What is do unscanned barcodes set off alarms?

It's a common misconception that unscannable or invalid barcodes automatically trigger alarms in most retail or inventory management systems. Here's why this isn't typically the case:

• No Direct Alarm Linkage: Barcode scanners themselves don't usually have direct connections to alarm systems like theft alarms. The scanner's primary function is to read the barcode and transmit the data to a computer or POS system.

• System-Level Handling: The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Error%20Handling">Error Handling</a> happens within the software interpreting the barcode data. If a barcode is unscannable (damaged, incorrect format, etc.), the software will typically:

  • Display an error message to the cashier/user.
  • Log the error.
  • Potentially prevent the transaction from proceeding until the issue is resolved (e.g., manual price entry).

• Loss Prevention Measures: While an unscanned barcode doesn't directly set off an alarm, it can indirectly contribute to triggering security protocols if a cashier attempts to bypass the system. A cashier manually entering a lower price, not scanning items, or other suspicious activity might be flagged by <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Loss%20Prevention">Loss Prevention</a> systems, potentially leading to investigation or intervention. These systems look for patterns of irregularity rather than reacting to a single unscanned item.

• Security Tags vs. Barcodes: It's crucial to differentiate barcodes from <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Electronic%20Article%20Surveillance">Electronic Article Surveillance</a> (EAS) tags. EAS tags are designed to trigger alarms if they pass through security gates at the store exit without being deactivated. These are different from barcodes, which are primarily for price lookup and inventory management.

• Intentional Circumvention: Staff members attempting <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Fraud%20Detection">Fraud Detection</a> can not scan a barcode on a valid item and pretend it is unscannable to steal items.