Update on bar code scanning

Imler, Ott and Blount P.C., Atlanta, Ga., reports.

"Older models diftr't work, but the new, faster models cut down on mis- the plastic cards hotels issue in place ofroom keys.

Procter is developing a progam in which employees will use bar code takes and give a store the competitive edge to get customers out tie door fast " he notes.

If a store has a point of sale computer, a scanner can be added for less than $1,000, according to Gebel. Although a store can purchase 7080Vo of its merchandise barcoded, nany locations want to be able to generate and print their own barcodes. This requires a personal computer and a printer. A high volume printer costs about $2,200, although good quality printers are available for around $1,500, he added.

Innovative stores are using barcodes in ways that make them more tlan a point of sale purchase tool. Liz Procter, who with her husband, Dan, owns Procter Ace Hardware, a four store chain based in Jacksonville Beach, Fl., lists several ways they are using or planning to use scanning.

Procter store managers authorize credit" price overrides and voids with plastic cards imprinted with bar codes. Wom around the neck on a chain, the devices work similarlv to cards to check in and out of work. Using a personal computer and a printer, the store creates and prints the bar codes in house. Despite stories abut poor bar codes, Liz Procter says they have had no problems and that if a code is missing, an employee can easily key in the stock number. '"The entire system works great" she adds.

Stores that have dismissed scanners should probably be aking another look at the technology.

Story at a Glance

How use, more accurate ... many retailers are crsating customized bar codes and extending their use to security and time card functions.