Choosing the Right Barcode Scanners with
Indian Barcode Corporation
Barcode scanners have become easier to use than ever before.
Long gone are the days of dealing with decoder boxes and multiple cables going
everywhere. Simply plug the cable into the scanner and PC and you're up and
running!
While their operation has become easier, there are now more
options and varieties of scanners to choose from. Picking the right one can be
a challenge without understanding the various types and options.
The first step in finding the right scanner is identifying
your specific needs:
• Where will the
scanner be used? Is it a rugged environment?
• How often will it
be used?
• What kind of
barcodes will you be reading?
• How will the
scanner be used?
• Can you stay
connected to a PC?
Knowing how you'll be using the scanner will help you decide
what scanner type, form factor, and other options you'll need. Understanding
each of these factors will help you find the right scanner for your needs.
Barcode Scanner Types
One of the most important concerns when choosing a suitable
scanner is the type of scan engine it has. This is ultimately dependent on the
type of barcodes that you will be reading and how aggressive of a unit you'll
need. There are 3 main types of scan engines:
This is the most well known scanner type. It uses a red
diode laser to read the reflectance of the black and white spaces in a barcode.
Laser scanners are only able to read standard linear (1D) barcodes but are also
the most cost effective option. Standard laser scanners can read from a few
inches to a foot or two away depending on the size of the barcode. There are
also extended range laser scanners, like the Motorola LS3408ER, which can read
up to 35ft away when using large reflective labels.
Linear imager scanners are similar to lasers in that they
also only read 1D barcodes. But instead of reading reflected light from the
laser, they take a picture of the barcode. It then analyzes this image to
extract the information from the code. Linear imagers, like the Honeywell
1300g, have become a very good replacement for laser scanner as their read
ranges and costs have become similar. A linear imager also does a better job
reading poorly printed or damaged codes compared to lasers. For applications
that need a more aggressive scanner, a linear imager will be a great fit for
the same cost.
Like linear imagers, full 2D imagers also capture an image
to analyze. But compared to the linear only devices, these scanners can read
any type of barcode. 1D, stacked, and 2D barcodes are all supported by a 2D
imager. Another advantage these imagers have is that the orientation of the
barcode isn't important when reading. With lasers and linear imagers, you have
to line up the indicator horizontally across the barcode. A 2D imager is taking
a more detailed image and is more intelligent, so you can read a code in any
direction. This results in faster reads with less aiming. 2D imagers, like the
Honeywell 1900, can also read barcodes off of any surface including a monitor
or phone screen. With their added abilities and very aggressive reading, 2D
imagers are becoming more popular in all industries to speed up scanning
applications and expand the ways in which barcodes are used.
Form Factors
Once you know what type of scanner you'll need, the next big
question is what form factor the scanner will be. Most of us are familiar with
the basic gun-style and in-counter scanners from retail and grocery stores.
There are 5 main form factors for scanners, and each has advantages depending
on your application and how you'll use the scanner.
- Handheld Barcode Scanner:Handheld Barcode Scanners These are by far the most common
form that scanners come in and are very easy to operate. Simply aim the scanner
at the barcode and pull the trigger. Most models, like the Motorola LS2208,
will also offer a stand for hands-free operation. Handheld scanners are also
available in cordless form to avoid cable clutter and increase your mobility.
- Presentation Barcode Scanner :
Presentation Barcode Scanners Presentation scanners, like
the Metrologic MS7580, are designed to sit on a counter-top and don't need to
be picked-up or held. These scanners are made for hands-free scanning and will
not require triggering to read. Likewise, instead of a single aimer like
handheld scanners, presentation scanners have wide reading areas to reduce the
need for aiming. You'll find these types of scanners at retail check-outs since
it is easy to scan many items quickly. Just present the barcode in front of the
scanner and it will read it automatically.
