Which retail technology invention from the 1970s revolutionized inventory management and eventually became the foundation for modern customer loyalty programs?

Throughout history, technological innovations have transformed the retail landscape and consumer behavior. Some inventions have been so significant that they fundamentally altered retail demographics and shopping patterns. This trivia question focuses on a pivotal retail technology breakthrough that revolutionized customer loyalty tracking and inventory management - can you identify which invention truly changed the game?

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Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode scanning system
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) point-of-sale terminals
Magnetic stripe loyalty cards
Computerized inventory management software (CIMS)