Choosing the Right Barcode Scanner
February 28, 2012
AM Labels
Are you after a barcode scanner and finding it difficult to pick the right one for you? Here is a technical guide to help you decide the best type of scanner to suit your needs; it has been set up in areas which are most important giving you the best chance of finding the right one for you.
1D or 2D
Knowing which type of barcode you will be scanning would be the most important part, there is a big difference between the two. If you are looking for a scanner which would be used for a standard barcode then you would need a typical 1D scanner, this could include the likes of store products and your common barcode which can be found on them.
The 2D scanners would be used for the more complex barcodes, these would generally be on the likes of driving licenses, package tracking and now even put into magazines as a way of transferring information in such a small space.
The 2D scanner would include being able to scan both Linear barcodes and 2D codes, you are also able to scan from any angle to get the information from the 2D code and Linear barcodes. On some 2D scanners if there is any damaged codes then it would be able to read the barcodes information; this is due to the capability of having error correction which would be able to gather the information from the coding as though it was undamaged.
CCD, Laser or Imager
The CCD Scanners are used to illuminate the barcode with light from LEDs and are available in two types; contact scanners have a scan range from contact to 2-3cm and the medium range type’s ranges from 20-30cm.
CCD scanner has no moving parts which would make the scanner less prone to failure, there are no safety issues which can be found on these scanners due to the emitting of light being harmless but still have a fast scan rate.
Laser Scanners illuminate the barcode with light from a laser and are therefore capable of reading barcodes at a greater distance. The standard laser scanners are typically able to read barcodes up to 30cm, with long range versions able to read barcodes up to 10M.
The laser scanners are able to scan larger barcodes which is something which may be considered when looking into the purchasing of a barcode scanner, the laser scanners are also easy to use which would mean untrained staff with the scanner would be able to use it without training.
Imagers use a small camera to capture the information from 1D and 2D barcodes, the barcode is then decoded using digital image processing. With the ability to scan the 2D barcodes you would be able to gather more information on the scanner from the barcode.
Imagers would be the gathering of the information which includes the likes of the 2D barcodes; these would be holding much more information than a standard barcode in a physically smaller space.
Corded or Wireless
The choice of having a corded or wireless scanner is all down to the application, if the user of the scanner as to be using it whilst traveling around or going further than what a cable would stretch then this would be ideal. The benefit or the corded barcode scanners would be the price as they are significantly cheaper and is perfect for the scanning of barcodes which would be near to the computer.
The wireless scanners are going to be best suited for the users who would need to travel away from the computer in order to scan; different scanners would have different ranges which would need to be looked at when picking the right scanner for you. The wireless would also be beneficial if you are after a scanner and not having the hassle with any wires which may get in the way whilst you are working, they are easy to use and also the wireless scanners have a batch mode which will store any information you have scanned whilst out of range from the cradle.
What we would recommend?
If you are looking for a Barcode Scanner for retailing needs, the Honeywell MS5145 and Motorola Symbol LS2208 are ideal for point of sale and they are easy to set up and use.
For warehouse scanning we would recommend the Motorola LS3578-FZ for the 1D, and if you are in need of a 2D scanner for the warehouse then the Motorola DS3578 is highly recommended and also if the barcodes have been damaged or poorly printed.
Healthcare scanners with the Anti-Microbial coating we would recommend the Datalogic GD4100 for the corded barcode scanner, and the Datalogic Cordless 4100 for the cordless barcode scanner within the healthcare scanners we sell.
