Barcodes provide specific information and data pertaining to a specific product. The data codes use spaces and bars of varying widths, lengths and different letters and numbers. The codes are good for inventory management.

A barcode does not describe the color, price or the brand of the product. However when a cashier scans it, they are able to bill it according to the information on the barcode.

Types of Barcodes

ID Code

They are linear white and black spaces with varying widths. The width is determined by the information included in the code. It can be 12 characters long.

2D Code  

They use hexagons, squares and other shapes for data storage. The data is arranged in vertical and horizontal patterns. The code can carry website address, voice, images and different forms of binary data. The code holds a minimum of 100 characters. They can be read using images.

Type of Barcode Scanners

Barcodes are read using different scanners. There are 4 types of scanners.

1D codes can be read using camera based imaging scanners or traditional laser cameras. On the contrary, 2D codes are read using imagers only.

Each barcode is read only by a specific scanner. It is only after scanning the code that the information is sent to the computer. Before you choose a barcode scanner for your business, you need to research thoroughly so as you can get the right one.

Pen type readers

The scanner has a phototide on one side and a LED light on the other. For accurate information, the scanner is passed over the baricode at  specific speed. If any human eror occurs and the baricode fails to reach the product, then it could lead to false data.

Laser barcode scanners

It is the most popular barcode scanner and it is mostly found in retail. It is more accurate than a pen scanner. A laser beam is directed towards a mirror in a unit. The mirror is either mounted or hand held. It reads codes placed between 6 to 30 feet away.

CCD barcode scanners (Charge Coupled Device)

They are also known as LED scanners. They are the most accurate scanners but they are expensive. They are mostly used in point of sale applications. They shine their beam of LED light at the object and the information is converted into readable data.

On the downside, they cannot read a longer code than it face. For accurate data, they need to be held not more than 3 inches from the object.

Imager barcode scanner (Camera based)

It works like a video camera.

The scanner takes photographs of the baricode and then decodes the information using sophisticated techniques. Since it can read a code irrespective of how it is positioned, it increases multi-fold scanning.

If you need a scaner for your warehouse, use a cordless scanner so that it does not limit your movement. It is also good for bulky products or in places where the cord can easily get damaged.

How to choose a Baricode Scanner

Ask yourslef the following questions;

• Where will you use the scanner?
• How often will you use it?
• What distance should i scan the products from?
• Which connections will you use?
• What is your scanner budget?

Imager barcode scanners are very affordable and their price is increasingly going down. The scanners can also scan both 2D and 1D code. They are therefore a god choice but you need to consider other factors before buying the scanners.

Florin A. is a freelance writer with a focus on news stories and consumer articles.