Be Accurate, Be Efficient with Honeywell Barcode Scanner

Technology has indeed been a blessing to mankind. It has changed the world-scape with its striking innovations that made our lives simpler and easy-going. One of the path-breaking innovations in technology is the invention of barcode scanner. A barcode scanner is an electronic device which takes an image of a barcode, reads the code and translates it into readable language. The device consists of a light source, a lens and a light sensor which converts optical signals into electrical ones.

Barcode scanners have brought a revolution in sectors including manufacturing, retailing, entertainment and medical. It has improved speed, accuracy, transparency and efficiency in every business. The introduction of barcode scanner has helped trim manual workforce and eliminated any possibility of human error. With barcode scanners, businesses are now able to keep exact stock of inventory and prevent loss of goods by theft. With barcodes, every package entering or leaving a warehouse gets recorded. Staff storing goods at warehouses can track inventory just by looking at the record of barcodes and the shelf no.

How to choose a barcode scanner?

1.     1D or 2D: Barcode scanners differ on the basis of what types of barcode they are scanning-1D or 2D. A 1D scanner cannot read codes meant for a 2D scanner and vice versa. 1D barcodes have vertical lines and are mainly found on merchandise products. They are easy to scan and read and thus are most popular. 2D barcodes have a matrix pattern and are found mainly on driver licenses, healthcare equipment.

2.     Image-based or Laser Barcode Scanner: Laser barcode scanners are the fastest, most accurate among the two. They can scan a barcode from a long distance and are also able to scan from a wider angle. Laser scanners emit a thin ray of light which hits the target and absorbs the scannable print. Image based scanners on the other hand have a shorter scanning distance. They take an image of the barcode, decodes it and presents the readable format. They can even read damaged, dirty barcodes, something which laser scanners are not capable of.

3.     Hand held or Fixed: Hand-held barcode scanners are dependent on the PCs they are attached to. It is the PC which does the processing of the barcode. They are mainly used in POS outlets for fast scanning of products. Hand-held scanners come in wireless versions too. The wireless ones have the capability to scan from 2 to 30 feet away. Fixed scanners on the contrary are installed on conveyor belts and self-serve POS stands and store outlets. The barcode passes under the scanner and the code is read.

Things to consider

With a variety of brands selling barcode scanners, it can a tricky thing to look for a good barcode scanner. While you buy Honeywell barcode scanner online, look for the weight of the scanner. If it’s a handheld scanner, the weight should be as less as possible to prevent wrist strain. For wireless handheld scanners which are powered by batteries, check the capacity of the batteries. The batteries should last at least 20,000 scans or 30 hours.