在一个风和日丽，阳光明媚的早晨，我把研究报告交上。然后就抱着轻松愉快的心情到百货公司去。我是一个对硬体工具感兴趣的人，所以很直然地，我就到了一间号称货廉价宜的硬体专卖店。
当我选好所要买的物品，准备到结账处的时候，我面对着一部机器，一部自动结账系统的机器。首先，机器要求我把物品划过条形码扫描器，然后选择付账方式，再付钱。通常结帐员所说的，所做的都由这部机器代劳。
付账完， 离开百货公司后，我心里有一种莫名的担心。以个人经验来说，自动结账系统是很可行的。它使用步骤简单，估计常人用了两三次后就会得心应手。一来,此系统可减少公司对员工的依赖，减少人为的疏忽；而且长期来看可减少公司开销。所以自动结账系统的普及是指日可待的。当此系统普及的时候，我们不难想象零售业的工作机会会降低。而且结账处也会缺少人性化。然而，系统会不会普及不是我们说了就算的。一般来说，这还得依序“吴竞天择”的原理来进行。
On a bright and sunny day, after finishing the major research report, I went out for shopping. Naturally, like most men, I tend to like shopping for hardwares. Therefore, I went to a store which claimed to sell hardwares cheaply.
After picking up the stuffs that interested me, I go to the checkout and prepare to be served. Guess what? I was faced with an automated check-out system. I was served by a machine.
The automated check-out system was made by NCR, which is a reknown brand for making transaction machines. I was asked by the machine to scan the barcode of the item that I bought (like the check-out staffs usually do), and then put them into a bag (like the check-out staffs always do), and then choose the payment method (exactly what the check-out staffs always ask). Everything that the check-out staffs usually ask or do are asked by the machine.
Although the experience of using this automated system is pleasant, I am a little worry about its implications. For my own experience, I think that the machine is easily operated. Most shopper can cope with it easily and get used to it after a few shopping experiences. If the retailers are keen on using this system, then there would be a reduction in job opportunity in the retailing sector. Some low income earners, including some university students might faced with the loss of job. Automated system is also lack of the kind of personal engagement that you want when you shop. It is inhuman.
In summary, although there are some fallback for implicating the automated system, I believe that the system would be implicated in the near future. As most things, the 'natural selection' always implies. Most product that help reducing operational cost usually wins.
Hello City Hoppers,
Have you even been traveling on all of the train lines (except V-line) in Melbourne?
Have you ever been traveling around Melbourne on the train for a whole day?
If you have answered 'no' to one of these questions, then please read forward.
Have you ever dreamt of having a train ride for a "Trip Around the Melbourne in 1 Day"?
If yes, then here is a deal just for you.
Sunday Saver Metcards can provide you an opportunity to fulfill your dream. It only costs $2.50. What's more, you can use it for the whole day in zone 1+2+3!
For people who has a dream and who are willing to achieve it, let's join the "Trip Around the Melbourne in 1 Day". The trip starts in the early morning on 14-Aug-05.
If interested, contact lcf. Be quick, book your place now before it is too late. (although, places are unlimited)
Regards,
Lcf's Travel.
[unregistered agent number: 007]
