Supermarket automatised checkout.

These are obnoxious inventions

Today, I put my weekly shop through one. I knew this was asking for trouble.

Yes, I am aware what a bagging area is.

All went well till I loaded the area again, when an automated voice , disdainfully enquired, ‘Did I need more time, someone is coming to help you’.

Then when I was about to checkout, a note came up that the transaction could not proceed. So I held my hand up like a naughty boy. . Eventually someone came. He told me rather arrogantly that Ithe machine could not tell that I was over eighteen. The guy proceeded to press a load of buttons, to allow the transaction to proceed. Although he took three minutes, the computer did not ask him if he needed more time. Why not I thought, he clearly needed someone to help him.

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SinlessOnslaught · M

First things first, a computer at a market will not be programmed to express disdain.

It didn't ask the employee if he needed more time because his name is on file and his employer or other workers can find him if he's needed. A customer might be prompted to request more time because you are free to leave without notifying anyone. Hence, the machine is programmed to make sure you're still present—and didn't leave—by displaying a message.

The employee is likely undergoing a lot of new training and change of routines if this system is new. They helped you. They took time out of their day to fix something that you wouldn't or couldn't figure out on your own.

They say a person's morals can be reflected through how they treat staff at a facility. Take it to heart.

peterlee · M

@SinlessOnslaught You must have programmed the machine.

SinlessOnslaught · M

@peterlee I'm not sure what made you think that. I just know that computers don't get angry at people. Maybe I should apply for a PhD if that's not common knowledge.