Checkout Operations Research Articles

Playing with appearances: trap or benefit? A survey of front of house receptionists and check-out operators in a sports retail chain

Cet article s’empare d’un objet encore peu exploré dans la littérature sociologique, celui du poids des apparences sur le marché du travail. En s’intéressant aux hôtesses d’accueil et de caisse de la distribution sportive (Décathlon), il place la question des usages des apparences au cœur des relations qu’elles entretiennent avec leurs collègues, leurs supérieurs hiérarchiques et la clientèle. La conjugaison de plusieurs méthodes de recueil de données a permis de mettre au jour les aspirations spécifiques des hôtesses d’accueil et de caisse, liées à la mise en valeur de leur capital corporel. Ces représentations anticipatrices trouvent un écho favorable lors du processus de recrutement et de sélection, plus précisément dans les prescriptions informelles émanant de l’entreprise. Elles sont toutefois mises à mal lorsque les hôtesses découvrent les conditions concrètes d’exercice de leur activité. Trois stratégies défensives sont ici mises en évidence.

Behind smiles and pleasantness: working in the interactive service sector in Portugal

This article draws comparisons between two types of interactive serviceworkers: call centre agents and supermarket checkout operators. It focuses on both the similarities and distinctions between the two groups, by exploring the mechanisms employed by managers to standardise and scrutinise work routines and service interactions. Managerial forms of regulation and surveillance are dominant features, being even more prevalent as far as call centres are concerned. This finding challenges the assumption that face-to-face encounters require greater regulation and control of emotional expression than vocal interactions. The workers’ subjective perceptions of various dimensions of their jobs are also presented, as well as the repercussions in terms of emotional labour.

Characterisation of trunk muscle activation amplitude patterns during a simulated checkstand operation with continuously changing flexor and lateral moment demands

While the typical physical exposure to modern-day workers has changed from heavy to low level repetitive demands, there is limited research that examines light occupations. This study examined trunk muscle recruitment strategies in response to a simulated checkout operation. Surface electromyography and kinematic variables were recorded from 29 healthy subjects. Four principal patterns accounted for 95.3% of the variation. Significant differences in scores captured different strategies in response to reach conditions and external moment directions. Synergistic co-activation of ipsilateral back sites and differential activation among external oblique and erector spinae sites suggests that the central nervous system may control different regions of the trunk musculature to optimally account for asymmetrical demands. The strategy between the internal oblique and back extensor sites suggests that a specific co-activation strategy may be needed during lighter work. During low-load occupational tasks, several recruitment strategies were required to maintain spinal stability and account for changing external moments. Statement of Relevance: Different recruitment strategies found in response to changing external moments offer new insights into neuromuscular control for lighter work. Specifically, multiple trunk muscle sites interact in a complex manner, taking into account task specificity and individual variation that are valuable in workstation design, evaluating injury risk and estimating spinal loads.

The effect of different supermarket checkout workstations on trunk kinematics of checkout operators

This study analyzed the effect of a standard and a modified checkout workstation during a simulated task on trunk postures of a supermarket checkout operator. Eight participants performed a task involving grasping, scanning and depositing products, while 3D images of the trunk were collected. A number of kinematic changes were observed in trunk posture. A greater anterior flexion (3.0+/-1.2 masculine) and lateral bending during grasping (7.1+/-1.4 masculine) were found in the standard checkout workstation when compared to the modified model (p<0.05). Other variables did not show significant differences (p>0.05). The modified checkout workstation provided less lateral bending of the trunk to grasp products (8.1 masculine +/- 2.8; p<0.05), which was considered an advantage with respect to the standard model. Changes in the sagittal and transversal planes were not observed (p>0.05), irrespective of the checkout workstations (p>0.05). The modified checkout workstation successfully reduced risk of injury in some aspects, particularly the problems associated with lateral bending of the trunk. Other studies are required to test whether such potential benefits are obtained on a daily basis. Supermarket checkout operators may be at high risk of occupational injury due to different workstation demands. Modifications to checkout workstation design are an attractive possibility to reduce postural stress and fatigue in checkout operators. Longitudinal studies are required to test whether changes observed in the present study are sustained in the long term.

