Computerised scanners: Modern retail supermarkets and wholesalers are increasingly using electronic scanners at the checkout to speed up customer flow and improve inventory management. This type of electronic point of sale (EPOS) system depends upon each product having been labelled with a unique bar code which can be read by a laser. The two main coding systems are the Universal Product Code (UPC), originating in the USA, and the European Article Number (EAN). Both coding systems have found acceptance in a large number of countries and are compatible with one another. The UPC system uses 11 digits whilst EAN uses 13 digits. The first five digits of the EAN code identifies the manufacturer or producer, the next five digits give specific product information, followed by two digits that denote the country of origin with a final check digit. These digits are represented by a series of alternate black and white bars, of varying widths, which are read by the laser scanner.