Type of Barcode Scanner: Which Is The Best For Your Business?

Understanding clearly type of barcode scanner will help you to choose a suitable one.

Barcode and barcode scanner are integral parts in our modern life and high-performing business. 

We can see an image of a barcode reader easily from store, restaurants, libraries, supermarkets, etc. 

So, how many are there barcode scanner types? How does the barcode scanner work?

Let’s dive into this article to find answers.

How many are there barcode scanner types?

What Are Barcode Scanners?

When you consider a barcode scanner, you probably see a little tool that can assist you read the lines on a label, but the mechanism is actually more complicated. 

Not only capture the barcode's image, barcode scanners are designed to read barcodes, decode the data therein, and send the information to a computer.

A barcode scanner

Depending on the scanner model, this communication can be sent by connected or wireless connections.

Another way to say it is that a barcode reader inputs data significantly more quickly than a keyboard would. 

The scanner easily adds data to a database or your business application rather than having to manually type the number, which is susceptible to human mistake.

How Does The Barcode Scanner Work?

How to read a barcode? Typically, a barcode scanner can scan and read barcodes with the help of a decoder and cable. 

The device will read the barcode on a box or product label and then transfer the information to the decoder. 

The decoder then interprets the barcode information and transmits it via cable to a connected computer system.

Some scanners are un-decoded while the decoder is built into the scanner itself. 

How does the barcode scanner work?

The latter kind of kit will include a separate interface device that collects data from the scanner and feeds it into the computer.

There are two outputs available for barcode readers to connect to computers: RS232 or the keyboard wedge. 

Because it lets you change data before it enters the computer system, RS232 is the more complicated of the two. 

Any open serial port on a computer will allow RS232 to connect.

The keyboard wedge may connect to both a keyboard and a computer at once. 

Although a keyboard wedge has an easy-to-use interface and doesn't require any software, you can't change the barcode data before it is input into the device.

Types of Barcode Scanners

There are many different type of scanners available today, both stationary and portable. 

To decide which type and format would make the ideal barcode scanner for your retail business or company, read the following barcode scanner buying guide:

1. Laser scanners

2. Image scanners

3. 2D area imagers

4. CCD barcode scanners

5. Pen Readers and Barcode Wands

Laser scanners

One of the more sophisticated technologies for reading barcodes is the laser scanner. 

This kind of scanner uses a laser to read barcodes by using a series of mirrors or prisms to reflect light.

Laser scanners can read linear 1D barcodes from a distance of up to two feet and are made specifically for this purpose. 

Laser scanners

As a result, laser scanners have more internal moving glass or plastic components than image scanners, which makes them more prone to breakage.

These barcode scanners work similarly to pen readers, with the exception of the laser.

Image scanners

A small digital camera is used by an image-based barcode scanner to take a picture of the barcode. 

An associated computer system scans and reads the collected image for inventory reasons. 

A normal image scanner can only read barcodes from a few inches away, while more recent devices like the Honeywell 1300g are now more competitive with the average laser scanner in terms of reading distance. 

Digital scanner

The top barcode scanners for small businesses as well as larger companies in the field service, warehouse, and logistics sectors include Honeywell models.

Image scanners are less susceptible to impact damage than laser scanners because of the simple internal camera mechanics. 

Image scanners, like laser scanners, are designed only to read 1D barcodes.

2D area imagers

A 2D image scanner is quite similar to a standard image scanner, with the exception that it can scan all sorts of barcodes, including 1D, 2D, and stacked barcodes. 

A 2D imager makes it easier to read barcodes because the code can pass through the scanner horizontally, vertically, upside-down, or right-side-up.

A barcode can only be read by laser and traditional image scanners when it is held horizontally across the capturing eyes. 

2D area imager

As a result, scanning objects can be done much more quickly and easily than with a 2D imager. 

A barcode can also be read off non-label surfaces, such as smartphones and computer screens, using some 2D imagers, like the Honeywell 1900. 

CCD barcode scanners

A row of tiny sensors are installed in the front of Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) barcode scanners. 

Waveforms generated by the CCD scanner correspond to specific bars and spaces, and this data is decoded within the scanner before being transmitted to the computer system. 

A CCD scanner measures ambient light that is emitted from the barcode, as opposed to laser and pen scanners that measure frequencies of reflected light inside the scanner.

CCD barcode scanner

Pen Readers and Barcode Wands

The tip of a pen or wand barcode reader has a light source and a photodiode. 

A waveform that corresponds to the width of specific gaps and bars is formed when a barcode is dragged over it.

This information is then decoded and fed into the computer system.

Pen Reader and Barcode Wand

Different Barcode Scanners Format

The following step is to select the most appropriate form of the scanner you've chosen, having first decided which type best suits your company's requirements. 

You will probably prefer a set of stationary, plug-in scanning equipment if you operate a conventionally laid up storefront with checkout terminals. 

