Barcode Scanners

Barcode scanner - guide

The market for barcode scanners is large - ranging from industrial scanners to hand-held scanners to Bluetooth barcode scanners. Cordless or wireless handheld scanners (often also referred to as WLAN scanners) send their signal to existing systems via radio or Bluetooth and are particularly suitable for use in transportation. Wired scanners with or without a stand are used in sectors that require a fixed location for scanning.

Where do you use barcode scanners?

Barcode scanners are practical devices that simplify workflows in production, trade and administration. Which model is suitable for which applications depends on various factors: For example, data transfer, scanning pattern, interface (e.g. USB, PS2, IBM, KWB) and many more. In general, however, it can be said that barcode readers are used wherever barcodes need to be scanned and automatically transferred.

By using barcode readers and hand-held scanners, the entire production and processing process is now recorded, from the pure raw materials to the finished end product in the customer's shopping cart. Even when disposing and reprocessing products, data collection using scanners is an important part. This is how you optimize the internal and external workflow within the entire product life cycle.

• the annual inventory
• to check the price
• in quality control
• in the manufacturing process
• for Auto-ID processes
• ... as well as for other applications in your company!

How does a barcode scanner work?

What is the difference between 1D and 2D scanners?

The linear barcode, also known as 1D barcode, consists of a series of black and white bars. We often find this type of coding on price or product tags in retail stores. When captured with the laser of a scanner, for example a conventional handheld or barcode scanner, it reacts to the black and white lines. Similar to a computer's binary code, the black bars represent a 1 and the white bars represent a 0. After the information has been scanned by the reader, it is decrypted by the computer and then processed further.

Another more complex type of barcode is the so-called 2D barcode, for example the QR code. Scanning the code using a 2D code scanner works like a linear barcode. Only the pictorial arrangement of boxes instead of parallel lines distinguishes it from this one. This type of coding makes it possible to store significantly more information than with linear codes. In addition, damaged 2D barcodes are read better thanks to checking and reconstruction algorithms, thereby increasing data security in your workflow.

Which barcode scanner is right for me?

Which sensor should my barcode scanner have?

As described above, there are different codes that a barcode scanner can read. Readers with CCD sensors can read one-dimensional codes at a very high reading speed. However, in order to scan optimally, these inexpensive 1D scanners require a rather small reading distance.

Laser barcode scanners, on the other hand, serve their purpose even with large reading distances and moving barcodes. They are suitable for 1D barcodes and work in stationary and mobile use. Even in difficult lighting conditions and from different angles, the devices can still capture even damaged barcodes perfectly.

So-called imager scanners, also known as 2D barcode scanners, work with a technology that uses LED light. The advantage of this method: no exact alignment is necessary to capture two-dimensional barcodes. This makes 2D barcode scanners particularly advantageous in difficult working environments.

In which working environment will my scanner be used?

Of course, the desired area of ​​application is also very important in your decision. This decides whether your barcode scanner should use radio or Bluetooth for mobile data collection, or whether your barcode scanner can be wired.

With us you will find a selection of different wireless barcode scanners (often also referred to as wireless or WLAN barcode scanners), which send their signal to existing systems via radio or Bluetooth. If you need the flexibility to scan your barcode in different locations, one of these mobile devices is the right choice for you. Due to their freedom of movement, the wireless barcode scanners are suitable, for example, for transport and logistics, production and other industrial environments.

However, if you want to use your scanner at a fixed location, for example in wholesale or retail, we recommend our wired barcode scanners with or without a stand. The often inexpensive handheld scanners including cables can be connected to the PC and put into operation straight away without much effort.

Are there scanners with special features?

After you know in which work environment your barcode reader will be used, you should also ask yourself whether your device needs to be equipped with special features. For example, some of the scanners on offer are equipped with extremely high reading capabilities or special fall protection. This ensures a trouble-free workflow, even if things get hectic or the scanner falls to the floor.

In working environments with a lot of dirt, dust or even water, a particularly robust and resistant housing is the solution. This suitability is defined for electrical equipment using the so-called protection class. With us you will find barcode scanners from IP20 (very low protection class) to IP67 (extremely high resilience).

Another requirement for the scanners is resistance to heat or cold. It happens that barcodes have to be read automatically in cold storage facilities at extremely low temperatures or in industrial areas at very high temperatures. You can also find some Zebra and Honeywell models in our range, which guarantee trouble-free scanning even at temperatures between -40°C and +70°C.

Wireless scanning: Which data processing method do I want to use?

If you have decided on a wireless barcode scanner (also known as a WLAN barcode scanner), the question of data processing is very important! If barcode scanning takes place within a certain radius of the computer, a Bluetooth scanner or wireless barcode scanner should be sufficient for you. It is important that you do not exceed the transmission radius of your device.

However, if you cannot avoid this, mobile barcode scanners with large internal memory are essential. As soon as you scan outside the transmission range, all data is saved and transmitted to your system via the integrated software at the earliest possible time.

What expansion options are there for hand scanners?

Whether wired or wireless, barcode scanners often have numerous expansion and connection options. Whether via a USB interface or via another connection port that can be used for computers, USB keyboards and other devices. This enables smooth processes (e.g. Auto-ID processes) when printing and recording barcodes and QR codes.