How To Choose a Bar Code Scanner

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How To Choose a Bar Code Scanner

Author: HowardBrule | Total views: 16 | Word Count: 860 | Category: Software Technology | Date: May 20th 2008

The most common use of bar code scanners, and the one that most people are aware of, is the scanning of groceries at a grocery store. At the teller the bar code of each package is run past a barcode scanner that tells the system what the item is. The stock control system then feeds back item details and price information to the teller. The cost is automatically added to your bill.
When the stock control system tallies a purchase, no matter what is actually sold, the inventory records in the central database are simultaneously modified to record the fact that the item has been purchased. If your inventory information was correctly entered into the system when you set it up, inventory control occurs without the need for manual counting or recording of purchases.
In a small business setting implementing such a system starts with stock control software where information about inventory items is stored. Bar code scanners are used to input data into the stock control system. Each time an item passes in or out of inventory it is scanned and the appropriate change of status is recorded in the inventory database.
A system like this one can generate different bar codes for items that need them. The software will create a one of a kind bar code for each new item. The bar code printer will then print the code label which is then placed on the item.
These are the top three kinds of bar code scanners that are used today:
1. The Wand Scanner - This is the simplest type of bar code scanner. A wand scanner is shaped like a pen and has to be touching the bar code to scan it. The light from the wand scanner is reflected off the bar code and then the system decodes this signal to recognize the product.
It is necessary to keep a wand scanner in touch with the UPC code while scanning it. The wand scanner, which is a pen-like scanner, is the simplest type of UPC scanner. It gives off a light that reflects off the UPC code, which in turn is decoded by the POS system to recognize the product.
But wand scanners have their limitations. In order to get an accurate scan the wand must be held at a fairly precise angle relative to the bar code. It must also be slid across the bar code at a speed that is neither too fast nor too slow. And all wand bar code scanners have a resolution limit. If a bar code has a resolution that is significantly finer than the wand scanner, the scanner will not be able to read it correctly. For example, a 10 mil wand cannot read a 5 mil bar code. It is important to keep this in mind when purchasing a wand scanner.
2. CCD Scanners - CCD stands for charged coupled device. This type of scanner normally costs less than a laser scanner, and it is a very accurate alternative system for scanning bar codes. Both the wand scanner and the CCD reader have to be in physical contact with the bar code if they are to read the label. However, the CCD reader doesn't have to be moved, waved, or slid across the label like the wand scanner. The user can just touch the reader to the bar code and pull the trigger to activate the scanner.
Of all the various types of bar code scanners, CCD readers tend to be the simplest to use. CCD readers can be found in widths from 2 to 4 inches and, while they are more expensive than a wand, CCD readers are less expensive than laser scanners.
A promising new technology similar to CCD is called FFO (Fixed Focus Optics). These scanners are non-contact readers, which means they can read bar codes from as much as 20" away. They will also be able to read two-dimensional bar codes as they become more popular.
3. The Laser Scanner - Laser scanners use a beam of light to rapidly scan across the bar code label. This means the scanner itself remains stationary, and there is no need for direct contact with the bar code label. Scanning is automatic in the sense that the scanning action is initiated when an object is held in front of it.
Such a system has benefits in a variety of situations. For instance, because the scans are accomplished with great speed, it is possible to embed laser scanners inside of conveyor systems. When items pass by rapidly, scanning takes place automatically. In a retail environment, the clerk merely moves each item over the glass to engage the scan. Such a system can easily keep pace with a clerk who simply moves objects from one side of the scanner to the other other. Laser systems are much more rapid and accurate than any other widely-used alternative.
No matter what your ideal scanning system might be today, you need to make certain that you buy a stock control system that allows you to take advantage of future developments in bar code technology. This will allow you to keep your system updated without having to replace the entire system in the future.

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The most common use of bar code scanners, and the one that most people are aware of, is the scanning of groceries at a grocery store. At the teller the bar code of each package is run past a barcode scanner that tells the system what the item is. The stock control system then feeds back item details and price information to the teller. The cost is automatically added to your bill. When the stock control system tallies a purchase, no matter what is actually sold, the inventory records in the central database are simultaneously modified to record the fact that the item has been purchased. If your inventory information was correctly entered into the system when you set it up, inventory control occurs without the need for manual counting or recording of purchases. In a small business setting implementing such a system starts with stock control software where information about inventory items is stored. Bar code scanners are used to input data into the stock control system. Each time an item passes in or out of inventory it is scanned and the appropriate change of status is recorded in the inventory database. A system like this one can generate different bar codes for items that need them. The software will create a one of a kind bar code for each new item. The bar code printer will then print the code label which is then placed on the item. These are the top three kinds of bar code scanners that are used today: 1. The Wand Scanner - This is the simplest type of bar code scanner. A wand scanner is shaped like a pen and has to be touching the bar code to scan it. The light from the wand scanner is reflected off the bar code and then the system decodes this signal to recognize the product. It is necessary to keep a wand scanner in touch with the UPC code while scanning it. The wand scanner, which is a pen-like scanner, is the simplest type of UPC scanner. It gives off a light that reflects off the UPC code, which in turn is decoded by the POS system to recognize the product. But wand scanners have their limitations. In order to get an accurate scan the wand must be held at a fairly precise angle relative to the bar code. It must also be slid across the bar code at a speed that is neither too fast nor too slow. And all wand bar code scanners have a resolution limit. If a bar code has a resolution that is significantly finer than the wand scanner, the scanner will not be able to read it correctly. For example, a 10 mil wand cannot read a 5 mil bar code. It is important to keep this in mind when purchasing a wand scanner. 2. CCD Scanners - CCD stands for charged coupled device. This type of scanner normally costs less than a laser scanner, and it is a very accurate alternative system for scanning bar codes. Both the wand scanner and the CCD reader have to be in physical contact with the bar code if they are to read the label. However, the CCD reader doesn't have to be moved, waved, or slid across the label like the wand scanner. The user can just touch the reader to the bar code and pull the trigger to activate the scanner. Of all the various types of bar code scanners, CCD readers tend to be the simplest to use. CCD readers can be found in widths from 2 to 4 inches and, while they are more expensive than a wand, CCD readers are less expensive than laser scanners. A promising new technology similar to CCD is called FFO (Fixed Focus Optics). These scanners are non-contact readers, which means they can read bar codes from as much as 20" away. They will also be able to read two-dimensional bar codes as they become more popular. 3. The Laser Scanner - Laser scanners use a beam of light to rapidly scan across the bar code label. This means the scanner itself remains stationary, and there is no need for direct contact with the bar code label. Scanning is automatic in the sense that the scanning action is initiated when an object is held in front of it. Such a system has benefits in a variety of situations. For instance, because the scans are accomplished with great speed, it is possible to embed laser scanners inside of conveyor systems. When items pass by rapidly, scanning takes place automatically. In a retail environment, the clerk merely moves each item over the glass to engage the scan. Such a system can easily keep pace with a clerk who simply moves objects from one side of the scanner to the other other. Laser systems are much more rapid and accurate than any other widely-used alternative. No matter what your ideal scanning system might be today, you need to make certain that you buy a stock control system that allows you to take advantage of future developments in bar code technology. This will allow you to keep your system updated without having to replace the entire system in the future. Article Source: <a href="http://www.organizingweb.net" target="_blank">OrganizingWeb.net</a> About the Author: Learn how <a href="http://www.waspbarcode.co.uk">bar code scanners</a> can benefit your firm. Take charge of company assets with the most efficient <a href="http://www.waspbarcode.co.uk">stock control systems</a> - <a href="http://www.sbo-linknet.com">Article marketing</a> plans.