How does a barcode scanner work?
The operation of a barcode scanner begins with the reader’s laser (the light source) reading the barcode in a white space (the fixed area before the first bar), continues through to the last line, and ends at the white space that follows it. With barcode scanners you can optimize the time spent locating product data (price, features, size, etc.). At Barcode Site we work with the best brands such as Zebra, Datalogic, Honeywell, request your quote now.A barcode scanner is a scanner that can read barcodes through a laser or built-in area imager reader. The barcode scanner or reader is an electronic device that uses a built-in laser to read a barcode and output the information (the number) that represents the code, not the image. Thus, the tedious task of typing the codes disappears and the time and resources invested in it are considerably reduced. In addition, it is ensured that there are no errors that would jeopardize the traceability of the sample.
What types of barcode scanners are there?
There are different types of barcode scanners:➤Fixed counter scanner
The counter or industrial fixed reader can be integrated into a wide range of applications ensuring: speed and ease of reading products. These industrial integrated fixed mounting devices will be able to identify the barcode, whether QR code, data matrix or linear, of the packages to guarantee accurate billing and control of the products.At Barcode Site you can find fixed readers from the brands Datalogic or Zebra.
➤Presentation or desktop barcode scanners
Presentation or desktop barcode scanners can be used in point-of-sale applications with both low and high movement volumes, from a small store to a large supermarket. The desktop scanner has become a basic device for the retail sector since it favors, thanks to hands-free scanning, greater speed for the user and thus avoids errors and is more effective.There is a wide variety of sizes, designs and features capable of satisfying all companies, highlighting desktop scanners from Datalogic, Honeywell or Zebra.
➤Handheld barcode scanner
The handheld barcode reader is the most common of all since it is the one that can be used in more sectors and can be used for more functions within a business. There are many models of this type of reader to adapt to any company.Wired scanners
The manual barcode scanner is the one that works only connected to a cable. These readers are typically used in retail or warehouse environments where the reader does not move.
Wireless barcode scanner
Wireless barcode scanners are those that work via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, that is, without cables. One of the benefits of using this type of wireless scanner is that they provide the user with more freedom and mobility.
QR scanner The 2D QR code scanners allows the capture of more information, since this type of code includes more data than the normal 1D barcode.
Industrial scanners
The industrial barcode reader is more robust and more resistant to falls than other readers. These devices are used in the most demanding environments and are most frequently hit. They are perfect in large warehouses in the logistics and automotive, field mobility or transportation sectors. There are also more robust models of these readers that can withstand very high temperatures, for the food or laboratory sector.
Readers for the healthcare sector
Hospitals are under pressure as they must avoid errors and at the same time offer effective and quality healthcare to all their patients, which is why a specialized barcode reader is also needed for them. This type of equipment has a characteristic in the white casing suitable for disinfectants since it is made of material suitable for this, in addition to having the same quality as a normal reader, guaranteeing years of service.
How to connect a barcode scanner to a computer?
Currently, most conventional scanners connect to the target computer via a USB interface. A few years ago it was a very common option to use the keyboard wedge interface, which includes a cable with two inputs that connect to the computer through a PS2 port (old ports for keyboard or mouse).In this way, both the keyboard and the scanner were connected to the same port and the information read with the scanner appeared on the screen as if it had been captured with the keyboard. However, the USB plug & play interface, being much faster and more practical, has replaced the keyboard interface. If you need more information about How does a barcode scanner work? Do not hesitate to contact us, and one of our sales representatives will advise you.