| Bar code scanners serve wherever there is a | | | | freezer, they might be difficult to scan. |
| need for accurate identification and product | | | | Retail vs. Industrial Use of Bar Code Scanners |
| tracking. These devices increase operational | | | | Retail stores would benefit from handheld or even |
| efficiency and reduce errors. However, selecting | | | | wireless scanners. These are mounted on a handle |
| the correct kind of scanner largely depends on | | | | and have a button for switching on the light. Pen |
| the kind of application it will be used for. There | | | | or wand scanners are similar, except you have to |
| are about four main types of scanners, pen or | | | | move the scanner across the code. Retailers also |
| wand type, semi-automatic, fixed mount and | | | | prefer stationary, semi-automatic scanners that |
| reader gates. | | | | are usually fixed around the check-out area, such |
| Factors to Consider | | | | as within the countertop. |
| The common factors effecting the selection of a | | | | A large-scale through-put of products that need |
| bar code scanner include the distance of scanning, | | | | to be scanned, use fixed scanners and reader |
| connection to computers, speed and frequency of | | | | gates. These automatic scanners are for industrial |
| scans and volume of scanning required. For long | | | | use and can be combined with conveyor belts on |
| range scanning (currently limited at 24 inches), | | | | a manufacturing or assembly line for large volume |
| you would require a laser barcode scanner, as | | | | processing. No operator is required and the time |
| image-based scanners operate at a maximum of | | | | taken for scanning is also less. Large scale storage |
| 4-10 inches. | | | | operations also use fixed position readers for |
| Smaller bar codes require manual handling so that | | | | tracking inventory, shipping destinations and even |
| they can be read correctly. Larger codes, such as | | | | the weight of the product. |
| those on warehouse cartons, can be read from a | | | | If you intend to interface the scanner with a PC |
| distance. Hence, this process can be automated | | | | or a dedicated system, you need to check out |
| and integrated with a manufacturing or assembly | | | | the supporting software or hardware required to |
| line. If the environment in which it is to be used is | | | | process the data generated by the bar code |
| dusty or humid, or products are stored in a | | | | reader. |