Notes

8)
(Any 2)
• A barcode is a series of light and dark bars of differing widths (1)
• With a code number printed underneath (1)
• Made up of country of origin code, manufacturer code, the product code, a check
digit. (Any 3) (1)
(If PRICE included NO mark.)
Advantages (1 mark)
• Faster to enter data / can read at any angle.
• More accurate as eliminates typing errors.
• Low printing costs.
• Frees staff to do other tasks/staff don’t have to manually price goods.
Disadvantages (1 mark)
• Can only be used for the input of numbers.
• Equipment is expensive.
• Corrupted barcodes can cause delays.
(b) Any four of:
• Code matched on stock database.
• One deducted from stock database / Item sold decreases record by 1.
• checked against reorder level.
• if below automatic level request sent to supplier.
• stock delivered.
• stock database updated.
(c) Must have at least two advantages and two disadvantages to gain full
marks
Advantages:
• Smaller storage / warehouses needed as not much stock held
• Store is better able to respond to changing demand
• Easier to cope with several small deliveries (less staff) than 1 big one.
• Do not run out of fast selling items
• Less risk of stock being out of date/waste
Disadvantages:
• Expensive to introduce/set up
• More admin staff as store responsible for own ordering
• True stock may differ because of theft, etc.
• Cannot respond to unusual demand
• Disruption to transport
• Communication failure if qualified (not just ‘internet down / internet failure’)
(d) At least one benefit for company and one for customers. If candidates do
not indicate to whom the benefit applies, then max mark = 1.
Company
• Always accessible (both) / Available 24/7 (customer).
• Low start up and running costs (company).
• Save money on rental space.
• Cheaper to update website than a catalogue / Easier to update.
• Global marketplace.
• Other income sources / advertising.
• Gain custom by suggesting other items.
Customer
• Available 24/7 (customer but not given twice).
• Easier to find information because of search engine.
• Greater choice.
• Saves on travel costs / shop from home.
• Can be used by disabled customers.
• Price comparisons.
• Read reviews.
• Automatically produce shopping lists / favourite items stored for fast re-ordering.
• Online discounts