With the sheer number of barcode scanners on the market today, it is difficult to decide which one is best for your business. The following review should help you make your decision. It is from lowest to highest price point.
Handheld Scanners
1. CCDs: A CCD scanner is simple to use and one of the least expensive on the market. It connects directly to your PC and scans barcodes by holding it up to the barcode label. Unfortunately, it will not read barcodes at a distance and is not hands free.
2. Laser Scanner: Laser scanners connect directly to your PC and can read barcodes from a greater distance than CCD scanners. They are on a stand to allow for hands free operation. Since it projects a single beam of light the scanner must line-up precisely with the barcode or it cannot read it. This is a good option if you are looking for a budget priced scanner.
3. Omni-directional Scanner: This scanner can read barcodes from any direction and are a good choice if you have a large number of barcodes to read. It is a hands free scanner and used throughout the retail industry.
Portable Scanners
1. Cordless Scanner: A cordless scanner is very portable. The scanner communicates with the PC through its base unit but does not have a keypad or monitor. It only scans barcodes and does not allow you to enter any information such as quantity, etc. It will put the scanned information wherever the curser is on the PC screen, however if the curser is not in the correct location you will experience an error.
2. Batch Scanner: A batch scanner is actually a portable database. It features a laser scanner, monitor, and keyboard. The software is on the scanner much like a computer. You can input quantities, location, and other information necessary for your business. It is an excellent choice for maintaining your inventory. The information is uploaded to the PC for processing; therefore, your scanned information is not in real time. .
3. Wireless Scanner: Wireless scanners are very similar to batch scanners. They communicate directly to your PC through a hub. The hub connects to your Ethernet network much like broadband internet does. The software allows you to enter information like location, quantity etc., and transmits it in real time. Wireless scanners are a great option for warehouse and manufacturing plants and have a range of up to 50 meters.
4. PDAs, Palm, Pocket PCs: PDAs are the ultimate scanner for your business. They are able to run software for multiple applications from inventory to asset management. They can function in wireless or batch mode and work well with any Windows based software.
Summary
Technology will be replacing these portable devices with direct scanning through Tablet PCs and with RF tag technology. The cost of this new equipment is becoming quite affordable.