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Supermarket chain Somerfield is using a new bar code and price mark down label system from SATO UK.

Brussels - 1 July, 2004 - The new on-demand label printing system means that reduced goods can be checked out as quickly and easily as any other regularly priced items. All the necessary details - including the original and revised price - are contained in a bar code label.

The stand-alone system is based on one of SATO's new generation retail label printers, the HT200e. To make the system as user-friendly as possible, SATO worked closely with Somerfield, tailoring the HT200e's features to meet the exact needs of the supermarket's staff.

The product to be marked down is first scanned. The operator then keys in the old and new prices, using step-by-step prompts on the printer's display screen. The new product bar code label is then automatically produced at the touch of a button.

It's as simple to run off one or 100, so there's no wastage. Labels can be printed in a continuous run, or in 'dispense mode' where the next label is only dispensed when the previous one has been taken from the printer. The distinctive bar code label is then placed over the bar code on the sale item.

At the checkout, staff no longer have to scrape, peel or scratch off the price mark-down label to expose the original bar code underneath. The new system also saves them having to override the standard checkout procedure and manually key in new price information.

Having mark down prices that can be read automatically is also essential as self-checkout facilities, where customers check their own baskets through scanners on exit and pay automatically by cash or card, become more widespread.

The SATO system, one of four originally considered by the supermarket's buyers, has been in operation in the company's 600 Somerfield stores since December 2003 and is currently being rolled out to the 600 Kwik Save stores.

Somerfield's business systems project manager, David Thompson said: "This system enables all marked down goods to be scanned at the checkouts without delay, and this is especially important in stores using self-scan systems.

"It also allows tighter control of stock, which was not possible with the hand gun method previously used."

SATO makes and stocks plain labels for use through all its machines in a choice of materials and sizes. They can be quickly overprinted with logos, company names and similar constant information if required.