The first use of a barcode and scanner occurred in a small grocery store in the tiny Ohio town of Troy. Despite the success of this trial run, bar codes weren’t widely adopted until the 1980s.
Today, they’re used to collate and categorize everything from blood samples to biscuits. No matter the size of your business, there’s a good chance you’ve got some use for a barcode scanner to help streamline sales and marketing.
Here’s how to choose the best barcode scanner for your business.
Available Scanning Technology
It helps to know what’s available before you embark on your quest to find the ideal barcode scanner. These are the types of scanners available nowadays:
Laser Scanners
These scanners use light reflected through a series of mirrors and prisms to read barcodes. They have many internal glass and plastic parts that move as the scanner works.
This makes laser scanners more fragile than the other types.
Image Scanners
A tiny digital camera does the work in this type of scanner. It captures an image of the barcode and sends it to a computer system that reads and scans the image.
These uncomplicated systems are more durable than laser scanners for reading 1D barcodes.
2D Area Imagers
Like regular image scanners, 2D imagers can read barcodes from any direction and scan all barcode types, i.e., 1S, 2D, and stacked.
The above two scanners can only read barcodes presented horizontally across the scanning eyes.
In this regard, 2D imagers are an easier and quicker solution for most businesses.
CCD Barcode Scanners
Charge-Coupled Devices barcode scanners have a row of tiny sensors in front of the reader. They use the ambient light emitted from the barcode to generate waveforms that match the bars and spaces on the code.
The scanner decodes this information and sends it to a computer system.
Barcode Wands and Pen Readers
The tip of these scanners has a light source and a photodiode. When you drag the tip across a barcode, it generates a waveform matching the width of the bars and spaces.
Once decoded, the wand or pen reader transmits the information to a computer.
Barcode Scanner Formats
Apart from various technologies, barcode scanners are available in several configurations to suit different settings. These are:
Fixed Scanners
These types of scanners are also called “tethered scanners.” They are best suited for retail outlets at the point of sale.
They’re attached to a terminal and transmit data each time the operator scans a bar code.
Portable Batch Scanners
Portable batch battery-operated scanners store data inside the unit and transfer it to a host computer later. They offer much greater flexibility than fixed scanners and come in wearable, truck-mounted, and hand-held styles.
These scanners have keypads and LCD scanners. Thanks to this, users can perform extra tasks on these devices.
Wireless Scanners
Like batch scanners, these barcode scanners store data in the device, but they also transmit this information to a back-end computer system immediately.
These scanners encourage the highest level of worker productivity and provide instant access to your data. This type works well as a warehouse scanner to provide accurate information for managing your inventory and performing asset tracking.
If you have the appropriate software, you can also use your phone to read barcodes by downloading one of the barcode scanning apps available online.
Other Considerations for Finding the Best Barcode Scanner
Thanks to advancing technology, you’re bound to find a scanner technology and format that suit your inventory management needs. You should also consider some of the more practical aspects of your business when choosing a scanner.
These include:
Types of Barcodes
First, consider the types of barcodes you’ll scan in your daily operations. Any type of barcode scanning works with 2D imaging, while linear barcode scan engines only work with 1D barcodes.
Scanning Distance
Do you need to scan items from a distance? In this case, you must choose a unit with extended-range capability or advanced long-range capability.
These scanners can read the information on laser-scanned and 2D barcodes from up to 50 feet away.
Laser scanners can read linear 1D barcodes from up to two feet away. Image scanners work best at distances of just a few inches.
Floor Surface
It might seem odd that your factory or shop floor should impact your choice of a scanner, but you’ll soon find out why if anyone should accidentally drop one of your scanners.
Most barcode scanners are sensitive machines that don’t stand up well to impacts. So, if you have a concrete floor, be sure to choose the most durable one you can find.
Air Quality
Dust and small particles can affect your barcode scanner’s performance. If you’ll be using your scanner in a dusty environment, make sure you choose one with an Ingress Protection rating of at least 68.
Lighting and Keypad Size
Consider where you’ll be inputting information into your scanner. Make sure the brightness on your barcode scanner suits the light levels in this area.
It’s best to ask your vendor to perform a demonstration at your premises to ensure the scanner works perfectly in your lighting conditions.
If you expect your employees to enter information into the scanner, you must choose a scanner that’s ergonomic for these users. For instance, if they wear gloves most of the time, you should choose a unit with larger keys.
Scanning Your Way to Success
Finding the best barcode scanner helps you keep track of your inventory effectively, but it can also play other important roles. Inventory and sales are directly related, so it makes sense that barcode information can also help you with marketing.
By perusing your computer records for orders, you can better anticipate which items to stock up on at certain times of the year, and which ones need a little extra marketing during quiet periods.
Armed with this information thanks to your trusty barcode scanner, it’s easier to grow your business and thrive in today’s competitive environment. Browse our blog if you’d like some more information on the latest technology to help you thrive.
