Barcode technology has provided us with a lot of benefits. It is intended to enhance access to information, save time, reduce error and improve operational efficiency. Irrespective of their size, we should know that barcodes are appropriate for various business purposes. We should make sure that business processes become much easier, regardless of the sector. Barcode appears like strips of black lines, that can be read optically using a scanning device. Information can be obtained based on the varied width of black bars and white spaces between them. With barcode, you should be able to accurately and quickly access information. This is especially true if you have an automated system that needs to be fed with continuous data. The barcode scanner itself has different components, such as sensor, source of illumination and decoding module to understand the barcode. The white space reflects the light from the illumination source and the black bars absorb it. The sensor detects the patter of reflected light and this generates a signal.
Based on specific algorithm, the decoder should be able to transform the signal into something that’s understandable. The barcode itself doesn’t contain plenty of data, it simply connects to a specific database entry. So, we will know information related to specific product. There are different types of pen-type scanners. They are also known as wand scanners, which are suitable for low-volume tasks. When using a pen scanned, we will need to swipe it across steadily across the barcode. One advantage with pen scanner is that it’s not restricted by the width of the barcode. However, we need to swipe at a constant speed at fixed angle. Pen type scanners are highly durable, small and affordable. There also laser barcode scanners that use laser as the source of illumination. They contain rotating prism or oscillating mirrors that can move the laser across the barcode back and forth. Laser barcode scanners are accurate and very precise. One advantage is that barcodes can be read from a greater distance.
For better flexibility, you should choose omni directional barcode scanners, which allow you to read barcodes from any direction. In this case, laser beams are also used as the light source. These scanners have rotating mirror and a set of fixed mirrors. Just like laser scanners, you are able to read barcode from greater distance. Even if barcodes are printed poorly, you will still get accurate reading with relatively high efficiency. This is suitable for business operations, because you are able to scan the barcode, regardless of the orientation and the whole process can be speeded up. CCD scanners work in a different way and it measure the light intensity using hundreds of small light sensors. CCD scanners are able measure the emitted ambient light. These scanners are suitable for applications in shipping, inventory, distribution and retail. CCD scanners are also more durable than other models, because they don’t have rotating mirrors and other moving parts. Smartphones can also be used as barcode scanner using the camera.
