subject: 4 Types of Barcode Scanners: Which One Is Right For You? by:Lane Beck [print this page] Why do we use barcode scanners? In basic terms, they can help us remain organized and identify products with accuracy. Therefore, we can be efficient and try and minimize the errors. Depending on what you are doing though, you should be using the right barcode scanner. There are a range of scanners that can be used, but the main four are pen/wand type, semi- automatic, fixed mount and reader gates.
Mounted on handles are wireless and handheld scanners which retail stores prefer. Pen or wand scanners are similar, but you have to move the scanner across the code. Other types of scanners that are preferred in retail stores are stationary and semi- automatic scanners because they can be fixed in a certain area.
As for large volumes of products that need to be scanned in manfacturing and warehouses, fixed scanners and reader gates are your best bet. To make the scanning go as smoothly and quickly as possible, you can automate the actions with the help of an assembly line or conveyer belt. No-one is required to scan the products and much time is saved.
There are many things to look out for when buying a barcode scanner. This includes how far the scanning distance is, the volume of scanning, the connections required, and the frequency and speed of the barcode scanner. If you decide you need to scan from farther distances, you'll need a laser barcode scanner as this is most suited for that. For smaller distances, an image-based scanner is fine. Smaller barcodes can be scanned manually while larger barcodes can be automated.
Also keep in mind that when you purchase a barcode scanner, you should decide whether you want it to interface with a computer. Making sure the software and hardware correspond with your barcode scanner is a necessary precaution.
What is the purpose of barcode scanners? Keeping track of products and being able to identify them is what barcode scanners do. Therefore, we can be efficient and try and minimize the errors. You should always be using the right type of barcode scanner suited to your needs. Multiple scanners can be used but the for main types are pen/wand type, semi- automatic, fixed mount and reader gates.
Handheld and wireless scanners are used mostly in retail stores because of their ease of use; they are usually mounted on some sort of handle. Pen or wand scanners are similar, but you have to move the scanner across the code. Other preferred scanner types are the stationary and semi-automatic as they can be stuck in one area.
If you need a lot of items to be scanned fast, the best decision is to purchase either a fixed or reader gate barcode scanner. Shifting the work from manual labour to an automated solution allows the scanning to progress quite fast. Time is reduced as an operator is not needed .
There are many things to look out for when buying a barcode scanner. Scanning distance, speed and frequency, connection type, and what you need to scan all play a role . When you use a barcode scanner, the distance is a factor consider. Laser barcode scanners are suitable for greater distances while image based scanners are ideal for smaller distances. Manual scanning is used for smaller barcodes while bigger barcodes are usually automated.
Also keep in mind that when you purchase a barcode scanner, you should decide whether you want it to interface with a computer. Making sure the software and hardware correspond with your barcode scanner is a necessary precaution.
