| Bar code scanners are not a new technology, but in | | | | checkout. You can either bring the item to the scanner |
| the recent years they have really become economical, | | | | by scanning it underneath the scanner which sits |
| durable and accurate. | | | | mounted in a stationary scanning cradle, or you can pull |
| Here are five things you should know about buying a | | | | the scanner out of the cradle and bring it up to the |
| bar code scanner: | | | | item being scanned - such as in the case of heavy |
| (1) What Type of Barcodes Will You Be Scanning? | | | | items being left in a shopping cart which would be |
| There are several types of bar code systems in the | | | | impossible to scan across the counter. |
| world and before investing in a bar code scanner you | | | | (3) How Rugged Do You Need? |
| should know what types of barcodes you will be | | | | Most scanners today are made to withstand the daily |
| scanning. If you are simply going to be printing and | | | | abuse the retail environment throws at them. They are |
| scanning the most basic type of barcode which is the | | | | durable and can last you a really long time even in the |
| one with the straight black vertical lines on a white | | | | most hectic retail conditions. |
| background, those types of bar codes are called 1D | | | | However, some types of businesses require a bit |
| barcodes. | | | | more ruggedness when it comes to their scanners - |
| 1D barcodes are the most common bar code out | | | | such as for example when the general public is |
| there and they can be scanned with 1D barcode | | | | involved in the scanning, or the scanner could be |
| scanners which are relatively inexpensive. These | | | | dropped or hung by its cord etc. |
| barcode types utilize what is called a laser scanner to | | | | If your type of business functions in very rugged |
| read them. Laser scanners are one of the most | | | | conditions, you may want to consider upgrading to a |
| economical scanners on the market and if all you need | | | | rugged version of the scanner you're purchasing. Often |
| to scan is 1D barcodes there is no sense in spending | | | | times the extra few dollars invested in a rugged design |
| more money on more expensive models that also | | | | could save you money in the future having to replace |
| support 2D barcodes. | | | | a scanner. |
| 2D barcodes have small pixel dots that store much | | | | (4) What Type of Interface Will You Need? |
| more information in the bar code compared to a 1D | | | | Different scanners offer different input options. Find out |
| barcode, and they require an imager scanner to read | | | | what kind of input options your computer offers and |
| them. Imager scanners are a bit more sophisticated | | | | which are the most efficient for your needs. Most |
| than laser scanners and that is why they are typically | | | | scanners today will work with many standard |
| more expensive. An imager scanner can usually read | | | | interfaces such as USB, Bluetooth for wireless, serial |
| both 2D and 1D barcodes, but a laser scanner can only | | | | ports and many others. However, you may need to |
| read a 1D barcode. | | | | specify your preferred interface option before ordering |
| (2) Do You Need Portable Options? | | | | your scanner. |
| Another thing to consider when selecting a bar code | | | | (5) What Software Will Run Your Scanner? |
| scanner is whether or not you will need a portable | | | | Another thing to consider is the type of Point of Sale |
| function built into it. Some scanners can be made | | | | software you'll be using to run your scanner. The |
| totally portable by being completely wireless, while | | | | scanner is simply just an input device so it is only as |
| others are semi-portable being hand-held scanner | | | | efficient and powerful as the software that uses it. If |
| attached with a wire to the computer system. | | | | you are currently running an old outdated Point of Sale |
| Semi-portable scanners are typically the most versatile | | | | system or even a cash register, this might be the time |
| because they can offer you the best of both worlds, | | | | to look into upgrading your software as well. |
| giving you multiple options to scan items quickly at | | | | |