Impact on retail checkout ergonomics of scanner technology evolution and package design

The design of bar code scanners has steadily improved scanning performances over the past 20 years. Changes in scan patterns, improvements in decode algorithms, and design features of the hardware user interface have resulted in scanners that are ergonomically superior both in biomechanics and overall performance. This study reviewed scanner performance and technological developments, and compare these to changes in checkstand use and the mix of merchandise packages scanned. The results indicate that the impact of future innovations in scanner design to improve throughput and the accuracy of data captured will be minimal. The greatest challenge to improve overall checkout performance is for merchandise suppliers to consider the ergonomics of scanning merchandise based on package design and placement of the bar code.