Tips for choosing the right barcode scanner (barcode reader) for your business

Barcode scanners commonly found in supermarkets, department stores, and shops. In fact, there are many models of barcode scanner used in many businesses. Choosing the right barcode scanner for your use may require some basic knowledge, as follows:

1. 1D or 2D barcodes

1D barcodes are an arrangement of "bars" or "bars" as many parallel lines with thickness and spaces arranged in a systematic and meaningful manner. This format is called linear or 1D, and data is read through the length with spacing and thickness of the bars. Later, the bar-bar format was developed into a form of points, squares, hexagons, and other geometric patterns that are more shaped. Or it can be said that 2D barcodes are available in many forms and are widely used. But what we often see today is the QR Code, which has the ability to scan data and save images like taking a picture with a digital camera. To be processed in terms of height, allowing more detailed data than barcodes

2. Types of barcode scanner

• Handheld barcode scanner are the barcode scanner that we often see today. They require hand holding and controlling throughout use to scan barcodes on objects. The device is convenient for picking up large items more easily. Some devices may have a stand for the barcode reader, which allows automatic scanning as well.
• Desktop barcode scanner are barcode scanner that are specifically designed for tabletop use. They can be moved and placed as appropriate. They are fast in reading and will work immediately when the barcode passes the position where the device can capture the image. They are suitable for stores that need to use their hands to pick up items all the time. They are mostly used in department stores and hotels.
• Fixed Mount barcode scanner are barcode scanner that are specifically designed for installation. They cannot be moved. Objects with barcodes must be moved to within the specified light frame. The device will scan and process automatically. They are often seen at cashier tables in department stores where salespeople will bring the item with the barcode to the reader embedded in the table to start selling.

3. Connectivity type

Wired barcode reader is a barcode reader that relies on data transmission between the reader and the main device that stores data via a signal cable. Which will have limitations in terms of usage distance, such as the length of the barcode reader cable. Wireless barcode reader is a barcode reader that relies on wave signals to send data to the main device that stores data, such as Bluetooth. The accuracy depends on the signal distance as well as the environment, such as interference, obstacles, and the appropriateness of the device's placement.

4. Type of barcode readers

1. SR (Standard Resolution) General barcode scanner
2. FZ (Fuzzy Logic) Barcode scanner that are faded or have reduced intensity from the original
3. ER (Extra Long Range) Barcode scanner at a distance or large barcodes, suitable for closed industrial areas
4. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) Barcode heads and for characters that have only OCR technology-supported Fonts, suitable for work that requires reading barcode values that require characters to be processed for speed and accuracy
5. HD (High Density) Barcode scanner that are smaller than 4 mil
6. DP / DPM (Direct Part Marks) Barcode scanner that use printing technology that is embedded into the surface of the material. Most of them are materials that are used in specific jobs that have surfaces that cannot be attached with barcode stickers or require the durability of the barcode that may be scratched, washed with chemicals, etc.

Barcode scanner by Type of Application

1. Manufacturing Industry

Recommended barcode scanner: Handheld Computers for industrial plants that are durable in various environments, heavy use, waterproof, resistant to falling from heights and can withstand various impacts.

• Raw material storage, including management of process progress and traceability, until the delivery of finished goods
• Collecting workpieces and materials will be receiving goods to manage data recorded in the database by attaching barcode labels and scanning barcode labels, which this type of storage will help reduce the work required to inspect the warehouse very well.
• Process progress management, control of work in progress in the warehouse, including tracking work results (traceability), managing working hours, tracking progress in real time and sending data to record in the database and collecting data in the work process correctly and traceability.

2. Logistics, transportation of goods and warehousing

• Pick-up points or drop-off points are recommended as 1D/2D code readers in handheld form, wired.
• Points for wiping goods out of the warehouse, checking goods and shipping points are recommended as 1D/2D code readers in the form of portable computers to check goods in the shipping process. At present, innovation has been developed into an RFID system that can detect and check the status online.

3. Supermarkets, department stores, shops

• Product inspection points, recommend a 1D/2D code reader in the form of a portable computer. It may be used with a portable label printer in case you need to print a new barcode, for example, to check the price of the product.
• POS payment points, recommend a 1D/2D code reader in the form of a handheld or desktop, and use it with a wire.

Summary of how to choose a Barcode Scanner (Barcode reader)

1. Choose a barcode reader according to the environment or place of use.
2. Choose a barcode reader head that is suitable for the barcode we want to read, 1D or 2D.
3. Choose a specific reader head that is suitable for the barcode we want to use.
4. Choose a connection that is suitable for use. First, choose a wired or wireless type, based on the actual operation. Which type is most suitable for use? Second, choose a connection to the Host device or Software that is being used appropriately, such as which connection types the computer supports or which connection types the Software supports.
5. Choose a barcode reader Suitable for our usage methods, such as handheld, desktop, or Fix-mount.
6. Choose a barcode reader by looking at the price, brand, and the appropriate price for the organization or the available budget.

The most important thing is to choose a barcode reader from a seller with knowledge, experience, and readiness to provide assistance with usage and after-sales service.