Mar. 07, 2024
Consumer Electronics
A barcode reader or barcode scanner is an electronic input device which is able to scan and decode barcodes. These devices use optical technology such as infrared light. Some readers use an integrated decoder, others have one unit for reading the barcode, and another one to decode the barcode. A barcode reader also called a price scanner or point-of-sale ( POS ) scanner, is a hand-held or stationary input device used to capture and read the information contained in a bar code. A barcode reader consists of a scanner, a decoder (either built-in or external), and a cable used to connect the reader with a computer. Because a barcode reader merely captures and translates the barcode into numbers and/or letters, the data must be sent to a computer so that a software application can make sense of the data. Barcode scanners can be connected to a computer through a serial port, keyboard port, or an interface device called a wedge. A barcode reader works by directing a beam of light across the bar code and measuring the amount of light that is reflected back. The dark bars on a barcode reflect less light than the white spaces between them. The barcode scanner then converts the reflected light energy into electrical energy, which is converted into data by the decoder and forwarded to a computer.
There are five basic barcode readers -- pen wands, slot scanners, Charge-Couple Device ( CCD ) scanners, image scanners, and laser scanners. A pen wand is the simplest barcode reader. It contains no moving parts and is known for its durability and low cost. A pen wand can present a challenge to the user, however, because it has to remain in direct contact with the bar code, must be held at a certain angle, and has to be moved over the bar code at a certain speed. A slot scanner remains stationary and the item with the bar code on it is pulled by hand through the slot. Slot scanners are typically used to scan bar codes on identification cards. A CCD scanner has a better read range than the pen wand and is often used in retail sales. Typically, a CCD scanner has a "gun" type interface and has to be held no more than one inch from the bar code. Each time the bar code is scanned, several readings are taken to reduce the possibility of errors. A disadvantage of the CCD scanner is that it cannot read a bar code that is wider than its input face. An image scanner, also called a camera reader, uses a small video camera to capture an image of the bar code and then uses sophisticated digital image processing techniques to decode the bar code. It can read a bar code from about 3 to 9 inches away and generally costs less than a laser scanner. A laser scanner, either hand-held or stationary, does not have to be close to the bar code in order to do its job. It uses a system of mirrors and lenses to allow the scanner to read the bar code regardless of orientation, and can easily read a bar code up to 24 inches away. To reduce errors, laser scanning may perform up to 500 scans per second. Specialized long-range laser scanners are capable of reading a bar code up to 30 feet away.
Looking to purchase a barcode scanner? There are many different options on the market today, and choosing the right one is important for the productivity of your business. Where can you use barcode scanners? To name a few settings, industrial areas, retail stores, healthcare facilities, and warehousing.
Some scanners are built for specific work environments, such as extreme weather or tough conditions. Others are designed for moderate conditions and and process data quicker. This is why it is important to know the features and functions of various barcode scanners. You need to pick what’s best for the practices of your business.
When purchasing a barcode scanner you want to ensure that it has the right wireless connections. This usually depends on how you to collect and input data into your inventory system. Does your firm collect data in real-time and use a cloud-based inventory system? If it does, then you will need a wireless connection to the internet. Your two options for this are through WiFi or through a Mobile Broadband connection.
Do your employees conduct all their scans within a central location? If so, scanners that transmit data through WiFi may be the right choice for you. For example, a WiFi connection is beneficial with scanning within a warehouse. If your employees are in the field or on the road, having a Mobile Broadband connection is more beneficial. With this, your employees in the field can transmit data wherever they go.
Real-time barcode scanning is beneficial because it keeps your inventory data up-to-date at all times. Also, it is visible to anyone who has access to your inventory system. This makes your inventory management system both collaborative and transparent.
What if your company isn’t transmitting data in real-time with a cloud-based system? In this case, you do not need a scanner with a wireless connection to WiFi or Mobile Broadband. Another connection option is with Bluetooth. Bluetooth barcode scanning is a wireless connection useful for both real-time and batch processing. We will this type of scanning in more detail further on in this series.
Are you collecting data with wired scanners? Or perhaps you use a locally installed inventory system? If so, wired connections are extremely important. You will need to ensure the scanners you choose are compatible with the computers that use your system. Scanners using wireless data transmission will also have wired data connections, so check for these before making your purchase.
Not all barcode scanners have a display or touch screen. When deciding on a scanner it is important to determine if you need a screen and consider the complexity of what it can display. Screens can be helpful for your employees to receive transaction feedback. This notifies your employees whether or not there were any errors with the items they scan.
With a screen, scanners can have much more depth to their capabilities. For example, a Mobile Computer barcode scanner can push and pull info to and from your inventory system. Some of these can even act as a both a cell phone and a barcode scanner.
Depending on your employees’ tasks, having a simple barcode scanner may be enough. A simple barcode scanner can be beneficial by only having one function that it performs very well. As a result, it requires very little training to use, reducing the risk of input errors. If your barcode scanner does not have a screen, your employees will not know when they have made a mistake. You can fix these errors later, but they will decrease the overall accuracy of your data.
Portability is a huge factor when selecting a barcode scanner. For this, consider the type of environment the scanner will work in. Let’s say the scanner is going to be traveling and going out into the field. What are some important qualities? You may want a scanner that is durable, water resistant, can be used in extreme temperatures, and is portable. If the scanner is being used in retail, it may not need to be portable and or endure extreme conditions. Barcode scanners are built for various working conditions, and it is important to consider what kind is yours when picking a scanner.
Are you scanning 1D or 2D barcodes? 1D barcode scanners are linear and represent data with parallel black bars and numbers. The most common type is the Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode, which is found on most product packaging.
On the other hand, 2D barcodes have vertical and horizontal data. A common example is a QR code, which has become popular in marketing and social media. The main difference between these two barcodes is the amount of data they can contain. A 1D barcode can only contain 20-25 characters, while a 2D barcode can contain up to 2,000 characters.
A barcode scanner with GPS capabilities is useful if you have items moving to various storage locations. As you scan, the GPS will pinpoint the item location and record the closest storage location to that item. For example, as you scan industrial equipment into a warehouse, the scanner will detect the location and enter that into your inventory system. This ensures that you know exactly where your items are. GPS location scanning is a great option for expensive or shared equipment.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to look for when buying a scanner. Consider these six factors and how they apply to your firm. This is the first blog post in our Barcode Scanner Buying Guide series. Check out the other posts in this blog series:
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