A scanner or other data reader is equipped with means for determining
characteristics of an operator's scanning technique. In a preferred
configuration, the scanner is integrated with a weigh scale for obtaining
a dynamic weight of an item as the item is moved across the weigh scale.
Weight data produced by the scanning/weighing process includes
information about the amount of lifting the operator performs on scanned
items, the rate of scanning by the operator, and rescanning information.
The scanner may be connected to a PC-based training system which uses the
scanning technique information to provide feedback to the operator
indicating the effectiveness of the operator's scanning technique, and
may also provide information to management for analysis. The technique
information may be collected by a store controller or other suitable
collection device for later analysis and reporting.