| Choosing a barcode scanner can be a challenging | | | | · Asset tracking and audits |
| task if you don't have a lot of experience. This is | | | | · Inspections |
| a quick overview of what you should know when | | | | · Operator rounds |
| selecting barcode scanners. | | | | Mobile computer scanners range in price from |
| 1D or 2D? | | | | $1250 to $3000+. |
| The first question you need to ask is what type | | | | Hand-held barcode scanners are dedicated devices |
| of barcode you will be scanning: 1D or 2D. This is | | | | that usually are connected to a PC or terminal. |
| important because a 1D scanner cannot scan 2D | | | | With hand-held scanners, it is up to the PC to |
| barcodes, although 2D scanners can scan 1D | | | | handle the application and processing of the |
| barcodes. A 1D barcode has black vertical lines. | | | | barcode. These are usually seen in retail |
| 1D barcodes have a range of symbologies: | | | | environments at the Point of Sale (POS) or |
| code39, code128 and UPC are typical. UPC | | | | mounted on forklifts where an operator has a |
| (Universal Product Codes) barcodes are found on | | | | terminal on the forklift and uses the scanner to |
| merchandise and store products, whereas the | | | | confirm what they load. |
| other symbologies are typically used for internal | | | | Handheld scanners usually connect via the serial |
| tracking such as manufacturer serial numbers, | | | | port and can work wirelessly (e.g. Bluetooth or |
| inventory locations, etc. Most scanners are | | | | proprietary) or tethered. If wireless, they can |
| configurable to filter out and read only the | | | | scan anywhere from 2 - 30 feet away from the |
| symbologies you specify. If you don't know the | | | | host computer. |
| symbology you are using, you should check to | | | | Most hand-held scanners have an option to take |
| confirm that the scanner can read it if you elect | | | | whatever is scanned and put it in the keyboard |
| to use a 1D scanner. | | | | buffer, which makes it appear that someone |
| 2D barcodes store more information than 1D | | | | typed the barcode value. When operating in this |
| barcodes, but they require a 2D reader. Common | | | | mode, it is simple to use with existing applications. |
| examples of 2D include drivers license, FedEx and | | | | You should check with each type of scanner to |
| UPS package tracking. Benefits of 2D include being | | | | ensure it supports the keyboard buffer, otherwise |
| able to read the barcode even if a portion of the | | | | you will need to ensure it has drivers to support |
| label is damaged or obscured, as well as storing | | | | your operating system. Most scanners support |
| much more information that a 1D barcode. | | | | Windows; however, that does not mean they |
| Most people will use 1D barcode scanners since | | | | support Windows CE which is usually the OS on |
| that is the most popular. | | | | forklift terminals, or Linux or Blackberry or any |
| Imager or Laser Barcode Scanner? | | | | other OS. |
| Laser barcode scanners read 1D barcodes. Most | | | | If you elect to use a BlueTooth scanner, you |
| new handheld, PDA or mobile scanners have | | | | need to ensure it supports your device. For |
| converted and use an imager. An imager allows | | | | instance, if you want to scan to a phone or PDA, |
| you to read 1D or 2D, although when you | | | | you need to ensure the scanner has drivers. Just |
| purchase the scanner you should be careful to | | | | because you have a Blackberry device with |
| specify that you need to read 2D barcodes even | | | | Bluetooth, do not assume a Bluetooth scanner will |
| if it says in includes an imager. | | | | work. |
| Laser scanners emit a thin red line of light (the | | | | Hand-held scanners like the Motorola LS 2208 are |
| laser) which reads the barcode. Many imagers also | | | | around $200. Tethered scanners can be less than |
| emit a red line of light, but this is just to help the | | | | $100. Bluetooth scanners like the Baracoda or |
| user target what they are scanning. An imager | | | | Socket scanner are $400-$600. |
| takes a picture of the barcode and then decodes | | | | A third option is a fixed mount scanner. These |
| it, so imager can handle misaligned, damaged or | | | | scanners are usually installed on conveyor belts, |
| dirty barcodes better than laser scanners. | | | | self-serve grocery checkout stands and store |
| Mobile, Hand-held or Fixed? | | | | price lookups. With fixed mount scanners, you |
| The form factor for scanners varies by the type | | | | have to ensure the barcode will pass within a |
| of application. For handheld data collection | | | | readable distance and at a suitable angle. Grocery |
| applications, you should look for a scanner built | | | | store checkout stands have multiple scanners to |
| into rugged mobile devices like Intermec CN3, | | | | address this. In applications like conveyor belts, |
| CN50 or Motorola MC55 or MC75 devices. These | | | | fixed mount scanners can be tied to |
| scanners are integrated into mobile computers so | | | | light-activated sensors so the scanner is activated |
| a mobile software application talks directly to the | | | | when the light beam is broken. This enables you |
| scanner using the scanner API. Examples of | | | | to 1) know when you should expect to read a |
| mobile computer scanner applications include: | | | | barcode 2) control the time to read a barcode. |
| · Inventory counts | | | | Fixed mount scanners for industrial type use can |
| · Proof of Delivery | | | | range in price from $500 - $1500. |