Barcode Scanners have through the changes in technology become easier to use than a few years ago when scanners had to plug into decoders and used external power supplies. The majority of users now plug the scanners into PC’s or other devices with USB cables. Scanners can also be used with Keyboard Wedge or Serial (RS232) interface cables.
With all the advances in technology there are now many more options and varieties of scanners to choose from. Choosing the correct model for your application can seem like a daunting task if the different options are not fully understood.
First step in finding the correct scanner is looking at your needs:
- In what environment will the scanner be used? Office, Retail or Industrial.
- How many scans will it be required to do in a day?
- What type of barcode will you be scanning? 1D or 2D barcodes
- Will the scanner be connected to a PC or is a wireless model required?
Scanner operational environment.
Using a scanner that was designed for office or light commercial use will not last in an industrial type environment where it is exposed to dust and moisture and rough handling.
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| Entry level light commercial or office type scanner | Rugged industrial type scanner |
Scanner Usage
An entry level barcode scanner will be suited to operate in an office or light commercial store but will be ineffective where high volumes of items need to be scanned. Scanners are available with Scan Stands allowing the user to pass the barcodes in front of the scanner or it can be used as a handheld. In high volume supermarkets we suggest using a fixed mount presentation type scanner.
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| Handheld Low Volume Scanners | Medium Volume with Scan Stand | High Volume Supermarket scanner |
Type of Barcode to be scanned
1D Barcodes are seen almost daily on retail products. There are a few different types of these barcodes like, EAN, UPC, Code 128, Code 39 etc. These are known as the different “Symbologies”. All 1D barcode scanners purchased from us read all the popular 1D symbologies. The 2D barcode scanners do also read the 1D barcodes. View 1D Scanners.
2D Barcodes are seen on vehicle license discs or the drivers license. A 2D barcode can hold a significant amount of information. As with 1D barcodes there are a few different symbologies like PDF417, QR Code, Matrix etc. Only a 2D barcode scanner will read these types of barcodes. View 2D Scanners.
Corded Scanners and Wireless Scanners
Scanners that are corded need to plug into a PC or other device with a USB, Keyboard Wedge or Serial cable. The average length of the cables is 3m. If you need to scan product further away from the PC or terminal then a wireless scanner is required. The wireless scanners use Bluetooth or some other frequency to communicate with its base station which in turn is connected to the PC or Terminal. The range that these scanners can operate depends on the models and manufacturer. They typically range from 10 to 100m.
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| Corded Barcode Scanner | Wireless Bluetooth Scanner |
Contact us to discuss your requirements or answer any questions you may have 011 425 5439 / 071 411 2567 / sales@jnstech.co.za