The lowdown on barcode scanners
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by: Weng Lee
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Word Count: 529
Barcode scanners are an important part of doing business today. Basically they are light emitting devices that perform the function of collecting the data on barcodes. Such devices are usually connected to a computer system of some sort where the data is collected, processed and stored.
Both the retail as well as production industry make full use of barcode scanners. Barcode scanners have been in practice for quite some years now and over the years the technology has evolved and we have a wide range of different kind of scanners at the moment. The price range and performance value of these different kinds of scanners varies.
Images or Lasers?
To understand which kind of barcode scanner would best suit your business you need to know that barcode scanners are of two main types. One is image based where as the other is laser based. The image based scanners make use of a camera which is embedded inside the barcode scanner.
The camera snaps to capture an image which is then processed by complex imagery techniques which decode the barcodes. On the other hand laser based barcode scanners use mirrors and lenses to read the different kinds of barcodes.
All the vital facts need to be taken into consideration
In terms of money the laser based barcode scanner will cost you much more than an image based one. Each one however has its own pros and cons. Image based barcode scanners have proved out to be rugged and durable passing all the drop and tumble tests.
This is because they do not have internal movable parts that may break in the case of an impact. But the image based barcode scanners have a much shorter scanning range which is usually between four to ten inches.
When you compare this to the distance of up to twenty four inches that the laser scanner can scan it is nothing. But a laser based scanner is vulnerable to sustain damage and are much more prone to wear and tear than image based scanners.
The developments are taking place so fast in these particular devices that it is very difficult to keep track. Everyday we have some new product with improved features which results in the other items becoming outdated. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see an image based barcode scanner to boast a scanning range of 24 inches in the near future.
You do need to ask your selves some questions prior to buying a barcode scanner. Firstly you need to determine the size of the scanner that you need. Secondly you need to identify the kind of environment your scanner will need to operate in, meaning in doors, outdoors or in warehouses? What kind of distance do you require the scanner to cover? You will also have a choice between a handheld and a hands free barcode scanner so you need to know which one would best fit in your purpose. Lastly you need to take a look at your budget to know what the options that you can afford are.
About the Author
To get a lowdown on the different kind of barcode scanners available in the market log on to the internet. Whether you have a particular brand in mind like Motorola laser scanners or are looking for other high quality barcode scanners the internet has a wealth of information to offer you.
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