Barcode Scanner - Which one do you need?

Posted by Terrenncce Jacklis on March 21st, 2016

Using barcode scanners is much more easier now that it was before. Times have changed and one no longer needs to deal with decoder boxes and numerous cables going around everywhere. All one needs to do is plug the cable into the PC and scanner and you’re barcode scanner is ready to use.

As the operation of scanners has become easier, now there are more varieties and options of scanners that one can choose from. Unless you know the various options available, choose the right scanner can be difficult.

Answer the below questions and identify the right scanner based on your needs :

-          Where would the scanner be used? What would be the environment ?

-          How often would it be used ?

-          What kind of barcodes need to be read by the scanner?

-          How would it be used? Would it be connected to a PC?

When you answer these questions,, you can decide the type of scanner, form and other essentials.

Laser :

This is the most common type of scanner. It reads the reflectance of black and white spaces in the barcode with help of a red diode laser. These scanners are most cost effective, but can read only standard liner. Some laser scanners can read images from several feets away.

Linear imager :

Even these scanners can read only standard linear barcode. However, the way they operate are different. They take a picture of the barcode and then analyze the information and extract it. These scanners are used in several places now instead of the laser scanners as their cost and read range is similar. When the print quality is poor or codes are damaged, this scanner performs better than the laser ones. So if you need a more aggressive scanner, then linear imager scanners are better.

2D Area imagers :

These are similar to linear images, but they scan 2D images also. These devices can read various types of barcodes such as stacked, 1d, 2d etc. Another advantage is that the orientation of the barcode is not a factor to read the barcode whereas the other two types needs the image to be horizontal only then it can read the barcode. Thus it is much more faster in reading barcodes. It can read barcodes on any kind of surface too whether it is a phone screen or monitor. As they are much more capable to the previous two types, they are gaining popularity in various industries.

Once you choose the type of scanner you need, you need to understand the form of scanner suitable for you. There are five main types :

Handheld scanner :

These are most common type and easy to operate. They are available without the cord and make your work easier by providing mobility.

Presentation scanner : They are fixed to the countertop and cannot be held. They are made for hands free scanning. These are used in retail check outs to scan various items quickly.

Mobile Computer : They are much more than basic scanners as you have both scanner and PC in a single device. One most popular scanner of this type is MC9090.

Apart from this there are fixed mount and in-counter scanners. Make sure you buy it from reputed brands such as motorola scanners, Intermec Barcode Scanners and other famous brands. Nowadays one can either buy Refurbished Barcode Scanners or look for barcode scanner rentals.