food.
Function of the Scanner
The laser reads a bar code and transmits the code to the store computer. The computer recognizes the unique item code and subtracts one of those items from the store inventory while sending the price of the item back to the register. A confirmation beep will signal that the code has been read and the price is entered into the register.
The use of scanners will speed the time at checkout and provide a more efficient way of keeping inventory.
Operation of the Scanner
The on/off switch is located on your side of the conveyor belt (as opposed to the customer side). At the beginning of your shift, flip the switch to the on position and then turn on the register.
For accurate scanning, position the scanner at a 65 degree angle. The scanner should be vertical in the holster and facing slightly downward.
Before you scan an item, look for the bar code. Swiping the product without pointing the bar code at the scanner will not work.
When scanning an item, the bar code should be lined up with the scanner beam. Swiping an item at an angle may result in a computer error in reading the code. Also, items should be held three to six inches away from scanner beam.
To scan:
Pull item from conveyor belt.
Look for UPC/bar code.
Aim bar code at scanner, swiping the item in an upward or downward motion.
Wait for the confirmation beep.
Push item aside to be bagged.
Repeat as necessary.
For larger items, remove the scanner from its holster and aim it at the bar code on the product.
Troubleshooting
What if the bar code is not recognized by the computer or scanner?
Make sure you line up the bar code with the scanner properly. Try holding the item a few more inches away from the scanner and align it with the beam.
If the scanner still does not respond to a bar code, manually enter the UPC number and price into the register.
What if the bar code is damaged or missing?
If you have a list of products, bar codes, and prices next to your register, search the list for the product in question. Scan the bar code directly from the list, if available, otherwise type the price into the register.
If you have no product list, consult your manager for assistance.
What if the item has no bar code?
There are some products with no bar code at all, like fresh produce. With produce, weigh the item(s) and type the cost based on the weight (e.g., if bananas are $0.36 a lb. and the customer has three pounds, the total for bananas would be $1.08). For other items, like newspapers or bakery items, consult the price tag or product list (see previous question) and input the price into the register.
If you have trouble tracking down a price for an item, consult your manager for further assistance.
