Hittrafficer.com

The most common use of bar code scanners, and the one that most people are aware of, is the scanning of groceries at a grocery store. At the teller the bar code of each package is run past a barcode scanner that tells the system what the item is. The stock control system then feeds back item details and price information to the teller. The cost is automatically added to your bill.

At the same time the stock control system records the fact that you have purchased a can of soup or box of cereal, and the inventory tally maintained in the central database is reduced to reflect the fact that someone has purchased one of these items. Inventory control is more or less automatic, assuming that all the data was input correctly in the first place.

Consider a practical example of using this system. Suppose you own a small business, and are tracking inventory manually. You would typically total up your sales at the end of the day and update your records. This is a time-consuming and unreliable process. The use of a bar code system allows you to automatically update your stock control database each time an item is added or removed.

Such a system can even create unique bar codes for items that do not already have them. For new items a unique bar code is generated by the software, and then a bar code printer is used to print a bar code label that is then affixed to the item.

Here are the three most popular types of bar code scanners currently in use:

1. The Wand Scanner - The most basic type of bar code scanner is the “wand”. This is a pen-type scanner that needs to be kept in contact with the bar code when scanning it. The wand emits a light which is reflected off the bar code and then decoded by the system to identify the item.

It is necessary to keep a wand scanner in touch with the UPC code while scanning it. The wand scanner, which is a pen-like scanner, is the simplest type of UPC scanner. It gives off a light that reflects off the UPC code, which in turn is decoded by the POS system to recognize the product.

There are limitations to wand scanners, however. The wand needs to be held at a fairly specific angle when pointed at the barcode in order for it to scan properly. Also, the speed with which it is moved across the barcode can’t be too fast or too slow. Additionally, there is a limit to the resolution of every barcode wand scanner. The scanner will not be able to read properly any barcode that has a resolution that is significantly smaller than the scanner itself. For example, a 5 mil barcode cannot be read using a 10 mil wand. When in the market for a wand scanner, it is important that this isn’t forgotten.

2. The CCD Scanner - CCD (charged coupled device) technology is the next least expensive bar code scanning system. Like the wand scanner, CCD readers must be in direct contact with the bar code label in order to read it. But unlike the wand, there is no need to move the device across the label. The operator simply presses the reader against the label and pulls the trigger. The bar code is then photographed, digitized and decoded by the system.

Of all the various types of bar code scanners, CCD readers tend to be the simplest to use. CCD readers can be found in widths from 2 to 4 inches and, while they are more expensive than a wand, CCD readers are less expensive than laser scanners.

A promising new technology similar to CCD is called FFO (Fixed Focus Optics). These scanners are non-contact readers, which means they can read bar codes from as much as 20″ away. They will also be able to read two-dimensional bar codes as they become more popular.

3. Laser Scanners - A beam of light is used by a laser scanner in order to scan the bar code label. Instead of moving the scanner you move the bar code across the scanner. The scanner does not have to actually touch the bar code label in order to read it. The scanner will automatically read the scan whenever a bar code is held in front of it.

Such a system has benefits in a variety of situations. For instance, because the scans are accomplished with great speed, it is possible to embed laser scanners inside of conveyor systems. When items pass by rapidly, scanning takes place automatically. In a retail environment, the clerk merely moves each item over the glass to engage the scan. Such a system can easily keep pace with a clerk who simply moves objects from one side of the scanner to the other other. Laser systems are much more rapid and accurate than any other widely-used alternative.

When choosing a bar code scanner and an inventory control system, it is important to take into consideration the ability to adapt new scanning technologies to your system as they become available. This will allow you to keep your system updated without having to upgrade or replace the entire system in the future.