| The handheld barcode scanner has revolutionised | | | | scanners which employ an LCD display making |
| inventory management, allowing your organisation | | | | them prone to damage. You can either buy |
| to have instant access to a massive amount of | | | | additional protection in the form of rubber sleeves |
| information almost instantly. Its operation depends | | | | or buy 'rugged' barcode scanners which have a |
| on a light source hitting the sensor in a pattern | | | | number of damage-resistant features built in. |
| that is determined by a barcode, which is then | | | | Now we've already mentioned it, PDA handheld |
| interpreted by the barcode scanner as a readable | | | | scanners need to be considered. These scanners |
| string of information. Software then takes over | | | | make use of both laser and CCD technology, |
| this raw data and interprets the data into | | | | unless your PDA has a camera, in which case you |
| numbers, which in turn accesses the relevant | | | | can already utilise its CCD imaging technology |
| records. | | | | using specialised software. A laser scanner |
| An elegant and simple solution that has saved | | | | Compact 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 varying | | | | instance), while a CCD barcode scanner CF card |
| technologies but all serve the same purpose. So | | | | can 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 come | | | | most people will be inclined to try out the CCD |
| across when choosing a handheld barcode | | | | scanner add-on due to price, do your research on |
| scanner. Among the most common are Symbol | | | | finding 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 Wasp | | | | these, both installation and usage could be a |
| barcode scanner range. For a more integrated | | | | minefield. |
| solution - that is, the ability to integrate both | | | | The last important consideration to make when |
| software and hardware, Wasp Barcode Scanners | | | | looking for a handheld barcode scanner is the |
| offer a great range of software to complement | | | | difference 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 $40 | | | | however, up to around 50 hours (the range of |
| to up and above $1500. What exactly do you get | | | | Wasp barcode scanners) whilst a CCD barcode |
| for your money? Four things: durability, scan | | | | scanner may have around 30 hours or 25,000 |
| quality, speed and features. A laser scanner is | | | | scans. Also, make sure you choose a scanner |
| always going to be more expensive, purely | | | | that has an integrated battery with docking |
| because of the laser itself which is expensive to | | | | station for easy recharging - this is the only way |
| manufacture. A CCD barcode scanner, on the | | | | to ensure you won't get caught out when |
| other hand, is much more economical (see 'The | | | | scanning. |
| CCD Barcode Scanner: A False Economy?' for | | | | When 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 CCD | | | | buying: Brand quality, pricing and needs, features |
| barcode scanners are getting to the same quality | | | | and freedom of movement. Only then will you |
| as laser scanners. Durability really applies to PDA | | | | make a sound buying decision as a result. |