Blog Assignment

A cash register is an example of an E-commerce information system. In a retail environment, the cash register provides value with its ability to be secure, verifiable, and flexible. The cash register has the employee numbers for the company in the system so that no unauthorized users have access to the register. Also, the cash register records the privileges of all of the workers. For example, the only workers who can open the cash register when there is no transaction taking place are the managers. This policy prevents both customers and dishonest cashiers from stealing any money. Also, the cash register records all of the transactions that take place, so that any suspicious activity can be exposed when managers view the records. When a customer makes a purchase, the register always requests a verification of the price of the items multiple times to prevent any mistakes. Also, the cashier is required to request identification and receipts for returns to ensure that the transaction is valid and honest. Third, a cash register is flexible with its multiple functionality. Not only does a cash register complete transactions, but a cash register contains other valuable information, such as the databases on the store’s inventory and prices for each item, the time records for the workers’ attendance, and sometimes internet access.

The cash register contains each stage of inputting, processing, outputting, and feedback that all information systems possess. When a cashier scans the bar code on each item to complete a transaction or logs into the system once they arrive, the information of transaction and attendance is inputted into the system.  Then, the register processes this information by adding up the total price of an entire transaction after each item is scanned while computing the change a customer needs, and adding the total number of hours of the employee after his/her time is recorded. In both examples, the information is outputted through the presentation of a customer’s total cost and also the appropriate paycheck for an employee based on his/her hours at work. Finally, feedback is provided in each situation. At times, a cashier may input a customer’s credit card, and the register will display a message box that the card was declined. The customer will need to choose to input a different method of payment and thus change the input until the register sends feedback of approval by allowing completion of that transaction. Also, the payroll system will provide feedback to indicate a wrong employee number or password, and thus the input will need to be changed for the desired output. The cash register is a valuable information system to retail companies because of its records of every transaction and conformation of accuracy, its security functions to prevent theft, and its versatile benefits.