| Bar code scanners are used to read the bar codes | | | | scanner will not be able to read it correctly. For |
| found on products in a wide variety of situations. Most | | | | example, a 10 mil wand cannot read a 5 mil bar code. It |
| of us are familiar with bar codes found on packages | | | | is important to keep this in mind when purchasing a |
| at the grocery store. When you purchase an item, the | | | | wand scanner. |
| bar code on the package is scanned by a bar code | | | | 2. The CCD Scanner - CCD (charged coupled device) |
| scanner. This automatically calls up the item particulars | | | | technology is the next least expensive bar code |
| such as the item name and unit cost. The cost is then | | | | scanning system. Like the wand scanner, CCD |
| calculated automatically and added to your bill. | | | | readers must be in direct contact with the bar code |
| At the same time the stock control system records | | | | label in order to read it. But unlike the wand, there is no |
| the fact that you have purchased a can of soup or | | | | need to move the device across the label. The |
| box of cereal, and the inventory tally maintained in the | | | | operator simply presses the reader against the label |
| central database is reduced to reflect the fact that | | | | and pulls the trigger. The bar code is then |
| someone has purchased one of these items. Inventory | | | | photographed, digitized and decoded by the system. |
| control is more or less automatic, assuming that all the | | | | Of the various types of bar code scanners, CCD |
| data was input correctly in the first place. | | | | readers are the easiest to use, and are available in |
| In a small business setting implementing such a system | | | | widths from about 2 inches to 4 inches. A CCD reader |
| starts with stock control software where information | | | | is about four times the cost of a wand, but only about |
| about inventory items is stored. Bar code scanners are | | | | one third the cost of a laser scanner. |
| used to input data into the stock control system. Each | | | | A promising new technology similar to CCD is called |
| time an item passes in or out of inventory it is scanned | | | | FFO (Fixed Focus Optics). These scanners are |
| and the appropriate change of status is recorded in | | | | non-contact readers, which means they can read bar |
| the inventory database. | | | | codes from as much as 20" away. They will also be |
| Such a system can even create unique bar codes for | | | | able to read two-dimensional bar codes as they |
| items that do not already have them. For new items a | | | | become more popular. |
| unique bar code is generated by the software, and | | | | 3. The Laser Scanner |
| then a bar code printer is used to print a bar code label | | | | Laser scanners use a beam of light to rapidly scan |
| that is then affixed to the item. | | | | across the bar code label. This means the scanner |
| Here are the three most popular types of bar code | | | | itself remains stationary, and there is no need for direct |
| scanners currently in use: | | | | contact with the bar code label. Scanning is automatic |
| 1. The Wand Scanner - The most basic type of bar | | | | in the sense that the scanning action is initiated when |
| code scanner is the "wand". This is a pen-type | | | | an object is held in front of it. |
| scanner that needs to be kept in contact with the bar | | | | This system is popular in many different settings. For |
| code when scanning it. The wand emits a light which is | | | | example, since scanning is done rapidly, laser scanners |
| reflected off the bar code and then decoded by the | | | | can be embedded right within conveyor systems. As |
| system to identify the item. | | | | objects pass quickly by they are scanned and |
| The wand system works well in most applications, and | | | | recorded. In retail stores the check out person simply |
| it is by far the least expensive type of bar code | | | | moves objects over the scanner to activate the |
| scanner. A typical wand costs about 1/10th the price of | | | | scanning action. This kind of system is fast enough to |
| a laser gun, and about 1/5th the price of a CCD | | | | keep up with a clerk just taking objects from one side |
| scanner. | | | | of the scanner and sliding them to the other side. Such |
| But wand scanners have their limitations. In order to | | | | a system is much faster and much more accurate |
| get an accurate scan the wand must be held at a | | | | than any of the popular alternatives currently available. |
| fairly precise angle relative to the bar code. It must also | | | | Regardless of which scanning system is best for your |
| be slid across the bar code at a speed that is neither | | | | business right now, be sure to purchase stock control |
| too fast nor too slow. And all wand bar code scanners | | | | software that lets you implement other scanning |
| have a resolution limit. If a bar code has a resolution | | | | technologies as the need arises. |
| that is significantly finer than the wand scanner, the | | | | |