If there’s something that a retail store and a warehouse can’t be imagined without, that’s undoubtedly a suitable barcode scanner. These little devices are widely used to capture and read the information contained in a barcode to help you manage inventories of products and ease the purchasing and accounting process.
However, with the plethora of different barcode scanners on the market, it can be an overwhelming task to choose a suitable one. This is why we put together a couple of tips to help you make the right choice for your business.
Get the Right Type
The right type of barcode scanner will undoubtedly help you operate easier and better. But in order to choose the right type, it’s essential to get to know them first.
In fact, all the types of barcode scanners perform the same basic functions, with the only difference being how they read, decode and enter data into their systems. Therefore, we can split barcode scanners into the following five categories:
Laser Barcode Scanners
Laser barcode scanners are considered the most high-tech solution for reading barcodes. In fact, the laser in these scanners serves as a light that reflects through a series of mirrors or prisms that read the barcode.
Such lasers consist of multiple internal glass or plastic parts that move along while you’re scanning. This means that they can only read 1D barcodes and they’re more vulnerable to getting damaged than some other types.
Image Barcode Scanners
These scanners are also intended to read 1D barcodes, with the only difference being that they use a tiny digital camera to capture the image of the barcode instead of lasers. Once it captures an image, it gets read and scanned by an attached computer system for inventory purposes.
And since image barcode scanners use a less complicated technology than laser ones, they’re less prone to breakage. But on account of that, they aren’t able to read barcodes at bigger distances.
2D Barcode Scanners
2D barcode scanners use the same technology as the basic image ones, except for the fact that 2D scanners support 2D images. In other words, it’s way easier to scan any barcode with a 2D scanner, since they can cross it in any position- horizontal, vertical, right side up or upside down.
Some of these scanners can even read barcodes from non-label surfaces such as computer or smartphone screens. Hence, they can be perfect for any business that wants to speed up the scanning process, expand the range of barcoding options and save money on printed labels.
CCD Barcode Scanners
CCD (Charge Couple Devices) barcode scanners consist of a row of miniature sensors at the front of the reader. It works the way it generates waveforms that correspond to specific bars and spaces, and then the information is decoded inside this scanner’s software and sent to the computer system. In fact, these scanners measure the ambient light that gets emitted from the barcode, unlike laser scanners that measure the frequencies of reflected light.
Pen/ Wand Barcode Scanners
Pen, or commonly referred to as wand barcode scanners look exactly like a pen and have tips that are equipped with both, a light source and a photodiode. Once you drag the tip across the barcode, it generates a waveform that correlates to the width of particular bars and spaces and sends the information into the computer system after it gets decoded.
Choose a Suitable Format
Barcode scanners come in a bunch of different formats. And while some of them may be more suitable for small retail stores, others are mostly intended for large warehouses full of heavy inventory. For this purpose, barcode scanners can be generally found in the following five forms:
Hand Held Barcode Scanners
A handheld barcode reader makes for the most convenient format for every type of business- from grocery and local stores to warehouses, field services and healthcare facilities.
And not only are they very compact, but they’re also very simple to use. The only thing you need to do is to hold the scanner around the gripping handle, point it at the barcode and press the scanning button. Some of these scanners also come with specially designed stands that offer even better convenience and hands-free use.
Wireless Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanners were once connected to the computer systems' inventory databases by using endless tangles of wires and cords. But these scanners stayed in history, and nowadays many businesses tend to use wireless handheld barcode scanner models. Not only are they way more convenient, but they also offer bigger batch memories and cover larger distances than corded ones.
In fact, a cordless handheld scanner will transfer the data from a remote reader to a base station that is connected to your computer system, whether the system features wireless support or not. The fact that they come in a hand-held format comes as a bonus when it comes to their convenience.
So, don’t hesitate to get a wireless handheld barcode scanner, whether you’re running a small retail local store or you need a convenient reader for your large warehouse. Not only are these scanners very compact, but you can also use them at any location without being tied to the front desk or any counter.
Presentation Barcode Scanners
Even though presentation scanners are stationary, they’re specifically designed to cover wide areas. These scanners are placed on a countertop to read the barcode from each product you pass through.
A presentation barcode scanner makes for a very convenient option since you don’t need to aim the product like you should with a hand held barcode scanner. But on account of this, they aren’t suitable for warehouses and stores stocking large and heavy products since they need to be lifted and placed on the countertop in order the scanner to read them.
In-Counter Barcode Scanners
Same as presentation scanners, in-counter ones are stationary and work by swiping the product across them. The only difference between these two formats is that in-counter ones are designed to be embedded into checkout counter tops, and mostly intended for self-service stores.
Fixed-Mount Barcode Scanners
Fixed-mount readers are specifically designed for warehousing, manufacturing and logistics. In other words, these scanners can be very easily integrated into large systems of automation since they can read barcodes quickly without pushing any buttons or other manual triggers that require human intervention.
Consider Your Environment Conditions
The type and the format aren’t the only important things when choosing a barcode scanner. In fact, it’s always recommended to consider the work environment and conditions since not all the scanners are equally made.
Flooring
Talking about the work environment, your warehouse probably isn’t covered in soft, plush carpets, but it most likely features sturdy flooring. Therefore, dropping a scanner that is intended for a general purpose on such surfaces will easily damage or completely break the device. This is why the market also offers rugged scanners, so they can withstand any harsh landings on hard surfaces such as concrete or tiles.
Air Quality and Moisture
Except for sturdy floors, warehouses are also spaces where dust and other small particles are likely to occur. So, if you’re looking for a scanner for a dusty environment, make sure it features an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of at least 68. Such rating won’t only maximize the chances of your scanner surviving through hard dust and particles, but it’ll also protect it if accidentally comes in touch with moisture.
Lighting
The lighting source in your work environment is also a big factor in your barcode scanner’s performance. For instance, a basic barcode will work perfectly fine for environments that feature low to normal lighting. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a scanner to perform well in the sunlight or another bright light source, make sure you get one that features higher brightness levels.
Now that you know what factors to consider, you’re ready to hit the nearby POS store or get a suitable barcode scanner for your business online.