Making working in retailing interesting: A study of human resource management practices in Danish grocery retail chains

This paper discusses how five retail chains in the Danish grocery industry attempt to make low-wage, low-status store-level retail jobs as checkout operators and sales assistants interesting. It does so from the perspective of both retailers and employees. Following analysis of the social and institutional context of Danish grocery retailers, we identify three types of retail employees (transitional workers, core employees and career seekers), who have different motivations and aspirations for working in grocery retailing. The central challenge for retailers is to make store-level retail jobs interesting to the different employee types. Although retailers mainly focus their attention on career seekers, we find that working in retailing is interesting for all employee types because the retailers are currently able to meet their respective motivations and aspirations. Nevertheless, we identify several areas in which retailers can improve their practices.

A postura no trabalho dos operadores de checkout de supermercados: uma necessidade constante de análises

As condições de trabalho nas quais os operadores de checkout de supermercados realizam suas atividades têm sido uma preocupação dos especialistas nos últimos tempos. Essa pesquisa foi realizada em oito supermercados de duas cidades do Brasil com o objetivo de conhecer as condições em que os operadores realizam suas atividades, detectando os fatores de risco para propor medidas que eliminem ou minimizem o aparecimento de efeitos adversos nos trabalhadores. Foi aplicado um questionário e o método RULA a uma amostra de 80 trabalhadores. O estudo mostrou que o mobiliário não está adaptado às características antropométricas da população, a maioria das posturas analisadas é inadequada, não existem revezamento nem pausas que poderiam ajudar a minimizar a situação, existência de sobrecarga, mental e física, entre outras. Conclui-se que a atividade pode representar riscos à saúde dos operadores de caixa de supermercados.

Fatores associados ao trabalho de operadores de checkout: investigação das queixas musculoesqueléticas

Este artigo buscou verificar os fatores associados à dor musculoesquelética expressa por operadores de checkout. Participaram do estudo 48 trabalhadores que responderam ao questionário nórdico para identificação da presença de queixas musculoesqueléticas e a um questionário multidimensional com aspectos sociodemográficos de saúde e de condições de trabalho. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizada a correlação de Spearman para associações, Qui-Quadrado e teste exato de Fisher para testar a homogeneidade das queixas em relação às variáveis socioeconômicas de saúde e de condições do trabalho. Os resultados indicam condições de trabalho não conformes com a NR-17, as quais se relacionam com os sintomas musculoesqueléticos principalmente na região superior das costas. Além disso, os afastamentos por queixas relacionaram-se de forma mais forte aos joelhos e ao exercício de outro trabalho remunerado.

Integrating Ergonomics in the Design Process: A Practical Case Study

The authors were commissioned to work as part of a design team in the production of a new supermarket checkout. The primary goals at the onset of the project were to reduce build costs and enhance customer interaction without compromising health and safety. The ergonomics issues identified through the initial literature search highlighted two key checkout operator considerations: the need to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury and the importance of factors other than equipment design, such as task design and training, in minimizing risk and optimizing performance. This paper discusses how these two considerations were maintained and developed throughout the design process as the original project goals changed. Its purpose is not to discuss the ergonomics of checkout design: rather, it uses the checkout design case history to highlight where the ergonomics practitioner can successfully contribute to project success.

Occupational contact dermatitis to nickel: experience of the British dermatologists (EPIDERM) and occupational physicians (OPRA) surveillance schemes

Aims: To examine, from occupational surveillance reporting data, whether scheme reporters considered nickel exposure to play a role in occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) in the UK. Methods: Data on occupational...

