The CCD Handheld Barcode Scanner - Considering Your Needs

The handheld barcode scanner has revolutionisedscanners which employ an LCD display making
inventory management, allowing your organisationthem prone to damage. You can either buy
to have instant access to a massive amount ofadditional protection in the form of rubber sleeves
information almost instantly. Its operation dependsor buy 'rugged' barcode scanners which have a
on a light source hitting the sensor in a patternnumber of damage-resistant features built in.
that is determined by a barcode, which is thenNow we've already mentioned it, PDA handheld
interpreted by the barcode scanner as a readablescanners need to be considered. These scanners
string of information. Software then takes overmake use of both laser and CCD technology,
this raw data and interprets the data intounless your PDA has a camera, in which case you
numbers, which in turn accesses the relevantcan already utilise its CCD imaging technology
records.using specialised software. A laser scanner
An elegant and simple solution that has savedCompact Flash card can cost around $300 (the
many man hours and increased productivity,Pretec CF LASER Barcode Scanner for PDA, for
handheld barcode scanners have varyinginstance), while a CCD barcode scanner CF card
technologies but all serve the same purpose. Socan cost around $170 (check out the Socket
which one should you really go for?Communications range of scanners). Even though
Brand is probably the first thing you will comemost people will be inclined to try out the CCD
across when choosing a handheld barcodescanner add-on due to price, do your research on
scanner. Among the most common are Symbolfinding up-to-date drivers and a manual that will
(Motorola), Datalogic, Metrologic, Trakker,guide you through the process. Without either of
Intermec and the popular and highly rated Waspthese, both installation and usage could be a
barcode scanner range. For a more integratedminefield.
solution - that is, the ability to integrate bothThe last important consideration to make when
software and hardware, Wasp Barcode Scannerslooking for a handheld barcode scanner is the
offer a great range of software to complementdifference between wired and wireless. If you are
their barcode scanners.working in a POS environment, go for a wired
Price is always top priority with businesses,scanner without a doubt. Wireless handheld
especially when it comes to their own assets.barcode scanners have a good battery life now,
Barcode scanners can range from as little as $40however, up to around 50 hours (the range of
to up and above $1500. What exactly do you getWasp barcode scanners) whilst a CCD barcode
for your money? Four things: durability, scanscanner may have around 30 hours or 25,000
quality, speed and features. A laser scanner isscans. Also, make sure you choose a scanner
always going to be more expensive, purelythat has an integrated battery with docking
because of the laser itself which is expensive tostation for easy recharging - this is the only way
manufacture. A CCD barcode scanner, on theto ensure you won't get caught out when
other hand, is much more economical (see 'Thescanning.
CCD Barcode Scanner: A False Economy?' forWhen considering your needs for a CCD barcode
more details on how economical they can be).scanner, always have in mind three things when
Better imaging technology means that CCDbuying: Brand quality, pricing and needs, features
barcode scanners are getting to the same qualityand freedom of movement. Only then will you
as laser scanners. Durability really applies to PDAmake a sound buying decision as a result.