Barcode Scanner Guide
The most common deciding factor when purchasing a barcode scanner is price. If you are just looking for something basic to read 1D barcodes; a £50 scanner will give you many years of trouble-free service. There are, however, some other important factors to consider to ensure you make the right decision:
Symbologies (types of barcode) to be Read
The most important capability to check when choosing a barcode scanner is that it will read/decode the barcode symbology you wish to scan.
Most typical barcode scanners from the cheapest to the most expensive will read 1D linear codes. These are the most common in use.
A few barcode scanners will read PFD417 barcodes aswell as all 1D symbologies.
If you wish to read 2D (two dimensional) barcodes, you need to look for a 2D barcode scanner. These scanners will read linear, stacked linear and 2D barcodes. Some will also capture images and have OCR ability.
Resolution of Symbology
Depending on the size and density of the barcode you wish to scan, a very cheap barcode scanner may not be able to scan the code in question of could require a lot of time messing around trying to get the barcode scanner at the right position to read it.
Cheaper barcode scanners may not be able to read very small, poorly printed or damaged barcodes. The more you spend, the better the quality of the scan engine. Spending £100 instead of £50 on a scanner may sound like a lot but if the cheaper scanner fails to read a particular code; you could end up having to type it in manually which costs you precious time and productivity.
Standard resolution barcode scanners will read typical barcodes from 5 mil (0.125 mm) and higher.
High Density scanners will read codes up from 3 mil / 4 mil (0.076 mm / 0.10 mm) and beyond.
Depth of Field
Low cost CCD barcode scanners which can cost around £50 offer fantastic value for money. The downside is that they are known as 'contact' scanners meaning that you literally have to touch the barcode you are scanning with the barcode scanner for it to scan.
If you go a bit further up the price range, standard barcode scanners will typically read anything from 0 to 10.0 in (0 to 25.4 cm).
Extended range scanners go one step further and will typically read codes from 0 up to 15 in (38.1 cm).
If you need to read barcodes form distances of greater than around 15 inches (scanning large items still in a trolley at a checkout, for example), you require a scanner with a long range scan engine. Long range scanners have a typical reading range of 0 to 30 in (0 to 76.2 cm).
For certain specialist applications such as reading pallets while sat on a fork lift truck; extra long range scanners are available and can read codes from distances of many metres away.
Ruggedness
Low cost and general purpose scanners are designed to be used in office. In other words, anywhere where they will not be subject to much abuse. Unlike low cost scanners, general purpose scanners are designed to stand up to drops and bumps. As such they are perfect for all kinds of applications in hospitals, offices and distribution centres.
If you know that your scanners may be subject to a lot of drops onto concrete, high levels of knocks and bumps or even user abuse; you should consider going for a rugged barcode scanner. As well as being designed to withstand regular punishment, rugged barcode scanners also have higher IP ratings with some being totally sealed against moisture and dust.
Rugged barcode scanners are perfect for warehousing and industrial environments. They will continually perform over time, reducing the total cost of ownership.
Form Factor
Handheld barcode scanners are deigned for general purpose scanning. They will sit on a desk with the user picking them up to point at a barcode before pulling a trigger to scan it.
Most handheld scanners are available with a stand as an optional accessory which means that the scanner can be mounted on a desk or a wall. Some scanners actually come with a stand in the box so look out for these if you require one as it can work out a lot more cost-effective than purchasing one seperately.
Most scanners which come with stands can be configured to work in a hands-free mode. A sensor will tell when something is put infront of the scanner so it scans the barcode, if present.
In retail environments where a lot of items are scanned another form of hands-free scanner is very popular. These omnidirectional presentation scanners work just like a standard hands-free scanner in presentation mode but will scan a barcode in any orientation. Not having to make sure that each barcode is at the correct angle to the scan beam saves a huge amount of time.
Corded or Cordless Barcode Scanners
For most applications, corded barcode scanners are connected to a PC or till with a standard USB cable. Many other cables are available to connect to different host systems. These can be purchased in longer lengths, in straight or coiled varieties and also with external power supplies when necessary.
There are times when it is not practical to use a long cable and that is where cordless barcode scanners come in. A base station/charger is connected to the PC or host system as usual and then the cordless scanner communicates wirelessly with the base station at distances of up to 10 metres (33 feet).
Cordless scanners can also incorporate Bluetooth wireless technology meaning you can send information straight to a bluetooth-enabled PDA or laptop.