Are you considering buying a new barcode scanner but don’t know where to start? Do you not know what budget to set and have no idea how to best orient yourself? This article will teach you everything you need to know to buy the best barcode scanner!
Table of Contents
Type of Barcodes
First, we must establish the type of barcodes we will usually deal with. There are two types: 1D and 2D, which are linear and two-dimensional.
The linear barcode is the classic, while the two-dimensional QR code is the most recent and is also used in various digital applications.
Reader sensor: CCD, laser, or imager
Now, let’s move on to sensor technology. We will focus on CCD, lasers, and imagers:
- CCD: uses an LED and is very versatile. It can identify a code from a close distance and a distance (20 – 30 cm). It is ideal for traditional checkout operations in which the products to be processed are not significant in size.
- Laser: This technology is intended for department stores that sell goods of considerable size. The laser sensor can easily read a code up to 2 meters away.
- Imager: more efficient and faster. They adapt to non-optimal conditions and identify codes at the limit of legibility. They are also compatible with two-dimensional models.
Corded or cordless?
If you need a reader for cash transactions and are not on the move, opt for the cable version. It tends to be cheaper and performs its duty very well. If, on the other hand, your business mainly consists of identifying codes on the move (for example, in a large warehouse), the choice of the wireless reader will be obligatory.
How do I manage them?
With the consolidation of the USB standard on the market for a few decades and, more recently, micro-USB, most devices can be connected to a PC or tablet via this interface.