Question

Using the principles of motion economy and ergonomcs, discuss how a supermarket checkout can be designed to improve the efficiency and the safety of the cashier

Answer 1

MOTION ECONOMY

Motion economy is a way to prevent unnecessary fatigue and tiredness by limiting movement of workers by using a set of rules and guidelines. There are gnerally four main areas of focus in motion economy and workplace ergonomics

1. Focus on human body
2. Work station
3. Design of tools and other equipments
4. Time saving

TIPS TO INCREASE SUPERMARKET CHECKOUT EFFICIENCY

• The person should start moving both hands together.
• Hand movements should free rather than controlled while performing task.as they are more reliable and accurate
• Avoid unnecessary here and there motion instead hands should move naturally in simple directions not in zig zag as zig zag will consume effort and energy.
• There should be rhythm so that most of the work goes smoothly rather thinking and and then doing repetitive tasks
• All the payment accepting devices such as PoS machine/Swipe Machine/ NFC/ Barcode/UPI Scanning etc should be at a place fixed and should not require effort to locate them. They should be in order so that the cashier does not have to shuffle and then find each time.
• Good workplace ergonomics should be strictly followed to avoid serious complications in the neck and back at later stages in life. Workplace ergonomics reduces tiredness and avoids cashier getting sleepy
• MMachines should be properly inspected so that smooth operations remain throughout the working hours . There should be an extra payment machine of each type so that in case of fault they can be replaced without interrupting the workflow.
• There should be a drinking water bottle for the cashier/ to avoid dehydration due to continuous working hours.
• Lunch breaks and other refreshment should be available to keep their energy level up while avoiding burn out.
• Mouth spray/freshener should be available to keep bad breath while attending customers at checkout.
• Cashier counter should be some distance away from the customers reach as we know there are lots of diseases that can infect people so such things also keep in mind.