Webinar on “Bar Code in Retail and 5s in workplace”
(11-07-2021)

The webinar was about understanding what Bar code is and what are the 5s in retailing.

These two topics have a great impact on the B.Voc course especially in retail trade. In the webinar students got to know in detail about the said topics. Summary of the webinar is given below-

Bar code: A barcode or bar code is a method of representing data in a visual, machine-readable form. A barcode is a square or rectangular image consisting of a series of parallel black lines and white spaces of varying widths that can be read by a scanner. Barcodes are applied to products as a means of quick identification. They are used in retail stores as part of the purchase process, in warehouses to track inventory, and on invoices to assist in accounting, among many other uses. It is simply a product identification code. The concept of Bar code invented by Norman Joseph Woodland an American on 1952.

Barcodes provide better data. Since barcode can be used for inventory and pricing information, it is possible to quickly obtain data on both. They provide fast, reliable data for a wide variety of applications.

5s in Retailing (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain): 5S is a systematic form of visual management utilizing everything from floor tape to operations manuals. It is not just about cleanliness or organization; it is also about maximizing efficiency and profit. 5S is a framework that emphasizes the use of a specific mindset and tools to create efficiency and value. It involves observing, analyzing, collaborating, and searching for waste and also involves the practice of removing waste.

1. Sort: Sort through materials, keeping only the essential items needed to complete tasks. (This action involves going through all the contents of a workspace to determine which are needed and which can be removed. Everything that is not used to complete a work process should leave the work area.)

2. Set in Order: Ensure that all items are organized and each item has a designated place. Organize all the items left in the workplace in a logical way so they make tasks easier for workers to complete. This often involves placing items in ergonomic locations where people will not need to bend or make extra movements to reach them.

3. Shine: Proactive efforts to keep workplace areas clean and orderly to ensure purpose-driven work. This means cleaning and maintaining the newly organized workspace. It can involve routine tasks such as mopping, dusting, etc. or performing maintenance on machinery, tools, and other equipment.

4. Standardize: Create a set of standards for both organization and processes. In essence, this is where you take the first three S's and make rules for how and when these tasks will be performed. These standards can involve schedules, charts, lists, etc.

5. Sustain: Sustain new practices and conduct audits to maintain discipline. This means the previous four S's must be continued over time. This is achieved by developing a sense of self-discipline in employees who will participate in 5S.

After the presentation has been over , there was a interactive session where students ask different questions to the resource person and the resource person cleared all their queries.