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Zebra is one of the world's leading manufacturers of barcode scanners, offering a wide range of devices for industrial, logistics, warehouse, retail and healthcare applications. The manufacturer offers a wide range of models – from simple readers for points of sale, through wireless devices for mobile work, to durable industrial (...)
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Honeywell is an established provider of automatic identification solutions, offering a wide range of barcode readers to suit different environments and needs. Honeywell barcode scanners are distinguished by advanced scanning technology that allows you to read even damaged and dirty barcodes and QR codes not only from labels, but also (...)
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Datalogic is an Italian company that manufactures barcode readers, mobile terminals, sensors and vision systems used in industrial automation. Datalogic code readers with advanced scanning technology are distinguished by high quality workmanship and ergonomics. The devices have contactless inductive charging, eliminating problems with dirt on the charging contacts. Datalogic's offer (...)
Barcode scanners (barcode readers) are used to read information stored in the form of barcodes or two-dimensional codes. Barcode readers allow you to enter data into computer systems quickly, precisely and without errors, which significantly improves work in many industries. Barcode scanners are electronic devices that use light to read graphic symbols (black bars or black and white squares) and convert them into digital data. After scanning the code, the information in the form of a string of characters is sent, for example, to a computer, cash register, mobile terminal or warehouse system.
Barcode scanners read one-dimensional 1D codes, made up of vertical stripes and gaps, or two-dimensional 2D codes, which take the form of a matrix made up of black and white modules. The most common barcodes printed on products, warehouse markings, shipments, and logistics labels are:
• EAN-13,
• UPC-A,
• Code 128,
• Code 39,
• Interleaved 2 of 5.
Two-dimensional (2D) codes are commonly used to label products because they can store more data, such as serial numbers, expiration dates, and even URLs.
• QR Code,
• Data Matrix,
• PDF417,
• Aztec.
Barcode scanners can be divided according to the type of scanning technology used into:
1. Laser Scanners
Laser scanners emit a thin laser beam that cuts through the barcode and then reads the data by analyzing the changes in reflected light. This technology is mainly used to read 1D one-dimensional codes. The advantage of laser scanners is that standard barcodes can be read from labels very quickly. Laser scanners do not read codes from screens, from damaged labels, from low-contrast codes. Laser code readers work well in places where the speed of reading one-dimensional barcodes is important – retail.
2. Linear Imager Scanners
Imager technology (CCD) reads the code by taking a photo of the label using a linear photosensitive sensor. The scanning module does not use a laser, but a powerful LED light source and an optical sensor. Linear imager scanners only read 1D barcodes, but they can interpret low-contrast code from a dirty label and from device screens. Imager code scanners are less susceptible to mechanical damage than laser readers, which is why they are used in logistics, warehousing, points of sale, quality control.
3. Area Imager Scanners
Area imager is the most advanced and versatile scanning technology. 2D imager scanners take a full two-dimensional image of the code, so they can read both 1D codes and all 2D codes. Barcode scanners with area imager technology have the highest efficiency. They read all codes from smartphone and tablet screens, deal with very small and distorted codes, from damaged and dirty labels. Area imager code scanners are used in e-commerce, logistics, warehouses, production and laboratories.
According to the way they are operated and the purpose of code scanners can be divided into
• Handheld barcode scanners – small, convenient devices for reading barcodes and QR codes from individual products Handheld code readers can have laser scanning modules or an imager, and send data to a computer wired or wireless. Handheld barcode scanners are commonly used at the point of sale, in laboratories, warehouses, offices, and in production for quick product identification.
• On-counter barcode scanners – readers designed for intensive, continuous work in stores on the counter. They allow the cashier to read codes quickly without having to pick up the scanner. Stationary code readers most often use imager technology or an omnidirectional laser, thanks to which they instantly read 1D and 2D codes, even those that are damaged or poorly printed.
• Industrial barcode scanners – rugged devices designed to work in harsh production and warehouse environments. They are most often installed directly on production lines, conveyor belts or control gates, where they automatically read barcodes and 2D codes from moving products or pallets.
Barcode scanners are used wherever fast and error-free data collection is important.
• Stores and points of sale – Fast product checkout and efficient price and inventory management.
• Warehouses and logistics – Scanning of goods during receiving, picking, dispatch and inventory, automatic identification of shipments.
• Production – Tracking components in the production process, quality control through batch and stage identification, supervision of the flow of materials, tools, transport containers and pallets, integration with MES/ERP systems.
• Events and conferences – Registration of participants at the entrance using tickets with a code, automatic counting of attendance.
• Libraries – Quick lending and returning of books, recording collections and inventory, managing readers’ cards.
• Healthcare and laboratories – sample labeling, quick identification of medicines, prescriptions and documentation.
• Courier Shipments – Quickly scan packages at shipping, sorting and pickup, tracking shipments in real-time.
The use of code scanners is primarily about speed and automation of work, which eliminates errors in manual data entry, which leads to cost savings. Here are the benefits for businesses that use barcode scanners for data entry:
1. Fast service – scanners read codes instantly, thanks to which they speed up the work of cashiers, warehouse workers, production workers or event staff.
2. Elimination of human error – manual data entry often leads to mistakes, barcode scanners virtually eliminate them, ensuring high accuracy.
3. Process automation – barcode readers automate the receipt and release of goods, product inventory, product tracking on production lines, registration of event participants.
4. Save time and cost – Fast data entry and fewer errors translate into increased productivity, lower operating costs, and shorter queues.
5. Easier inventory control – connecting code scanners to ERP and WMS systems allows you to check the quantities of goods in the warehouse, their location and flow history in real time.
6. Better customer service – faster identification of goods, efficient registration of event attendees or quick loans in libraries improve service and increase customer satisfaction.
8. Low Deployment Costs – Scanners are an affordable solution, easy to deploy, and compatible with most systems.
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