Whether you are purchasing from a retail store, renting a car, attending a major event, flying, or even visiting the doctor, you have probably noticed that barcodes and barcode scanners are used all the time. Long gone are the days when decoder boxes and multiple cables went everywhere. Nowadays barcode readers have been utilized for almost everything, hence allowing businesses to track an amazing amount of information such as volumes and sales on incoming and outgoing inventory. In fact, barcode scanning systems help businesses to increase productivity and efficiency. While their operation of translating optical impulses into electrical ones is quite easy, there are now so many different options and varieties of scanners to choose from. That said, picking the right one can be a challenge without understanding the various types. This guide will help you choose the right barcode scanner to manage the inventory of your business.
Barcode Scanner Features to Consider
Choosing the right barcode scanner is important for the productivity of your business. Thanks to recent developments in computer operating systems, port connections, and wireless technology, you will find so many types of barcode scanners on the market today. Some are strictly built for specific work environments, such as extreme weather or tough work conditions. Others are designed for moderate work conditions and process data quicker than usual. But first, you need to identify your specific needs and take into consideration not only your work environment but also how often the barcode scanner will be used, what kind of barcodes you will be reading, how will be the scanner used, and whether or not you can stay connected to PC, among others.
Ideally, you will want a scanner that provides accurate inventory management and will help you increase productivity and efficiency. To find the best one for the practices of your business, it’s to know the features and functions of various barcode scanners. That said, when choosing a barcode scanner, consider the following:
Scanner Form - Handheld vs. Fixed
Once you identify your needs and how the scanner will be used, the next big question is what form it will be. Depending on your application, there are basically two types of barcode scanners, the handheld and the fixed. If you have a warehouse or retail store, then a handheld barcode reader is the way to go. Available in a cordless form, this type of scanner is lightweight and very easy to operate, moving it around wherever you need it. With a handheld scanner, you can basically scan items as you move from one place to another. These scanners are not only crucial for warehouse storage but also for the automotive industry, healthcare, or even manufacturing where fast-moving parts are used in production. Handheld readers can also prove to come in handy with tracking materials as they move through a process.
In comparison, fixed scanners are mounted on a pedestal and are always stationary. As such, these barcode readers are best suitable for offices and mailrooms where items being scanned remain stationary throughout the process of scanning. They can also be used at retail stores, for example, inside a cashier’s counter or halfway down an aisle.
Scanning Distance and Speed
In addition to whether a fixed or handheld scanner best fits your needs, you need to consider scanning distance and speed. When choosing a scanner, make sure it can handle distances that are typical in your work environment. If you plan to use the scanner in a retail store, choose a design that scans codes within an inch of its surface. For scanning more than an inch away, a model with a longer range would be best. Additionally, speed is a big consideration. It varies among handheld models and it’s best to look for the highest scans per second or SPS possible while also staying within your budget.
Barcode Scanner Types
Based on the unique features as well as the technology they use, barcode scanner types include laser scanners, CCD readers, pen-type readers or barcode wands, camera-based readers or image scanners, and more. Let’s take a closer look at the four main scanner engines:
Laser Scanners
Laser barcode scanners are the most well-known type and most high-tech tools for barcode reading. These scanners use the laser as a light that reflects through a series of mirrors and prisms to read the barcode. They can be handheld or fixed and don’t need to be close to the item barcode in order to read it effectively. Basically, one-dimensional laser scanners can easily read up to 24 inches away from the barcode.
CCD Readers
Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) barcode readers use a range of hundreds of miniature sensors at the front of the reader. Also known as LED scanners, these readers have a better read range and don’t involve contact with the barcode. They are used as a “gun” type interface and have to be held no more than one inch from the barcode. Typically, a CCD reader works by measuring emitted ambient light from the barcode.
Pen Wands
Pen-type barcode readers have a light source and a photo-diode, which are placed next to each other at the tip of a pen-like device, hence the name. These scanners contain no moving parts and are known for their durability and cost-efficiency. The pen needs to stay in direct contact with the barcode, usually held at a specific angle and moved across the barcode at a certain speed.
Camera-Based or Image Scanners
Image scanners or camera readers use a small video camera to capture the image of the barcode and then they use sophisticated digital image processing techniques to decode the barcode. These two-dimensional scanners can read a barcode from about 3 to 9 inches away and are usually cheaper than laser one-dimensional scanners.
