| Barcode scanner is a commonly used electronic | | | | to use, barcode scanners are fast gaining |
| device that reads printed barcodes. Also known | | | | popularity in different areas of life. |
| as Point of sale scanner, it is widely used in areas | | | | There are many types of bar code scanners |
| where large number of goods or stock is | | | | available today in market and its selection depends |
| involved, like in warehouses, library, supermarkets | | | | on the type of industry and work environment it |
| etc. | | | | is used for. The most popular ones are hand held |
| Barcodes are assigned on product labels usually to | | | | and hands free barcode scanners. |
| automate the process of sale or transaction. Each | | | | Hand held barcode scanners are often used like a |
| barcode has specific symbols defined as a series | | | | pen where the operator swipes the scanner over |
| of bars. A barcode scanner's photo sensors can | | | | the code to read it. This type of bar code |
| capture this coded data on barcodes and translate | | | | scanner is cheaper and durable but needs to be |
| it into electronic pluses. This data when sent to a | | | | used in a certain angle and swiped at a certain |
| computer is then decoded into readable text using | | | | speed to ensure correct reading. It's ideal for |
| a special software application. The entire process | | | | retail, hospital, education or offices. |
| happens very quickly and takes only a few | | | | Hands free bar scanners are wireless models. |
| milliseconds. | | | | They are mostly used for industrial purposes like |
| The main idea behind use of barcodes on product | | | | in large warehouses. Since hands free bar |
| has been to track inventory and pricing of the | | | | scanners allow more freedom of movement, it |
| product in a simplified and more efficient way. Use | | | | ensures more efficiency. |
| of barcode scanners makes the task of reading | | | | Being an extremely efficient, cost effective |
| information on products 10 times faster than a | | | | alternative to manual task, barcode scanners are |
| person entering information by hand. This also | | | | beneficial for both the company and its |
| means lesser room for human error. Being simple | | | | customers. |