Barcode Scanners

What's a Barcode Scanner?

Barcode scanners are electronic devices used for reading printed barcodes. The hardware comprises a light source, a lens, and a light sensor which translates optical impulses into electrical ones. There are an assortment of scanners on the current market, including pen-type readers, laser scanners, CDD readers, and camera-based readers.

How does a scanner work?

Scanners typically use laser beams to reflect light off a barcode. To read the barcode, the scanner measures the intensity of the reflected light. Scanners only read what's put in front of them and they don't correlate UPC codes with a particular inventory item. This association is made through your point of sale applications. Scanners do be able, but to rearrange barcodes, drop top amounts, or drop-check digit numbers.

What sorts of scanners are there?

There are an assortment of scanners on the market. The most elementary scanner is a wired handheld 1D scanner. These scanners read 1D barcodes (conventional barcodes with white and black lines) and typically must be placed directly in front of a barcode. If you have ever seen a clerk scan a product over and over for it to see, they were probably using an inexpensive scanner. Better models are satisfied to read broken or angeled barcodes. 2D scanners have the capability to read the increasingly common 2D barcodes like QR codes.

Many clients ask wireless scanners for their obvious advantage. Wireless scanners, however, tend to be considerably more expensive than their wired counterpart.

Presentation-style scanners aren't shaped like the standard gun-style scanner. Rather, these devices are created for the barcode to be shown before the scanner as opposed to the scanner being exhibited before the barcode. Presentation-style scanners are generally bi-optic, which essentially means that they can read barcodes better. Unsurprisingly, these versions are more expensive than the standard scanner.

Which scanner is for me?

The answer to this question primarily depends upon your business flow. High-volume institutions often find presentation-style scanners are the most efficient since clerks may use two hands to slip products before the scanner. Since these scanners can read barcodes from just about any angle, checkout rate is dramatically increased. However, if you're selling big, bulky products which can't be introduced to the scanner, then a more conventional gun-style device is exactly what you require. And if freedom is what you're looking for, then wireless is the choice.

Is there a significant difference in price?

Yes. Fundamental scanners cost less than $100 while innovative models can cost over $1,000. But if you are a high-volume big box retailer, a high quality scanner will easily pay for itself by reducing times and lines.