| Barcodes have become one of the best mechanisms | | | | Barcode software is the starting point for all barcodes |
| for inventory control ever invented, They are used at | | | | and their scanners. Barcode software allows the |
| major chain stores all around the country to track their | | | | programmer to input the name of a product in their |
| products with complete focus. They are even used by | | | | inventory and assign it a computer generated bar |
| you and I for wedding gift registries and baby showers. | | | | code. All of this is completed using a sophisticated data |
| Barcodes have become a part of everyday life. | | | | basing system, where all of the data on each product |
| Because they are so common, barcodes and their | | | | is stored. This not only makes inventory tracking simple, |
| scanners rarely receive a second thought on how | | | | but it also allows for expedient updating of pricing |
| they work or why. It is rare to ponder as to how | | | | information, as the barcode scanner will decipher the |
| simply dragging an item across the checkout scanner | | | | current information in the database. |
| can suddenly make it register with a price and name, | | | | The photo sensors in the barcode scanner are what |
| identical to the label. | | | | can actually read and then decipher the barcode itself. |
| How does a barcode scanner work anyway? To | | | | These tiny lasers all working together, recognize the |
| really understand how this simple piece of everyday | | | | spacing, alignment and length of the different bars and |
| life works, we have to first explore the barcode itself | | | | then match them up to their corresponding information |
| and how it was created. The barcode itself is the | | | | found in the database. All of these components |
| language the barcode scanner reads and then | | | | working together allow for this amazing technology. |
| deciphers into a language you and I can understand. | | | | So the next time you are at the checkout line, |
| Barcodes each have specific symbols, which | | | | remember how these little pieces of technology work |
| equivocate to a series of bars. The bars are | | | | together, and provide us with a better faster way to |
| comprised of long and short bars, as well as different | | | | get out of the store just a few moments sooner. This |
| spacing in between the bars themselves. Each part in | | | | rarely thought of convenience really does make a big |
| this series denotes a number or character dependent | | | | difference. |
| upon what data was input into the barcode software. | | | | |