| For most of us, the closest we come to a barcode | | | | speed with which the wand is passed over the code. |
| scanner is when we are checking out groceries at the | | | | Then, in some cases, the lines making up the code |
| supermarket. That familiar beeping sound tells us that | | | | may be too fine for the wand to read. |
| the strange little square patch of lines on each product | | | | CCD Scanners are inexpensive as well and are very |
| we are purchasing, is being scanned. The scanner | | | | accurate for reading barcodes. Like the wand scanner, |
| reads the code, which is then recognized by the stock | | | | it needs to be touched to the barcode, but it doesn't |
| control system. Then the stored stock information, | | | | need to be waved, moved, or slid. A person simply |
| such as the name of the item and the price, comes up | | | | needs to touch it, and pull the trigger. CCD readers are |
| on the monitor screen and is tallied in with your other | | | | more expensive than a wand, but many people like |
| items. | | | | them because of their ease of operation. They come |
| This is how it works. As a store receives products, | | | | in 2 to 4 inch widths. |
| each item is entered into a database. Then when an | | | | A sub-category of the CCD, is the FFO, or Fixed |
| item is sold, it is deducted from the database. The fact | | | | Focus Optic scanner. These don't require the direct |
| that the stock control system is alerted each time a | | | | touch with a bar code, and will read codes from 20 |
| customer purchases a box of detergent or an apple, | | | | inches away, giving the operator a bit more flexibility. |
| keeps the inventory information completely up to date. | | | | They can read two-dimensional codes as well, which |
| The good old days when a store would close down | | | | are becoming more popular. |
| while dozens of people physically counted all the items | | | | Laser Scanners utilize a beam of light to scan the |
| on their shelves, is over. | | | | barcode label. With this system, you move the |
| The first order of business when installing a stock | | | | barcode across the scanner. The label just needs to |
| control system for the first time, is to purchase the | | | | be held up to the reader, not touching it. Perhaps you |
| appropriate software. It is the software that will keep | | | | have seen these in stores that have installed price |
| tabs on all your inventory. You will then need a | | | | checkers throughout the store. That way, you can |
| barcode scanner to scan the codes on all your | | | | verify the price of an item before you make your way |
| products. Some products have the code printed right | | | | to the check out. Laser scanners are quick and more |
| on the package, other have stickers with code | | | | accurate than any other system. Make a point next |
| imprinted on them. When your new system is installed | | | | time you are purchasing some items, to see just how |
| and working, you will easily be able to generate | | | | quick the process has become. |
| reports. You will know instantly how many tubes of | | | | Wireless Scanners give the operator the freedom to |
| toothpaste you have, how many were sold, and when | | | | roam around a warehouse, while staying connected to |
| you should be reordering. | | | | your network via the new Bluetooth technology. You |
| If an item doesn't have a unique bar code, you can | | | | can move your scanner to your products, rather than |
| create one with your stock control software. Then, | | | | lugging heavy items to your scanner. Imagine how |
| simply push the button on your barcode printer to | | | | convenient this would be in a facility that stocks items |
| generate a label. There you have it, a brand new UPC | | | | such as water heaters, snowmobiles, or appliances. |
| code to stick on your item. | | | | Some systems can transmit data about a hundred |
| There are four kinds of barcode scanners available | | | | and fifty feet, making it ideal for retail, office, and light |
| today. Here is some information on each of them. | | | | industrial situations. |
| Wand Scanners are great for most uses. They are | | | | There's a barcode scanner system for every |
| the least expensive, coming in at about a tenth of a | | | | business, and every budget. This is one of the most |
| laser gun scanner, and a fifth of a CCD scanner. They | | | | amazing inventions to come along in our lifetime. No |
| are light and easy to hold, just like a pen. The light they | | | | longer do business owners have to struggle with |
| emit is reflected off the UPC code, and the POS | | | | manually counting the products that they sell. Barcode |
| system decodes the information and recognizes the | | | | technology takes away most of the drudgery, leaving |
| product. It can be a bit tricky to obtain a successful | | | | you with the valuable information that you need to run |
| reading however. A person needs to perfect the | | | | your business efficiently. |