| p>There are several common types of bar code | | | | can only read 1 dimensional bar codes like Code 39, or |
| readers that you will encounter in the business world, | | | | UPC A. These can be useful in offices where the bar |
| be it retail, warehouse, laboratory or office. One | | | | codes are generally printed on paper documents. |
| popular type is the handheld scanner which you pick | | | | Wands are the least expensive and take up little |
| up and move toward the bar code. The laser or CCD | | | | space. As a rule, it is difficult to use a wand on a |
| light will either be on all the time, or will come on as a | | | | curved surface. The technology used in wands may |
| result of a sensor detecting movement. The beam of | | | | work well with black and white labels, but not with |
| light will be searching and scanning for a bar code. As | | | | color labels. |
| soon as it finds one it will read it and then send the | | | | The type of reader you choose will depend upon a |
| number of the code into the device it is attached to. | | | | number of factors including; |
| Once the number is received, say, at the network | | | | - price |
| server (as it is in a supermarket), the description, price | | | | - the type of computer or terminal the reader will have |
| and other information is sent back to the local station. | | | | to be attached to (compatibility) |
| Another type of bar code reader is a 'fixed mount' | | | | - the size of your retail counter and the need for |
| scanner. This can be mounted into a counter top and | | | | speed or efficiency, or whether the bar code reader |
| items to be scanned are then moved over the top of | | | | will be used in an office. Bar code readers that will be |
| it, or it can be a device that is mounted to project a | | | | used outside will also have special features including |
| horizontal beam and items are then moved in front of | | | | the ability to read codes in direct sunlight (think about |
| it. One advantage of the in-counter scanner is that | | | | glare), and weatherproofing. |
| both hands are free to process items, which is why | | | | - the type of products you sell ( whether they are all |
| supermarkets primarily use fixed mount scanners. | | | | small enough to be put on a counter, or maybe too big |
| Some fixed mount scanners also include built-in scales. | | | | or too heavy to be put on the counter by a shopper). |
| To experiment with a fixed mount scanner, visit the | | | | Also the color of the printed labels. Certain |
| local supermarket or WalMart that has a self-checkout | | | | technologies do not read brown or red labels well. |
| lane. Consistent success does require some practice! | | | | - the nature of your business, meaning the extent to |
| A third type of bar code reader, no longer very | | | | which it is retail or service oriented. |
| popular, is the pen or wand. This device is much like a | | | | For advice on the selection and installation of a bar |
| large pen that is pressed to the label and then dragged | | | | code reader we recommend consulting with a Value |
| across. The wand can read in either direction. Wands | | | | Added Reseller (VAR) or manufacturer. |