How to Choose the Right Barcode Scanner

A Barcode scanner is one of the most important helping hands that serves many tasks at a time. Devices are used to manage incoming and outgoing products to the company efficiently. Due to advanced technology, it has become easy to configuring the barcode equipment. Now you can find the various types and options for the barcode scanner. So it becomes difficult to select one from them. There are some tips that can help you to find the ideal machine to manage your inventory.

 

Are different Options available for Barcode Scanners?

 You may come across the two-term barcode reader and scanner. Both the devices are the same and perform similar tasks. The difference lies in their read, decode, and how they feed the data into the base station.

 The following are the type of scanners those widely used in retail stores and other operations.

 1. Laser Scanners

 2. Image Scanners

 3. 2D Area Imagers

 4. CCD Barcode Scanners

 5. Pen Readers and Barcode Wands

 

1. Laser Scanners

This scanning tool is the most high-tech device in its category. The laser beam is focused on the barcode and the reflected backlight is decoded to read the value. For decoding, the few mirrors are arranged in a certain pattern.

These Laser scanners are widely used to read 1D barcodes. Its range of reading is from 6 inches to 2 feet.

2. Image Scanners

 A tiny camera is used in this scanner for capturing the image of the barcode. That image is scanned for further process. After decoding the barcode data is transferred to the base station. This type of scanner is using to scan the ID barcode.

 These barcode scanners are ideal for small businesses, warehouses, and other logistic services.

 

3. 2D Area Imagers

This 2D image scanner can scan any kind of barcode whether it's 1D, 2D, or stacked. These scanners are capable than any other scanner as this type of scanner can read the barcode from any orientation.

Some advanced 2D image scanners from Honeywell can read the non-labeled surface like on the screen of a smartphone or computer.

It provides orientation-free scanning so more efficient than any other barcode scanner.

 

4. CCD Barcode Scanners

Here CCD stands for Charge Couple Devices. This type of scanner is having miniature sensors at the front side of the reader. After scanning the barcode this device generates the waveforms based on bars and spaces. This information is sent to a decoder circuit to decode the data. After processing all the information the digital data is sent to the base computer.

 

5. Pen Readers and Barcode Wands

 At the top of the pen reader, a light source and the photo-sensitive photodiode is used. When the tip of the scanner is move over the barcode it read all the information based on spaces and bars widths. This coded data is sent to work station for further process.

 

Widely used formats of scanners:

Till now we have seen the different types of scanners. These all scanners are having their own merits and demerits. Based on your needs you can opt for the most ideal barcode equipment. Now it's time to select the scanners based on the formats. If you are using the device in a retail store and need use at POS then a stationary and plug-in scanner is best for you. And if you are working on a large floor filled with heavy load inventory then you preferably use the wireless version.

 Based on your scanning need there are five following forms can be seen:

1. Handheld

2. Presentation

3. Mobile Units

4. In-Counter Scanners

5. Fixed Mount

 

1. Handheld

Handheld scanners are most commonly used in different domains. This equipment comes in both corded & cordless formats. Even there are some companies that are offering a stand to hold the device and a person can work without holding it.

Just operator needs to take the scanner on the barcode and push the button provided to start scanning.

These scanners are affordable and easy to use.

 

2. Presentation

This scanner is designed to cover a wide area. A presentation scanner is fitted on the countertop to read all the barcodes passing near to it. It fast and easy-to-scan device that is commonly used at the checkout counters of retail stores.

Some famous companies like Metrologic are offering such equipment.

 

3. Mobile Units

Mobile units are used for scanning the whole lot at a time. In this scanner, you don't need to take all the items to the scanner range. Here scanner is connected to a Wi-Fi or a cellular network.

Your barcode-enabled devices are practical solutions, where an electrical socket is available like in the sales booth or outdoor country fair.

 

4. In-Counter Scanners

This is designed to use on the top of a checkout scanner for easy scanning. This scanner can be seen at checkout and self-service lines in grocery stores.

 Datalogic is offering the in-counter scanner that is widely used in the market.

 

5. Fixed Mount

Fixed-mount barcode scanners are integrated into larger systems. The automation systems are like on conveyors lines. These types of scanners are widely used in warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics.

 

Corded and Cordless Barcode Scanners

Based on the transfer of data, scanners can divide into these two categories. If the data is transferred to the base station by a cable. Then it is corded barcode scanners. Whereas the wireless, you can enjoy the freedom from wire can take to any location within the range.

 

Scanner Strength

It is a factor that mainly depends on your working environment. As these are highly complicated devices so keep in mind before buying your system.

One more thing you need to consider before buying the barcode scanner is that its repairing cost and replacements cost.

 

How Do Barcode Scanners Work?

The barcode scanner is equipped with decoder devices and communication devices. The scanner reads the bar and spaces printed on the label. Once the information is scanned, the digital signals are sent to the decoder. This decoder decodes the value mentioned on the label and sends it to the base station.

 

Investment in barcode scanner

As barcode scanners are high-end devices, these scanners require a lot of investment for setup. But as new technology is evolving every year. Giant companies are updating their devices, so startups or small companies take those systems. Some companies are offering the Rental barcodes scanner for your peak time. Even you can opt for the refurnished barcode equipment that is highly efficient.