What to Look For in a Barcode Reader

What to Look For in a Barcode Reader
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When looking for a barcode reader/scanner, it can get quite overwhelming with various choices.

In premise, they all serve the same purpose. However, every type of barcode scanner applies to a certain kind of industry usage.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know so that you can make an educated decision upon the right type of device for you.

So if that’s something you’re interested in, keep reading.

What Is A Barcode Reader?

Barcode Reader

Barcode readers store and decode barcodes from the visual image into alphanumeric digits. The reader can then send this information to a database, either via a wired or wireless connection.

The digits will often refer to a physical item of some sort, and scanning the barcodes will pull up the database’s entry. It will often list the stock, price, image, and description of the item.

Barcode reading mostly involves barcodes that most people are already familiar with. This includes linear or 1D barcodes, which look like parallel lines and spaces. Space (quiet zone) prevents the reader from picking up information that is not relevant.

The blank space does not send any signal. For many years, the linear barcode was the golden standard. And they are still used to this day. They usually contain about 25 characters.

2D barcodes also exist, and they store information both vertically and horizontally. In this case, an image reader is required, and a simple barcode scanner will not work.

There are many types of barcode scanners, some use light, some use lasers, some use cameras. There are pen readers, which only have a light source and photodiode to capture the lines.

Laser scanners have fewer errors when scanning from afar. CCD scanners measure the ambient light rather than the one reflected. It can take several scans to ensure accuracy. Camera readers take a photo and decode it.

The most advanced scanners are omnidirectional, and they are based on lasers bouncing off mirrors. They can read crumpled, ripped, and damaged barcodes faster than any other.

What To Look For In A Barcode Reader 1

What Are the Benefits?

While there are many differences between the scanners, the common benefits will ensure a great decision when purchasing a dedicated scanner.

A dedicated scanner will integrate with your current system. They can be used to connect with your currently existing drivers and POS systems.

They will have little software issues. Barcode readers don’t get viruses and don’t need updates. They are also not interrupted by calls and texts if you use your phone as a scanner.

Barcode scanners are durable and will operate for years without issue.

They can also read codes from a distance quickly, leaving behind the dilemmas of non-reader devices that have slow operating systems and terrible battery lives.

A dedicated barcode reader is the best option for a business that wants to make use of the tracking and auditing technology and encourage stability and readability within their sales process.

What To Look For In A Barcode Reader

Barcodes are the link between information and people. The barcode has proven to be an invaluable tool for the world and grants access to this world’s more abstract data. For businesses, this data is critical to the provisioning of their service throughout the physical world.

With the recent advances in the realm of data, technology changes have raised the value of data to new heights. And this focus is understandable. After all, barcodes help identify a lack of efficiency, fine-tune procedures, and streamline operations.

Even the smallest improvements in any area can improve the businesses’ competitive edge, which is a grave factor between failure and success. For these reasons alone, the data from barcodes and the programs that use them have received more investment and attention than ever before.

But what about the physical barcodes? More importantly, the scanners that allow the user to transfer the data and decode it? It can be too easy to lose track of their importance, so you must learn as much as you can about the different types of scanners.

Because each of them is best suited for a particular industry and business, so you don’t want to make the wrong purchase. Let’s take a look at the most common.

What To Look For In A Barcode Reader 2

Pen Readers

Pen readers look like a pen or wand. The user will move this device over the barcode to scan it. These readers are effective but can take a bit of time for the user to get accommodated.

Laser Readers

These readers use lasers to achieve greater accuracy in readings. Laser readers have the benefit of being able to mount on a unit, allowing for scanning several codes at once. Laser readers are readily available all over.

LED Readers

An led reader is a charged coupled device. It beams lights at the code and then reads the reflection. These readers are very accurate but can be quite expensive.

2D Camera Readers

Certain barcodes require camera readers to scan and decode the data. These readers have special software that helps capture and unencrypt the data into usable data sets, such as a C sharp barcode reader. Learn more about the C# barcode reader here.

Barcodes Galore

Now that you have discovered the realm of the barcode reader, you are well on your way to determine if they are right for you. In any case, by determining the use-case for which you need the reader, you will be able to find the appropriate scanner.

And that’s the only way to go about it. You buy what you need. If you’re interested in similar content, feel free to check out the other tech-related articles on the sidebar.

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What to Look For in a Barcode Reader FAQs


What type of device is a barcode reader?

Barcode Reader a scanner is a hardware input device capable of reading a barcode using a laser.

Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot?

Yes you can do it very easy, but for this, you will need an additional app

Can you use a barcode scanner with excel?

Yes, you can do it.

Thank you for reading!