Virtually every industry or organization uses barcode technology today regardless of its size. Barcodes may seem like a simple mixture of strips and spaces, but they’re the main element to vital product information. To decode these barcodes, special devices like scanners are used. Barcode scanners are photosensors which read the barcodes and convert them right into a readable text that is displayed and stored on some type of computer or laptop. This appears to be a extended process but it just takes few milliseconds.
Barcode scanners are one of the most trusted tools today. They are being utilized in different industries including manufacturing, warehousing, education, healthcare, and field service. The high utility aspect and the popularity of the scanners have led to the introduction of several varieties.
Barcode scanner varieties are distinguished by their form factor and their scanning technologies. The key difference in form factors is the quantity of operator manipulation required. You will find wand or pen-style scanners, fixed-mount scanners, and handheld scanners. Handheld scanners vary probably the most in available scanning technology. You will find laser scanners, CCD scanners, which are also called linear imagers, 2D scanners, also called area imagers, and omnidirectional scanners. The scanning technology should really be chosen based on the application and requirements.
Wand or pen-style barcode readers must certanly be swiped within the barcode at a constant rate of speed and at a certain angle. This makes them minimal efficient scanner to utilize, but they’re minimal expensive. They are also small, extremely durable, and not limited by the width of the barcode.
These scanners read barcodes as they are passed before the scanner. They are widely utilized in work-in-progress applications and for high-speed sorting along conveyor systems. Smaller models are commonly utilized in laboratory, security identification, and kiosk applications. These types of have a laser scan engine, so they need to be mounted at a particular angle and distance from the barcodes that may pass before them. Unlike others, most of these are typically integrated with other equipment and automation systems.
These are also known as CCD scanners, CCD LR (long range) scanners, and full array imagers. The scanning technology they employ uses no moving parts, thus making the linear imager scanners more durable than laser scanners, but they do have a smaller reading distance of contact to two feet. Linear imagers are suitable for reading damaged or poorly printed barcodes and for reading barcodes under plastic film or covering.
Laser scanners are the most popular scanning technology in the industry. The brightness and sharpness of laser scanners offer greater preciseness and visibility when targeting a barcode, especially in bright light. These are also obtainable in several variations to meet up the needs of special applications, such as long range or high density scanning. data capture systems
Unlike handheld linear scanners that must definitely be set up perpendicular to the barcode, omnidirectional barcode scanners can read a barcode irrespective of how it’s orientated. Therefore, they speed up the scanning process and reduce user fatigue. Omnidirectional scanners are typically utilized in retail environments and are available in on-counter and in-counter models. On-counter models are great for applications with limited counter space, such as convenience stores. In-counter models are ideal in high-volume applications, such as grocery stores.
2D barcode scanners can capture 2D barcodes as well as 1D, or linear, barcodes. They are gaining popularity due to their versatility and the future-proofing they offer being an investment. These scanners use a mix of digicam technology and software to fully capture barcodes. They read barcodes omnidirectionally, and so the barcodes can be orientated in virtually any direction. Some models may also capture digital images and signatures.