The effect of load and posture on load estimations during a simulated lifting task in female workers

The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the effects of posture and load on relative load estimates (RLE) and absolute load estimates (ALE) of a one hand-lifting task within female checkout operators; (2) to quantify the magnitude of the over- and underestimations of the absolute load estimates in three different postures; and (3) to compare the RLE and ALE responses with respect to correct, under- and overestimations of the load. Eighteen experienced, healthy female checkout operators lifted standardized containers of three different weights (28.9, 33.4, 37.8 N) in three different postures (normal, maximum, extreme) for two trials. For each condition, the weight of the test container was estimated in relative and absolute terms. A binary logistic regression for the RLE and a balanced ANOVA with repeated measures was used to test the main effects and interactions for the ALE. An α=0.05 was used for all tests of the RLE and ALE. These results showed a statistically significant interaction for posture and load, indicating that different combinations of load and posture affected load estimation differently. It was observed that overestimation of the load occurred in the maximum and extreme postures while handling the heavier loads, whereas underestimation occurred in the normal posture lifting the lightest load. In general, individuals were better able to correctly identify the relative effect of the load than to estimate the weight of the load in absolute terms. Relevance to industry In many cases the establishment of load handling limits by physicians and rehabilitation specialists during rehabilitation and return to work programs are based upon the workers’ self-report of loads handled in the workplace. However, the literature indicates that load estimates and ratings of perceived effort are non-linear. The results of this study have shown the independent and interactive effects of loads and postures during a simple load-handling task.

Why Earnings Differentials are Different for Men and Women in Retailing

Why Earnings Differentials are Different for Men and Women in Retailing In 1993 female sales assistants and checkout operators gross weekly wages were just four-fifths of their male counterparts. This paper examines some of the theoretical considerations for the continuation of earnings differentials between men and women in retailing, 20 years since the enforcement of the Equal Pay Act. Drawing on the work of Robinson and Wallace in the 1970s and Broadbridge in the 1990s, the paper suggests that differentials between men and women S earnings in retailing remain, and that exp[anations for these differences are not dissimilar to those found by Robinson and Wallace in the 1970s. The paper suggests that economist and labour segmentation theories are partially useful as explanatory measures for the differential earnings between men and women in retailing. Howevel; they do not provide an exhaustive explanation. An historical perspective tracing women's involvement in the retail trade shows how trade union activity and skill levels were constructed against women, and provides a fuller understanding for the persistence of existing. pay diflerentials between men and women.

Female and Male Earnings Differentials in Retailing

Female sales assistants and checkout operators in the retail sector earned 79.7 per cent of the male sales assistants and checkout operators' gross weekly wage in 1992. This article examines some of the reasons put forward by Robinson and Wallace in the 1970s for pay differences between men and women in retailing. By using data from the New Earnings Survey this paper compares pay differentials in retailing in 1992 by kind of retail business and examines in particular pay differentials of sales assistants and checkout operators. The paper suggests that differentials between men and women's earnings in retailing remain and that explanations for these differences are not dissimilar to those found by Robinson and Wallace in the 1970s.

An analytic model of predictive control of trajectory measurement devices

We consider an analytic model of predictive control developed with adjustment for specifics of trajectory measurements. Predictive control with optimal checkout time distributions can raise the equipment utilization efficiency by 18%, while reducing the total number of main checkout operations by 25%.

Microprocessor Controlled C-Band Up-Link Transmitter

This paper describes a microprocessor controlled C-Band Up-link transmitter designed to carry out Ground Check-out operations on TT&C Transponders of INSAT-II spacecrafts. The microprocessor control circuit, designed using an INTEL 8085 Processor along with the other required peripheral de vices, facilitates selection of various functions of the transmitter from the front panel key-board in local mode or from a computer terminal through RS-232C interface in remote mode. The basic requirements of the system to cater to the command and ranging operations are explained.

