Barcode Scanning Guide

Choose from a wide range of barcode readers and barcode scanners to suit various applications. Scan barcodes to support data collection in a wide range of industries from retail, healthcare, and education to warehousing and manufacturing.

Barcode scanners or readers come in a wide variety of forms to suit every application. There are two important considerations when choosing the correct scanner for your needs, which are:

• The scanner technology e.g. CCD, laser or imager.
• Scanner type: e.g. corded scanners (connected via a cable), cordless scanners (wireless), PDA and handheld terminal scanners and barcode verifiers.
  
  

Scanner Technology

1 . CCD (Charge Coupled Device) scanners illuminate the barcode with light from LEDs and are available in two types. Contact scanners have read ranges from contact to 2-3cm and medium range types have read ranges from 20-30cm.

2. Laser scanners illuminate the barcode with light from a laser and are therefore capable of reading barcodes at a greater distance. Standard laser scanners typically read barcodes up to 30cm, with long range versions able to read barcodes up to 10M.

	2D Barcode Scanners 2D bar code scanners are omni directional to capture bar codes at any angle. These imager scanners are rugged and can capture 1D or 2D bar codes and images with a read range of up to 200mm.
	Corded Rugged Barcode Scanners Corded, rugged barcode laser and imager barcode readers that will withstand harsh environments. Choose from CCD or laser, narrow – wide read ranges, omni directional, high speed and near to far distance scanning
	Corded Barcode Scanners Compact and lightweight barcode readers for office and retail environments. Choose from CCD or laser, narrow – wide read ranges, high speed and near to far distance scanning. Combine with an EPOS system to speed up checkout lines.
	Cordless Barcode Scanners Cordless barcode readers enable freedom of movement for your workers to scan awkward and heavy items. Choose from Bluetooth or propriety radio connections with 10 – 100M wireless ranges, read distances up to 14M and options for office or industrial versions.
	Hands Free & Presentation Scanners Omni directional scanners use varying number of scan lines to quickly capture bar codes at the checkout. These laser scanners are adjustable and can be used handheld or hands free in the reading of 1D bar codes. Choose from 20 – 100 scan lines to achieve up to 1500 scans per second.
	Cordless 2D Scanners Flexible cordless 2D scanners are omni directional to capture bar codes at any angles. These imager scanners are rugged and can capture 1D or 2D bar codes and images with a read range of up to 200mm.

Other guides available:

Barcode Guide | Barcode Format Guide | Printer Selection Guide | Mobile & Wireless Guide | Barcode Label Guide | Barcode Scanning Guide | Barcode Printers Guide | Handheld Computing Guide | Thermal Ribbon Guide | Label Applicator Guide | Print & Apply Guide | PDA & Smartphone Guide