This buying guide for barcode scanners highlights their importance in inventory management for retailers, detailing essential factors such as scanner types (laser, linear imager, and 2D area imager) and form factors (handheld, presentation, mobile computers, and in-counter scanners). It discusses connectivity options (corded vs. cordless) and emphasizes the need for ruggedness in various environments. The guide encourages retailers to assess their specific requirements and choose the right scanners from reliable suppliers.

1. BARCODE SCANNERS: BUYING
GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

2. Most retailers, today, have their business built around
barcodes. Without barcodes, the label industry would not
have experienced the growth that it has over the past 20
years. With inventory management being a crucial part of
running a successful retail business, retailers – big or small,
need an efficient barcode system to take control of their
inventory and save money, time and manual work.

3. This barcode scanner buying guide is for retailers who are
looking for comprehensive information to understand the
need for barcode scanners, different types and implement
the right solution for smooth inventory management.

4. To choose the right scanner, you need to identify your
specific needs like;
• Where do you intend to use the scanner – in a
rugged outdoor environment or indoors?
• How often will it be used?
• How will the scanners be used?
• What kinds of barcodes does your business use?
• Does your business application demand
connectivity to a PC?

5. Understanding where and how you will be using the scanner
will help you decide what scanner type, form factors or other
options you will need to run your business efficiently.

6. The type of scan engine your scanner
uses will affect its performance. If you
are not sure what type of scanner to look
for, have a look at these three main types
that work well with most businesses.
BARCODE SCANNER TYPES

7. Laser: This one is the most well-known scanner type, uses a
red diode laser to read the reflectance of the black and white
spaces in a barcode. Laser only reads standard linear (1D)
barcodes and is most cost-effective solution than other types.
Standard laser scanners can read from a few inches to a foot
or two away based on the size of the barcode.

8. Linear Imager: Similar to laser ones as they also read 1D
barcodes. But instead of reading reflected lights from the
laser, they take a picture of the barcode. Then, analyse the
image to take out the information from the code.

9. When it comes to reading messed up
printed or damaged codes, linear images
does the job pretty well. In fact, for
applications that need a bit aggressive
scanner, counting on the linear imager
will not disappoint.

10. 2D Area Imager: This one too captures an
image to analyse, just like linear images. But
unlike linear imager, 2D area imager can read
any type of barcodes. 1D, stacked and 2D
barcodes are all supported by a 2D imager.
This type can take a more detailed image and
read a code in any direction, not like the laser
and linear imager types that reads the
barcodes with specific orientation only.

11. With their quality skills and
aggressive reading, 2D area imager
are becoming intensively popular in
all industries as it speeds up scanning
applications and expands the ways in
which barcodes are used.

12. FORM FACTORS
Once you will understand which type of scanner can best suit your
environment and ease your operational functioning, the next in
the line to figure out is what form factor that scanner will be. The
popular gun-style and in-counter scanners are used mostly in retail
and grocery store. But beside these, there are five main form
factors for scanners, and each offer distinct advantage.

13. • Handheld scanners are the most
common one and easy to operate.
Simply aim the scanner at the barcode
and pull the trigger. Handheld scanners
come in a wireless form to increase
your mobility.

14. • Presentation scanners are made for hands-free
scanning and intended to sit on a counter-top and
don’t necessarily need to be picked up or held while
reading barcodes. You will find these scanners at retail
checkout mainly since it is easy to scan many items
quickly. Just present the barcode product in front of
the scanner and it will read it automatically.

15. • Mobile computers, provides more autonomy in reading the
barcodes since both the PC and the scanner are in a single
device. These are perfect for applications that require true
mobility like inventory management and asset tracking.

16. • In-counters are similar to presentation scanners, and though
you need to keep the barcode in front of the scanner, these
are designed to be embedded into the counter-top, the one
you have seen at grocery stores and self checkout lines.

17. CONNECTIVITY: CORDEDVS
CORDLESS
Every barcode scanner has to communicate with a PC to transmit
the information available on the barcode into the current software.
Being a common type of scanner used by retailers, corded scanners
are easy to set up, normally interfaced with a PC through a USB
connection and will be your most reasonable option.

18. Cordless scanners (or handheld),
function the same way like a corded
scanner except this cordless ones
communicates to a base station
wirelessly and are connected to your
PC through a cable.

19. Your PC does not really require wireless support as the
scanner and cradle handles and keeps everything together.
You just need to plug the cradle, pair the scanner to the
base and you are all set to scan barcodes.

20. RUGGEDNESS
Irrespective of your environment, ruggedness is something you
should consider, always. Because scanners are mistreated in a
standard environment and they will not be able to withstand it.
That is why, it is better to choose a more rugged option as it
helps you save time and money in the long run.

21. To deliver performance and durability in
any rugged environment, industrial
barcode scanners work best.

22. Wrapping Up
With such comprehensive information available on barcode scanners
out there, it is important to gather information only from the right
sources and connect with the best suppliers to buy barcode scanners
in Australia. Besides, understanding how you will use the scanner and
in which environment, helps make the decision-making easier.

23. Contact Us
POS Sales
PO Box 7921 Baulkham Hills BC NSW
2153
Email: sales@pos-sales.com.au
Phone: 1300 026 062