Update on bar code scanning

printers are available for around $1,500, he added.

Reel Lumber Service is adding scanner guns at its retail stores in

Most stores have few problems using the newer scanners. If a code is missing, an employee easily keys in the stock number. "The system

Anaheim and Riverside, Ca. General manager Shirley Reel anticipates increased accuracy and speed at point of sale. "Sin@ lots of the items we sell are small, it will be mrrch faster," she said.

Reel will have bar codes on all inventory including plywood. They are purchasing a printer to produce bar code labels in house when necessary works great " is a common comment. Stores that have dismissed scanners as new fangled gadgets that don't work should probably be taking another look at the technology.

Innovative stores are using barcodes for more than scanning prices, Anderson said. Credits, price overrides and voids can be authorized with a plastic card imprinted with bar codes. The device works similarly to the plastic cards hotels issue in place ofroom keys.

He also described a prcgram that will enable employees to use bar code crds to check in and out of work.

Story at a Glance

How point of sale scanning has improved ... hand-held laser gun is easier to use, less expensive, more accu]ate ... many retalters are creatlng customized bar codes and extending thelr use to securaty and tlme card functions.