In contrast, a large floor with a lot of heavy items may call for cordless scanners. 

Thankfully, the 5 types of scanners available today may satisfy a variety of needs:

1. Handheld

2. Presentation

3. Mobile units

4. In-Counter Scanners

5. Fixed Mount

Handheld

The most popular type of scanners are handhelds, which are available in both corded and cordless versions. 

Handheld scanners are simple to use; all you need to do is hold the scanner around your hand, point it at a barcode, and push a button.

Handheld 

Some handheld variants have stands, allowing for hands-free operation. 

All fields where barcodes are used, such as grocery stores, warehouses, field services, and healthcare institutions, can benefit from using handheld scanners.

Presentation

Wide-area reading at a fixed location is the purpose of presentation scanners. 

Designed to be set up on a countertop, a presentation scanner can be used to scan the barcodes on any items you pass by. 

There's no need for pointing, unlike with handheld scanners. 

Simply place the barcode on each item in front of the presentation reader, which will swiftly and effortlessly scan the code. 

Presentation

Retail store checkout counters frequently have presentation scanners there.

Presentation scanners like the Metrologic MS7580 can read a variety of barcodes simultaneously because of their extensive scanning capabilities.

Metrologic provides some of the top barcode scanners for field service, medical records, and retail establishments, with a variety of models to select from.

Mobile units

Business people can scan barcodes using handheld computers, even though they are intended for much more than just that. 

Anywhere there is Wi-Fi or cellular (WAN) coverage, they are unrestricted by cords or large fixed devices.

Inventory staff working on the floors of huge department warehouses with long rows of heavy things may find this to be of particular help. 

Mobile units

Barcodes may be read by a handheld app from any point on a warehouse floor and remotely recorded into a business's computer system, eliminating the need to move everything through the same check-in and checkout terminals.

Additionally, mobile devices enable barcode reading in outlying areas where larger, plug-in variety scanning systems would be impracticable. 

A mobile device can save the information from each barcode scan even in places outside of Wi-Fi range for later inclusion into a business's inventory data system.

In-Counter Scanners

An in-counter scanner is a stationary device, similar to the presentation scanner, that enables salespeople and consumers to quickly and easily scan barcodes. The distinction is that an in-counter scanner in this instance is made to be included into the top of a checkout counter. 

As a result, grocery store checkout and self-service lanes frequently have in-counter scanners.

In-Counter scanner

The Datalogic Magellan 8300, one of the more well-liked in-counter scanners, enables simple integration and operation in any indoor situation. 

Datalogic has some of the best barcode scanners for logistics in every type of organization, whether you need one for a small retail operation or a larger one.

Fixed Mount

Fixed-mount scanners are created for integration into substantial automation systems and are intended for more specialized applications including warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics. 

This kind of scanner is typically built within a kiosk or perched over a conveyor belt.

Fixed mount

A fixed-mount scanner can read codes automatically without the need for manual triggers or button presses and is available in a variety of speeds. 

Therefore, the fixed scanner makes it easy to enter data for big backroom inventory, which may be done along conveyor belts without the need for a human.

Where Are Barcode Scanners Used?

Almost every imaginable sector and application uses barcode scanners nowadays. 

These gadgets, for instance, are employed in:

• Retail for transportation, customer loyalty programs, inventory, warehouse operations, point-of-sale transactions, and more.

• Patient admissions, bedside medication verification, lab specimen track and trace, shipping and receiving, document and record tracking, and staff communication all fall under the category of healthcare.

• Production for work-in-progress tracking, shipping and receiving, compliance labeling, and asset management.

• Using warehouse distribution, workflow processes including picking, putting away, stock replenishment, shipping, and receiving may be automated and optimized.

• Cross-docking, fleet management, and pick-up and delivery services are just a few of the transportation and logistics techniques used to trace every item across the supply chain.

• Groceries for point-of-sale transactions, stock for warehousing operations, and supplies for delivery.

• The distribution and packaging of food once it leaves the production line. Track-and-trace regulations for food safety in the sector are constantly expanding. Companies in the food industry are required to be able to specify the times, locations, and people who handled, stored, transported, consumed, and disposed of produce and to be able to show written documentation to support their claims.

• Applications for the field to barcoding system for small business, conduct building, machinery, and vending machine inspections, collect readings for utility companies, and more.

• Education for staff communication, asset monitoring, attendance, registration, and document and record tracking.

• All flats, letters, and packages with barcodes are scanned by postal and package delivery services as they enter the mail stream, and those goods are then tracked by additional scans all the way to the delivery location. The success of real-time visibility depends heavily on scanning precision.

• E-commerce is used for many different things, including order fulfillment, marketing, shipping, inventory management, and warehouse operations.

• Military for tracking supplies and equipment, managing IDs, managing the supply chain and logistics, managing commissaries, maintenance and repair, and other purposes.

Where are barcode scanners used?