Barcode Scanners and Readers

Buy barcode scanners from The Retail Factory. Barcode scanners or barcode readers as they are alternatively known are electronic devices that are used to read printed barcodes, which are identifying tags that cannot be read by humans. They use a light source and an optical lens to scan the code and translate optical signals into electrical signals which are then sent to a database where they can be translated into the unique tag attributed to the barcode.

For example, if someone purchases a chocolate bar, the shopkeeper would use the scanner to scan the barcode on the chocolate bar. The light source moves over the barcode and sends a code back to the scanner based on the light intensity of each pixel of the label it scans over. This is translated into an electrical signal which is sent to a database, where that code is matched against one that reveals what the product is, how much it costs and other information.

Barcode readers are now commonplace in supermarkets and other retail outlets because they have made the process of shopping much easier and faster. Instead of typing in each price manually which would take several seconds at the least, the scanner can quickly retrieve the price from a database in milliseconds. They can also be used to retrieve stock information of each product. Barcode readers are also necessary to read barcode labels that are used in warehouses, airports, cinemas, music festivals and even bee farms.

There are a similar type of scanner that reads barcodes for a different purpose. These are called barcode verifiers and are used by businesses that print barcodes but can be used by any other business that uses bar codes. Retailers can receive large fines for barcodes that are non-compliant so they regularly verify their bar codes using barcode verifiers. Barcode verifiers are used to test the grade of a barcode to ensure that any scanner can read it. They are rated between 0.0 to 4.0 (and graded F to A). Barcode Reader / Scanner Types

There are several types of barcode readers. The most common type is the handheld barcode scanner, although there are also wireless readers, fixed position scanners, pen or wand scanners, stationary scanners and PDA scanners.

Choosing the right barcode scanner depends on the needs of the business. For example, if the scanner is needed in a large fulfilment warehouse, the best option would be to use wireless scanners so that staff can walk around the warehouse checking the stock of each item. Obviously a fixed or counter mounted scanner could not provide this kind of solution. However, a small retail shop may not be able to justify the cost of a wireless reader when a normal handheld scanner is cheaper and just as effective. Popular Barcode Reader / Scanner Manufacturers

Some of the top barcode scanner manufacturers are, Datalogic, Denso, Hand Held, HHP, Intermec, Microscan, Metrologic, Motorola, Opticon, PSC, Symbol, Unitech, Wasp Technologies, Welch Allyn, and Zebex.