Scanning in the supermarket: for better or worse? A case study in introducing electronic point of sale

Abstract EPOS systems are being hailed by supermarket executives as ‘a great technological breakthrough’ for companies, customers and store employees alike, but the article (based on a 12-month study of a supermarket branch undergoing an EPOS installation) suggests that while each may gain in certain respects, the benefits from scanning overwhelmingly accrue to the company, and that in some instances these may actually be to the disadvantage of other parties. Through a discussion of checkout operations, staffing, deskilling, and price changes, the article argues there are few gains for the customer and employee; while outcomes such as system breakdowns or inaccurate stocktakes are to everyone's disadvantage. As EPOS applications move on to EFTPOS and Teleshopping, the likelihood is that these factors, which often involve behavioural considerations, will again receive insufficient attention compared to the technology itself.

The prevalence of musculo-skeletal symptoms in supermarket workers

The Victorian Branch of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association became concerned in 1985 by the large number of cases of musculo-skeletal symptoms being reported by members working in food and grocery supermarkets. With the support of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Commission a survey was carried out which was aimed at determining the prevalence of such symptoms, and identifying associated factors. A questionnaire designed to establish the presence of musculo-skeletal symptoms was administered to all employees of seven supermarkets ranging in size from 15 to 171 employees, with a response rate of 73%. The staff of supermarkets were predominantly young, female and transient. One-third reported regular symptoms in some part of their body. Prevalence rates were calculated for body area and department. The checkout department had the highest rates for almost all body areas. The lower back, lower limbs and feet were the body areas with the highest rates. Postures and activities of a sample of job categories in each department were sampled at 10 s intervals for periods of 30 min for a total of 1000 observations for each department. A positive and significant correlation was found between proportion of time spent standing and symptoms in the lower limb and foot, especially in the checkout department where 90% of the time was spent standing in one place. It was concluded that there was an excess of symptoms appearing in checkout operators, and therefore, the operating methods of the checkout department warrant revision.

Pattern analysis for point-of-sale automation

The paper provides a progress report on a project aimed at automating the checkout operation at a supermarket, without corrupting package labels by adding barcodes. Significant parameters of the checkout operation such as throughout and error rates are first discussed. Next, the requirements for a pattern recognition methodology for identifying packaged merchandise are analysed and an approach is suggested. Finally, the results of an investigation of simple image processing methods for recognising labels are presented, and an approach based on grey level histogram data is shown to be promising.

Reach requirements and job attitudes at laser-scanner checkout systems

Several aspects of the work of laser-scanner checkout operators have been examined in a series of studies. Two areas of concern have been investigated in particular and are reported here. A study was made of comfortable reach profiles for scanning, comparing these with the actual reach required by the present scanner position. The present layout was found to be inadequate for smaller potential operators. The second study was of cashier satisfaction with job characteristics and work-context factors. Satisfaction with these was low for both laser-scanner and electronic cash-register operators, the former group being significantly less satisfied with work-context factors. The attitudes of laser-scanner operators may be attributed to some operational problems and to specific deficiencies in workplace design and work organization, rather than to inadequacies in laser scanning as a concept.

Jocassee pumped storage projectߞStartup testing and operating experience

The intent of this paper is to offer useful information to those who are designing or are about to begin operation of pumped storage installations for the first time. It describes Duke Power Company's design, checkout, and precomraercial operation techniques and experiences with Jocassee Pumped-Storage Station (Units 1 & 2 of an eventual 4 Unit Station). Particular emphasis is made on two methods of pump starts, Semi-synchronous and Reduced Voltage, including the control and monitoring equipment involved.

Titan IIIC Ground Checkout Data Transmission System

The increased blast area associated with the 120-inch solid rocket motors used on the Titan IIIC required locating the launch control center three and one half miles from the nearest launch complex. To transmit data over this distance, a data transmission system (DTS) with a transmission capability in excess of five miles was developed. The Titan IIIC DTS uses discrete, digital, and analog signals to monitor and control checkout and launch operations.