| If you are shopping for a barcode reader then | | | | Laser-based |
| there are things you need to consider before you | | | | Charged coupled device |
| signup to an agreement with any barcode reader | | | | Camera-based |
| distributor out there. The primary consideration will | | | | Do not be daunted by the terminologies what it |
| be the kind of environment this barcode reader | | | | simply implies is that laser-based barcode readers |
| will be used. If you anticipate that you need to | | | | uses lasers to read a “barcoded” |
| move around so much then you will have to | | | | merchandise. As the item passes through this |
| choose the portable barcode readers which can | | | | device the depth and thickness of the barcode |
| connect with your central processing unit via | | | | which is then translated into characters then later |
| Bluetooth. This would sound great – indeed it | | | | into useful information for the end-user and the |
| is but there are a few things you need to think | | | | client concerned. The charge coupled device uses |
| about number one is the cost of this tool and the | | | | light to read the barcode while the camera-based |
| other one is that this type of device since it is | | | | barcode reader takes a picture of the image and |
| wireless will require charging more often | | | | then matches that image from the database and |
| compared to its wired predecessor that connects | | | | present the information on-screen. Each type will |
| directly to your central processing unit via a USB | | | | have it advantage and disadvantage but what is |
| port. This device does not require charging since it | | | | important is how this barcode reader technology |
| gets its power from the connection it comes with | | | | will help your business to become more efficient |
| – via USB. This one is more affordable but | | | | and productive. |
| constraints the user from moving away from the | | | | Now that you have the things you need to |
| central processing unit at a defined length | | | | consider before making that purchase of your |
| depending on the wire that stretches from your | | | | very own barcode reader system, what you |
| central processing unit to the item which requires | | | | need to prepare now is the resources you will |
| scanning. | | | | need for the purchase and the manpower you will |
| Another thing you need to consider is the sturdy | | | | need to train to use this technology. The savings |
| nature of the device – if you anticipate any | | | | you will get will range from – savings on cost, |
| form of bump or accidental dropping of the | | | | savings on manpower (since you will no longer |
| barcode reader then you will have to consider | | | | need more people to manage your inventory |
| buying a more robust device that can withstand a | | | | processes), savings on time (since you will need |
| barrage of abuse it will encounter in your | | | | less time to do inventory count unlike when you |
| operation. | | | | perform this manually). |
| After putting that on your laundry list of | | | | You can also position the handheld barcode |
| consideration the next think you will have to | | | | scanner anywhere on the item thus making it |
| consider is the type of barcode scanner you will | | | | very ideal in scanning bulky items or items that |
| purchase. There are three major classifications for | | | | are stacked up in higher places. |
| this and they are as follows; | | | | |