What was the first retail technology that enabled automated inventory tracking through machine-readable product identification?

The history of retail has been shaped by technological innovations that revolutionized how merchants track inventory, process transactions, and serve customers. From mechanical cash registers to sophisticated digital systems, each advancement marked a significant shift in retail operations. Test your knowledge about a pivotal moment in retail technology history that forever changed how stores manage their merchandise.

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Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode system, introduced in 1974 with the first scan on a pack of Wrigley's gum
NCR's mechanical cash register with item classification buttons, introduced in 1906
IBM's magnetic stripe card reader for credit transactions, deployed in 1970
Hollerith punch card system adapted for retail inventory in 1952