Barcode scanners are essential as they allow businesses to track the volume of incoming inventory and sales. With recent developments in port connections, computer operating systems, and wireless technology, it’s possible to use a barcode reader of any design. However, with so many options in the market, it’s very daunting to find the perfect one for your business. Here are the different types of barcode scanners and how to choose the right one.
What are the Different Types of Barcode Scanners?
The following guide will help you determine the best barcode scanner for your business, whether you want a mobile or a stationary one.
1. Image Scanners
Image scanners are also known as camera scanners. This type of scanner uses a small camera to capture the barcode’s image. You don’t have to place it too close to the code as it can read codes further away by using digital image processors. After capturing and scanning, the image is read by an attached computer.
The other benefit of using these image scanners is that they last long. This is because their internal cameras’ operating mechanisms aren’t very complicated.
2. Laser Scanners
Laser scanners can be stationary or handheld. These are among the high-tech tools for barcode reading. They use a laser beam as the light source and a series of prisms or mirrors to reflect the light and read the barcode.
This scanner is mainly used to read linear 1D barcodes as far as two feet away. Laser scanners have multiple internal plastic and glass parts which move every time making this scanner easily damaged.
3. 2D Area Imagers
This is the most versatile scanner to get as it scans 1D, 2D, and stacked barcodes. A 2D imager makes it easy to read barcodes as it can scan in any position, whether right side up, upside down, vertical or horizontal. When using the regular image and laser scanners, you can only scan when the barcode is horizontal. Thus, it’s quicker with 2D area imagers, and there isn’t much hassle. Get your barcode scanner at https://www.logicode.com.sg/product-category/scanning/ to expand the range of barcoding options and speed up processes.
4. Barcode Wands and Pen Readers
These are the least expensive and easiest barcode readers to use. It has no moving parts, and this feature makes the pen readers last long. The tip is equipped with a photodiode and a light source. For this scanner to work, it must remain in direct contact with the barcode, be held at a certain angle, and be moved at a certain speed.
5. CCD Barcode Scanners
The charge-coupled device is mainly used in retail sales. It has a gun-type interface and offers a better range than the pen reader. This barcode scanner measures the ambient light emitted by the barcode, unlike the case of pen and laser scanners, which measures the frequency of light reflected within the scanner. It has to be held close to the barcode to read.
Conclusion
The barcode scanners are essential to the success of any business as they save time, improve efficiency, and reduce errors. However, you need to choose a barcode scanner carefully to enjoy these benefits fully. Laser scanners, pen readers, 2D area imagers, image scanners, and CCD barcode scanners are the type of barcode scanners available. Get yours today.
