The average person sees a barcode almost every day, whether at their favorite supermarket or retail store. Bar codes are unique identification numbers that store important information about products you can buy.
If you’re running a business in the retail space, using a reliable barcode laser scanner is key. Before you can use the best barcode for your business, you’ll first need to know about the different types of barcode scanners on the market.
In this article, we’ll discuss all of the different types of barcode scanners in the technology industry.
Pen-Type Barcode Scanners
These barcode scanners are the smallest and usually the least expensive in the laser technology market. The pen-type barcode scanner has a photodiode and an LED light at its tip.
The user will have to pass the tip of the device over a product’s bar code to properly scan it. The downside is that these pens are so small that the user will have to precisely scan a product for it to work.
This could lead to several scanning issues due to human error, and these devices aren’t ideal for busy retail stores with long checkout lines.
Nonetheless, pen-type barcode scanners are the most accessible laser scanners on the market.
Laser Barcode Scanners
Laser barcode scanners are the most common scanners on the market. These scanners work by displaying a laser across a mirror. This laser is magnified to scan barcodes on all kinds of products.
Lastly, the photodiode converts the bar code into information about the products.
The major benefit of laser barcode scanners is that they can read bar codes from several feet away. These scanners are highly ideal for reducing checkout lines and running an efficient store.
Laser barcode scanners can be either mounted or handheld and can read bar codes from more than 24 feet away.
CCD Barcode Scanners
Charge code device (CCD) barcode scanners are usually the most expensive on the market. However, they deliver extremely accurate results for users.
These devices are powered by hundreds of micro-LED lights that are arranged in a pattern. These lights are shined directly on a bar code and convert the data to valuable information for the point of sale (POS) application.
The major drawback of this scanner is that it cannot measure bar codes from a long distance. In fact, they can usually only measure bar codes within 1-3 feet.
CCD barcode scanners also can’t measure bar codes that are longer than its face.
Imager Barcode Scanners
These scanners tend to work more like a video camera than an actual laser scanner.
This device takes a picture of the barcode and reads the information about the product. Thus, it’s useful for scanning both 1D and 2D bar codes.
It’s worth mentioning that users will have to use a C# generate barcode reader with this device.
Learn More About These Types of Barcode Scanners
As you can see, there are many different types of barcode scanners to choose from. Selecting the right one ultimately depends on your preference and the type of business you run.
To learn more about this subject, continue reading our blog for more helpful articles.
