How to choose barcode scanners

You may need to choose a bar code scanner without the research of a large company at your fingertips.This article will give you the basics about a barcode and the best scanner to choose for your purposes.You have many options to choose from and each option has some type of advantage.

A barcode is a number code that has been translated into a series of lines.The lines are different widths to represent each number.Companies use these codes to identify different items in their company.Once you have labeled items using a barcode, you will need a scanner to read the barcodes.

First of all barcode scanners are light emitting devices used to read barcodes.The scanner is usually connected to a computer and the data collected is stored for processing and/or to keep a history of the process.These barcodes and barcode scanners are used in many different industries.Retail is probably where you have seen them the most.

The barcode scanners have been on the market for several years.Scanners can cost from as low as $50.00 and some of the high end models sell for several thousand dollars.So which scanner do you choose to meet your needs?

You have two basic classes of barcode scanners, image-based and laser-based.Image-based barcode scanners use a camera embedded in a barcode scanner. The camera will capture the image of the barcode and then process using complex image techniques to decode the barcodes. Laser-based barcode scanners use mirrors and lenses to read the barcodes.

Laser barcode scanners are usually more expensive than image-based scanners because of the equipment.Each type of barcode scanner has own pros and cons. An image-based barcode scanner do not have internal movable parts therefore are more resistant to drops or knocks than laser barcode scanners. Also, image-based barcode scanners have a shorter scanning distance (4 to 10 inches) compared to laser barcode scanners.

On the other hand, laser scanners are more prone to wear and tear due to their lenses. They not only have a longer scanning distance but also are able to scan from a wider angle from the barcode.Hence if you are running a register, you may only need a couple inches to scan each item.However, a warehouse may find it useful to use a laser barcode scanner because they need to read barcodes from a larger distance.

Therefore, you must decide the parameters you need to cover when using a barcode scanner.Will the scanner be abused during its use or can it be protected like the retail scanner on a shelf?Will your scanner need to be mobile?What is your budget for your scanner?

Once you have determined the environment that your barcode scanner will be used in and other specifications you may want to start doing some price comparisons.Since a barcode scanner is based on technology, the prices will continue to come down with time.Also, the performance of the scanners should continue to improve.

You will find that there are way too many scanners on the market for this article to discuss the pros and cons of each.Do your research to determine what you want. You may then want to contact the manufacturer of each barcode scanner to get the specifics from them.

In summary, you have to basic barcode scanners, image-based and laser-based.They each have pros and cons.Determine what the parameters of the scanners you will need and then find the barcode scanner that best fits those needs.Barcodes can be a great labor saving device if used correctly.