Barcode scanner selection can be overwhelming as they vary in design, capability and functionality. Barcode scanners for manufacturing, retail, and healthcare will differ depending on your environment and usability. There are several factors to consider before taking the plunge to buy and utilize a barcode scanner. Call Barcode Southwest at 888-764-9965 to learn which barcode scanner is right for your company’s application(s).
Barcode Scanner Selection: Factors to Consider
The right barcode scanner can increase the productivity of your business. To simplify your search, Barcode Southwest has identified four factors to consider when researching scanners.
- The first factor is the type of barcode you are scanning. (1D / 2D).
- The second factor is your environment.
- A third factor is portability.
- The fourth factor is scanner “build.”
Type of Barcode
Your first consideration is the type of barcode you are scanning. Are you working with a 1D or a 2D barcode?
1D barcodes, or Universal Product Codes (UPCs) are linear. These barcodes represent product information with black parallel bars and a sequence of numbers.
2D barcodes, on the other hand, contain data that is contained within a “square.” These are also known as QR codes.
The most important difference in the two barcodes is the amount of data stored in each one. 1D barcodes contain 20-25 characters. 2D (QR) barcodes may contain up to 2,000 informational characters.
Work Environment
The environment in which your scanner will be used is the second factor to be considered. There are two environmental factors that can impact your barcode printer selection.
- The first factor would be extreme weather conditions such as heat, humidity, cold and condensation.
- A second factor is unavoidable dirt and dust.
Portability
The third barcode scanner consideration is portability.
A first portability consideration is scanning distance. Ask the following three questions.
- Do you need a scanner that only captures data “up close?”
- Will your scanner need to capture data from more remote distances?
- Will you require a corded or wireless scanner?
A second portability consideration is the scan and print option.
- First, scan and print affords the option to capture a barcode. You are then able to “send” the exact number of labels to your remote printer.
- Also, this option allows your scanner to function in one type of environment while keeping the printer in a “cleaner” environment.
Scanner “Build”
The fourth and final barcode scanner consideration is the “build” of the scanner. This consideration also factors in your work environment along with portability.
To begin with, barcode scanners are available in three body types: standard, rugged, and ultra-rugged. The model you choose must match your environment.
- A first factor is overall durability/potential life span.
- A second consideration is humidity and water-resistance.
- The third and final factor is extreme temperatures.
Call Barcode Southwest at 1-888-764-9965 to see how we can help you select the barcode scanner that best fits your Houston, TX company. Or complete our contact form!
Barcode Southwest is a premier supplier of barcode scanners, thermal printers, and labels for a wide range of industry applications. We supply to clients all over the Southwest region of the U.S., including, but not limited to, Houston, TX, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.
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Posted July 01, 2019 By Lucy
Barcode Scanners (corded or wireless) for Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
