NCR 7824 Scanner/Scale: An Ergonomic Solution for the Retail Checkout Environment

Abstract

Barcode scanning has been instrumental in increasing user productivity and has expanded the capture of product information, and inventory control. The Human Factors Group in NCR has been a major contributor to the design of scanners. The 7824 Scanner/Scale was introduced in 1986. It was designed to provide an ergonomic solution to excessive lifting to weigh produce and meats during the transaction process. This product filled a growing market in customer service; that is to weigh produce and frozen meats within the transaction process rather than require customers to purchase prepackaged fresh foods. The success of the 7824 exceeded expectations because of the influence of ergonomics on market demand. Throughput performances for weighed items improved from 2.1 to 3.4 seconds per item, depending upon workstation configurations. Improvements in throughput are attributed to reductions in physical and psychological workload.