Mobile Computer Barcode Scanner:
Mobile Computer Barcode Scanners While they also do more
than what basic scanners do, mobile computers provide complete freedom since
both the PC and scanner are in a single device. Where other scanners need to be
connected to a PC, mobile computers like the Motorola MC75A can move around
freely while storing information into their internal memory or communicate via
Wi-Fi and Cellular (WAN) networks. Mobile computers are ideal for applications
that require true mobility like inventory management and asset tracking.
- In-counter Barcode Scanner:
In-counter Barcode Scanners In-counter scanners are similar
to presentation scanners in that you just present the barcode in front of the
reader
�" however,
these are made to be embedded into a counter-top. You have probably come across
these types of scanners at grocery stores and self check-out lines. Units like
the Datalogic Magellan 8300, are easy to operate for any user. Many models also
have integrated scales to completely serve a POS lane.
- Fixed Mount Barcode Scanner :
Fixed Mount Barcode Scanners A fixed scanner is a bit more
specialized compared to the other types since it is really meant to be
integrated with a larger automated system. These scanners are made to be
mounted on a conveyor line or in a kiosk and do not have a typical trigger or button
to scan. Often, these scanners will always be on or get triggered by external
sensors or controllers. Fixed scanners come in a wide range of speeds, like the
Microscan MS-9, to accommodate even very high speed assembly lines without any
user intervention.
Industry
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Corded
Handheld
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Cordless
Handheld
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Presentation
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Mobile
Computer
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In-counter
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Fixed
Mount
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Retail
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Grocery
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Warehousing
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Healthcare
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Manufacturing
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Education
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Logistics
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Field Services
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Connectivity - Corded vs. Cordless
Every scanner has to communicate with a PC to transmit the
barcode information into the software that you are using. Historically, there
were only corded scanners that connected directly to the PC through a cable.
These are still the most common scanner type and normally interface with a PC
through a USB connection. Serial (RS232), PS/2, and proprietary terminal connections
are also available for many models. Corded scanners are easy to get up and
running and will be your least expensive option.
Cordless scanners have become more common today as their
costs have become much more affordable. These handheld scanners function the
same way a corded scanner works except that the scanner communicates to a base
station wirelessly. This base station is then connected to your PC through a
cable. Your PC does not need to have any wireless support since the cradle and
scanner handle all of this. Just plug in the cradle, pair the scanner to the
base, and you are ready to start scanning. It is very easy to replace a corded
scanner with a cordless one since it has no effect on your PC or software.
Most cordless scanners use Bluetooth to communicate, which
normally gives you a range of 33ft. There are some specialized Bluetooth and
proprietary wireless units that can transmit beyond 200ft. Some models also
offer additional features that corded scanners don't, such as batch memory modes
and direct pairing. The Motorola LS4278 for example, can pair directly to a
device without using its cradle. This makes it a perfect match to use with a
laptop, tablet, or smartphone that has built-in Bluetooth capabilities.
Cordless scanners can provide greater mobility and freedom from cable clutter
in any application.
Ruggedness
Regardless of the environment that you'll be using your
scanner in, ruggedness is always something to consider. Environment is a big
factor, though you should also consider how the scanner will be used. You may
be in a standard environment but if the scanners are mistreated, a more rugged
option will help save time and money down the road.
Most scanners are designed for daily use in an office or
retail environment. An accidental drop once in a while will be ok. But if you
are using your scanners in a warehouse or outdoor environment, you will want to
consider a ruggedized unit like the Motorola LS3408FZ. The differences between
a ruggedized and standard model are quite drastic. Rugged units are completely
sealed against dust and can handle repeated 6ft drops on concrete. With a
rubberized case, they can handle severe mistreatment. Some of them can even be
used as a hammer without any problems!
You can always tell a ruggedized scanner by their bright
yellow or red cases. They may be more expensive, but the time lost when a
scanner breaks and the cost of replacing it quickly balances out the initial
extra cost.
Finding the Right Scanner
With all the options available for barcode scanners today,
it's important to find the right device for your business needs. Determining
how you will use the scanner and what features you need will make the decision
process easier. If you are still having difficulty or have additional
questions, give our scanner experts a call. We're happy to help you out.
For more information kindly visit us at-- www.indianbarcode.com
