The use of barcode scanners has become very widespread and applicable to all aspects of life and work, but choosing a suitable barcode scanner can be a challenge for those who do not know their type.

Firstly, before choosing a barcode scanner, you must be clear on the following information

1. Where will the scanner be used?

- In an office, in retail or in a factory? Will it be used indoors or outdoors? Will there be an accident - the scanner will fall onto a concrete floor.

2. What type of barcode is to be scanned?

- 1D or 2D or DPM (Direct Part Marking Code) or PCB barcodes. Small size (3 mil) or high density 2D codes? How many scans are to be done per hour?

3. What is the carrier of the barcode?

- screen barcode? Paper barcode? Barcodes on clear glass? Barcodes on metal? Barcodes on plastic film? Stationary barcodes? Fast moving barcodes?

4. Is the scanner permanently connected to the PC or wirelessly?

- Does it require instant transmission or storage mode?

5. What is the scanning distance between the product and the scanner?

Listing questions like these will help you decide on the type, form factor, connectivity options and features of your barcode reader.

Types of Barcode Scanners

Laser barcode scanner - the most common and widely used type, it can only read standard linear barcodes (1D) and is less expensive.

Linear imaging scanner - its use is similar to that of the laser scanner, it can only read 1D barcodes, but it can read poorly printed barcodes as it takes a picture of the barcode and analyses it for decoding. This is very useful and convenient. related products from LONVILL: LV10,V11

2D Area Imager - Retail and industry are starting to use 2D Area Imager scanners more because it can read 1D barcodes, stacks (PDF417) and 2D codes at the same time. Another advantage of the 2D scanner is that it can read 1D barcodes in all directions and the orientation of the barcode does not affect the scan result.

Form factor

Handheld barcode scanners are by far the most widely used in all businesses. Many suppliers include mounts for these handheld barcode scanners, making them hands-free barcode scanners. In areas where products cannot be taken to the scanning location, the use of wireless barcode scanning can avoid cable clutter and tangles.

Presentation Scanners - widely used in retail shops and customarily positioned at checkout counters, making checkout operations simple, fast, automatic and avoiding triggering the scanning of products. Presentation scanners offer a better field of view and can quickly detect barcodes on products.

Over-the-counter barcode scanners

Counter-mounted scanners - perfect for high-volume scanning at retail counters, many integrated with weighing scales - are being developed by LONVILL.

Fixed Mounted Barcode Scanners

Stationary scanners - are a more specialised type of scanner than other types and are used in industrial applications, typically for scanning product barcodes that move at a certain speed on a conveyor belt, and at kiosks, where product barcodes are scanned by automatic sensing. Such applications partly also require the scanner to be able to integrate PLCs and automated processes.

How to choose the right barcode scanner - mobile handheld computers

Mobile Computer/Mobile Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)/Enterprise Tablet - Almost all modern PDAs are miniature handheld computers with 2D area imagers that provide high performance data capture and decoding in the harsh environments of manufacturing, warehouse, transport and logistics business automation. It makes inventory management and asset tracking much easier.

Interface options for barcode scanners

Serial port RS232 - can be used using the manufacturer's supplied utility or by scanning the unique barcode on the product manual.  The RS232 port requires a power supply to power the scanner, while the USB port draws power from the source PC. Other interface options such as TTL232,Wegen are also available.

Bluetooth cordless or wireless connections are available with radio ranges of 10m, 30m and 100m. Pairing of data is generally done in a batch process, after pairing with the cradle. Many Bluetooth 2D scanners can be paired directly with mobile phones and devices without the need to pair with the cradle.

Ruggedness / Durability

Every business has a different working environment and even in a normal working environment, scanners can be accidentally dropped or accidentally damaged, so you must choose the appropriate IP rating.

If you are still having trouble choosing the right barcode scanner for your business, please call or write to us and we will be happy to support you. Our E-mail: Sales@lonvill.com