The problem

   Retail customers are more and more demanding, and more and more impatient - especially at the checkout , where they are not afraid to vote with their feet if they are kept waiting too long or they feel the service is not up to scratch. Add to this that retail floor and counter space is at a premium. So, how does a busy retailer balance speed at the checkout with the ability to interact effectively with customers? Efficiency, speed and customer satisfaction at the point of sale is a key and quick and reliable barcode scanning can help achieve this. Advances in scanning technology have opened up many possibilities for retailers - both in store and in the back office or warehouse. The benefits of quick and efficient barcode scanning are clear:

• Fast and accurate processing at the checkout reduces queuing time and improves customer satisfaction.
• Automatic inventory management delivers rapid restocking of shelves, better expiration date management and accurate handling of special promotion stock.
• Automated, electronic capture of pricing information eliminates manual input errors.

The Challenge Faced By Many Retailers

   For many stores, and particularly those with high throughput, counter space is limited and cannot accommodate scanning devices that require a large footprint or scanning area.

Datalogic?s Solution

   The Diamond and Catcher compact omni-directional scanners from Datalogic offer affordable, durable and reliable solutions that can be integrated into any POS environment and implemented without extensive operator training. Whether you are looking for simplicity of operation or outstanding state of the art technology for maximum performance, these counter-top scanning devices have got it all:

• The highest ?first pass? decoding rate combined with outstanding reliability and ease of use enabling checkout operators to process customers quicker and reduce queues
• Small, compact and flexible to take up the minimum space on the counter - can fit practically anywhere
• Built-in protective sleeve and anti-skid features gives the unit shock and drop protection in case of accidents
• Ergonomic design and single-line option enable the units to be used for hand-held scanning of large or bulky items without needing to use a separate unit
• Multi-interfaces provide maximum flexibility of installation and compatibility with any POS checkout equipment, including IMB46XX
• Reduced power consumption with inactivity "sleep" mode and automatic code detection wake up
• Reduced cable requirement when powered through the POS system frees up even more counter space
• Optional EAS kit - enables simultaneous tag deactivation and scanning increasing throughput at the checkout
• Equipped with Datalogic code reconstruction system to read non-oriented labels and poorly printed or damaged codes preventing unwanted delays at the point of sale and manual input errors
• Audible and visible good read notification builds operator confidence and faster scanning, whilst ensuring all items are scanned correctly