Following on from last week’s blog, we are still talking all things barcodes. This week we will be discussing barcode scanners (or barcode readers as they are sometimes called).

As consumers, we see barcodes used all the time: purchasing from a retail store, attending ticketed events, boarding a plane, in hospitals, etc – but they rarely appear as anything more than lines and spaces on a product. A barcode scanner makes them lines and spaces functional. Through scannning, barcodes can help businesses track an enormous amount of information which, in turn, increased productivity and efficiency. By understanding how barcodes work and by knowing how to use them effectively with a quality barcode scanner, you can improve your business’ process – which can save both time and money.

What is a barcode scanner?

A barcode scanner is a device that is used to capture and read the information that is encoded in a barcode. Barcode scanners are available in both handheld and stationary mounted options.

How does a barcode scanner work?

Most barcode scanners consist of three different parts, including: the illumination system; the sensor; and the decoder.

The barcode scanner uses the illumination system to scan the black and white elements of a barcode by illuminating the code with a red light. The sensor then detects the reflected light from the illumination system (the red light) and generates an analogue signal that is sent to the decoder.

The decoder interprets that signal, validates the barcode using the check digit, and converts it into text. This converted text is delivered by the scanner to a computer software system.

How do barcode scanners connect to a computer?

Barcode scanners can connect to a computer (also to a tablet) through one of three output options: a serial port; keyboard port; or an interface device called a wedge.

When purchasing a barcode scanner, the most important decision that you will need to make is how to interface the barcode scanner to your computer. Which option you choose will depend mostly on the software that you will be scanning the barcodes into, how you want everything to work, and what types of ports are available on your computer?

Do I need any barcode scanner software?

Barcode scanners generally do not require any special software or driver to function properly. They will emulate a keyboard and be recognised by your computer as a general input device.

In some cases, a business may already have a software system in place that they want the barcodes to scan into and that is possible.

[av_three_fourth first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_display=”]

What is the difference between a corded or wireless scanner?

A corded scanner will thether the worker to the workstation for the duration of use., whereas a cordless scanner allows the user to roam up to a 50 feet radius, by transmitting the scanned information to its cradle, via Bluetooth or wireless, which in turn is connected directly to the workstation.

When choosing a scanner it is important to know if your employees will need to scan on the go or if they will just be doing all their scanning from a fixed point.

[/av_three_fourth]

[av_one_fourth min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_display=”]
[av_image src=’https://adcbarcode.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Barcode-scanner-300×300.jpg’ attachment=’7448′ attachment_size=’medium’ align=’center’ styling=” hover=” link=” target=” caption=” font_size=” appearance=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ animation=’no-animation’ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_image]
[/av_one_fourth]

Do I need a 1D or 2D scanner?

Last week we discussed the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes but now we will talk about them in terms of scanners. 1D barcode scanners can only read 1D (or linear) barcodes , but 2D barcode scanners on the other hand scan both.

Can I use any barcode scanner for my business?

Barcode scanners are variable and include diverse capabilities; some are better suited for certain industries due to reading distance and to work volume capacity.

The type of environment will also determine what kind of scanner you need. If it is a harsh industrial environment for example, you would need a more rugged scanner than one we would recommend for an office.

[av_three_fifth first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_display=”]

What are the different types of barcode scanners?

There are five different types of basic barcode scanners: pen wands; slot scanners, charge-couple device (CCD) scanners, image scanners, and laser scanners.

• A pen wand is the simplest barcode scanner. It contains no moving parts and is known for its durability and low cost. A pen wand can present a challenge to the user because it has to remain in direct contact with the barcode, must be held at a certain angle, and has to be moved over the barcode at certain speeds. It is for these reasons that we would tend not to recommend these types of scanners to our clients. The Unitech MS100 is an exapme of a pen wand barcode scanner.
• A slot scanner remains stationary and the item with the barcode on it is pulled by hand through the slot. Slot scanners are typically used to scan barcodes on identification cards. The Unitech MS146 is an example of a slot scanner.

[/av_three_fifth]

[av_two_fifth min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_display=”]
[av_image src=’https://adcbarcode.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Datalogic-Gryphon-GD4100-300×300.jpg’ attachment=’7454′ attachment_size=’medium’ align=’center’ styling=” hover=” link=” target=” caption=” font_size=” appearance=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ animation=’no-animation’ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_image]
[/av_two_fifth]

• A CCD scanner has a better read range than a pen wand and is often used in retail sales. Typically, a CCD scanner has a “gun” type interface and has to be held no more than one inch from the barcode. Each time the barcode is scanned; several readings are taken to reduce the possibility of errors. A disadvantage of the CCD scanner is that it cannot read a barcode that is wider than its input face. The Wasp WLR8900 is an example of a CDC scanner.
• An image scanner, also called a camera reader, uses a small video camera to capture an image of the barcode and then uses sophisticated digital image processing techniques to decode the barcode. It can read a barcode from about 3 to 9 inches away and generally cost less than a laser scanner. The Honeywell 3800i is an example of an image scanner.
• A laser scanner, either a hand-held or stationary, does not have to be close to the barcode in order to do its job. It uses a system of mirrors and lenses to allow the scanner to read the barcode regardless of orientation, and can easily read a barcode up to 24 inches away. To reduce the possibility of errors, a laser scanner may perform up to 500 scans per second. Specialised long-range laser scanners are capable of reading a barcode up to 30 feet away. The Datalogic Gryphon GD4100 is an example of a laser scanner.

If you are interested in discussing if barcode scanners will help your business you can contact one of the members of our specialist team.

ADC Barcode is involved in the supply of barcode scanners, barcode label printers, barcode verifiers and label applicators. We also provide custom software, EPOS systems & hardware, RFID and wireless networking technology amongst other professional services. Get in touch now and obtain more information.