Selecting a barcode scanner could be a challenging task without a great deal of experience. It is a rapid overview of what you must know when selecting barcode scanners.
1D or 2D?
The initial question you'll need to ask is what sort of barcode you will end up scanning: 1D or 2D. This is very important because a 1D scanner can't scan 2D barcodes, despite the fact that 2D scanners can scan 1D barcodes. A 1D barcode has black vertical lines.
1D barcodes possess a range of symbologies: code39, code128 and UPC are common. UPC (Universal Product Codes) barcodes are simply on merchandise and shop merchandise, whereas the other symbologies are normally useful for internal tracking for instance manufacturer serial numbers, inventory locations, and so on. Most scanners are configurable to filter and read merely the symbologies you specify. If you do not know the symbology you might be making use of, you ought to verify to verify that the scanner can read it should you elect to use a 1D scanner.
2D barcodes shop more details than 1D barcodes, nevertheless they need a 2D reader. Prevalent types of 2D contain drivers license, FedEx and UPS package tracking. Benefits of 2D contain having the ability to read the barcode even if a portion of the label is damaged or obscured, as well as storing much more data that the 1D barcode.
Most people will use 1D barcode scanners since that's the most well-liked.
Imager or Laser Barcode Scanner?
Laser barcode scanners read 1D barcodes. Most new handheld, PDA or mobile scanners have converted and use an imager. An imager enables you to read 1D or 2D, despite the fact that once you buy the scanner you should be careful to specify that you need to read 2D barcodes even if it says in consists of an imager.
Laser scanners emit a thin red line of light (the laser) which reads the barcode. Numerous imagers also emit a red line of light, but accusation in court to help the consumer target what they are scanning. An imager takes a picture of the barcode and then decodes it, so imager are designed for misaligned, damaged or dirty barcodes a lot better than laser scanners.
Mobile, Hand-held or Fixed?
The shape factor for scanners varies through the type of application. For handheld data collection applications, you need to appear for a scanner constructed into rugged mobile devices like Intermec CN3, CN50 or Motorola MC55 or MC75 devices. These scanners are built-into mobile computers so a mobile software program talks straight to the scanner with all the scanner API. Examples of mobile computer system scanner applications include:
� Inventory counts � Proof of Delivery � Asset tracking and audits � Inspections � Operator rounds
Mobile laptop or computer scanners range in price from $1250 to $3000+.
Hand-held barcode scanners are dedicated devices that always are connected to a Pc or terminal. With hand-held scanners, it is up to the PC to manage the application form and processing with the barcode. These are normally noticed in retail environments in the Point of Sale (POS) or installed on forklifts where an operator has a terminal about the forklift and uses the scanner to verify what they load.
Handheld scanners normally connect via the serial port and will work wirelessly (e.g. Bluetooth or proprietary) or tethered. If wireless, they could scan from 2 - 30 feet away from the host personal computer.
Most hand-held scanners come with an option to take whatever is scanned and put it inside the keyboard buffer, rendering it appear that someone typed the barcode value. When operating within this mode, you can actually use with existing applications. You need to verify with each kind of scanner to make certain it props up keyboard buffer, or else you will should make sure it's got drivers to guide your operating system. Most scanners support Windows; however, that will not mean they support Windows CE which can be usually the OS on forklift terminals, or Linux or Blackberry or any other OS.
Should you elect to utilize a BlueTooth scanner, you should make sure it supports your device. For example, if you would like to scan to some telephone or PDA, you should make sure the scanner has drivers. Simply because you've a Blackberry device with Bluetooth, usually do not assume a Bluetooth scanner will continue to work.
Hand-held scanners like the Motorola LS 2208 are around $200. Tethered scanners may be less than $100. Bluetooth scanners just like the Baracoda or Socket scanner are $400-$600.
A third choice is a fixed mount scanner. These scanners usually are installed on conveyor belts, self-serve grocery checkout stands and store price lookups. With fixed mount scanners, you must ensure the barcode will pass within a readable distance and at a suitable angle. Grocery store checkout stands have various scanners to handle this. In applications like conveyor belts, fixed mount scanners may be tied to light-activated sensors so the scanner is activated when the light beam is broken. This enables you to 1) know when you should expect to read a barcode 2) control enough time to read a barcode.
Fixed mount scanners for industrial form use can range in price from $500 - $1500.
If you have questions on scanners, stop by http://www.bizspeed.com/category/barcode-scanners to learn about scanners or ask a scanner expert.