Reach requirements and job attitudes at laser-scanner checkout systems

Abstract

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.