| Implementing a barcoding system can be a huge | | | | The photodiode generates a wave-like pattern, and |
| benefit to your business. Before choosing the right | | | | the pattern is used by the scanner's decoder to |
| barcoding system for your business, you need to | | | | decipher the code. In the same manner, a laser reader |
| understand your options when it comes to the | | | | also uses photodiodes to decipher the code. The |
| different types of barcode scanners available on the | | | | difference lies in the source of light they use; the laser |
| market. | | | | reader uses a laser beam. Also, the laser scanner has |
| Several types of barcode scanners are available in | | | | a rotating prism that keeps the beam moving back and |
| the market, varying in the methods of scanning and the | | | | forth through the barcode, thus, eliminating the need to |
| technologies they use to read and decode the | | | | swipe the scanner over the label. |
| barcodes. | | | | The CCD (charge-coupled device), meanwhile, uses |
| First, there are four methods of scanning implemented | | | | the emitted light from the barcode themselves to |
| in barcode scanners: the pen-type, semi-automatic, | | | | generate a pattern. It uses hundreds of tiny light |
| fixed-mounted, and gate readers. Both the pen-type | | | | sensors on its reader that measures the light from the |
| and the semi-automatic scanners need an operator in | | | | barcode and the voltage that results from the emission |
| order to function. In using the pen-type reader, the pen | | | | is what creates the pattern. Large field-of-view |
| needs to be swiped directly over the barcode for it to | | | | readers and video camera readers, on the other hand, |
| capture the image. This may seem inconvenient, but | | | | use cameras to capture the barcode image and then |
| pen readers are still widely used today because of | | | | an image-processing program in order to decode it. |
| their portability and durability. The semi-automatic | | | | This is the newest type of technology used in barcode |
| readers are handheld but can also be mounted easily. | | | | systems in terms of barcode scanning. |
| This is the commonly used scanner during inventory. It | | | | The most common barcode scanners in barcode |
| works like the pen-type scanner, but it does not require | | | | systems of various industries, however, still use the |
| contact or swiping in order to get the image; the | | | | omni-directional scanners. This is the most complex |
| reader only needs to be pointed in front of the label. | | | | type of technology but it is also the one that delivers |
| The better choices for barcode systems of | | | | the best result as it can read un-flattened, torn, |
| large-scale businesses are the fixed-mounted and the | | | | skewed, and even faded barcodes. To do this, it uses |
| gate readers as they can automatically read barcodes | | | | several scanning lines in varying angles and directions |
| and, thus, speed up the process. For the fixed-mount | | | | as well as a rotating polygonal mirror and several other |
| scanners, the item just needs to be directed on top of | | | | stationary mirrors. |
| the device's image-capturing component and it | | | | As you can see there are many different types of |
| automatically reads and decodes the barcode. This | | | | barcode scanners which use different types of |
| type of scanner is common in the barcode systems of | | | | technologies to read barcodes. The type of barcode |
| supermarkets. Gate readers, on the other hand, just | | | | scanner that will be best for your business will vary |
| need the items to be placed under the reader for a | | | | depending on the type of business you run and how |
| short time to allow for processing. These are perfect | | | | you plan to utilize the barcode scanner. |
| for assembly lines and conveyor belts. | | | | One final consideration you may want to consider is |
| Secondly, in terms of technologies applied in scanning | | | | that the barcode scanner will need to work with your |
| and decoding, there are also several options available. | | | | inventory management or point of sale software so |
| First is the one used in a pen or wand scanners. This | | | | you should consider software compatibility as part of |
| uses a light source and photodiodes to capture and | | | | your decision making process when purchasing a |
| decode barcode labels. It works by directing light in | | | | barcode scanner. Consult with your software provider |
| front of the barcode labels and then measuring the | | | | for your options. |
| amount of light reflected back to the pen. | | | | |