Barcode scanners (also known as barcode readers) come in all shapes, sizes and prices. When purchasing you need to consider a number of factors.
- Whether the barcode scanner is a keyboard wedge barcode scanner.
- Whether the barcode scanner can read your type of barcode.
- Whether the barcode scanner can read your size of barcode.
- Robustness
- Whether there is bundled free software that is of use to you.
- Multi purchase discounts.
- Cost effectiveness.
- Availability.
What is a Keyboard Wedge Scanner?
Most barcode readers these days come as a keyboard wedge scanner, this means they plug into your computer via either a keyboard port or a usb port and need no additional software to input barcodes into any application that accepts text input.
Older barcode scanners and specialist serial RS232 barcode scanners require additional software to work with applications.
Beware: Some USB scanners are virtual com port scanners which means they pretend they are a RS232 serial scanner and do require additional software to work.
Check The Barcode Type?
Different barcode scanners read different barcode types, most scanners read 1 dimensional barcodes such as EAN 13, UPC, ITF, Code 39 and Code 128. Some scanners also read 2 D barcodes, however 2D barcodes are not always the same.
There are a number of scanners on the market that read PDF417 a 2d barcode type, they do not however read 2D matrix Barcodes such as Datamatrix and QRCode.
A good example of a barcode scanner that reads all types of barcode is the Peninsula Kestrel this scanner is a keyboard wedge scanner so it requires no additional software and reads both 1D and 2D barcodes including Matrix symbologies such as datamatrix.
If you only need 1 dimensional barcodes a scanner such as the Peninsula Phoenix II is a simple plug and play scanner.
Check The Barcode Size?
Barcodes come in all shapes and sizes, most low cost barcode scanners only have a 60mm reading head which means if the barcode is bigger than 60mm the scanner will not read it.
Realistically an imaging barcode reader (such as a ccd or linear imager) should have a head width of 80mm in order to read most types of barcode. If you need to read barcodes wider than this or at a distance you should look at a Laser barcode scanner such as the Peninsula Eagle II, which uses a laser to read the code, this is projected from the front of the scanner and allows you to read longer barcodes.
If space is limited a pen or wand barcode scanner such as the Peninsula Swift III may be the best option. These scanners take up very little space, however scanning involves the movement of the wand over the barcode and may take some getting used to.
Robustness
Barcode scanners vary in build quality, cheaper scanners have thinner shells and can in fact let light through the shell effecting the efficiency of scanning. You should choose a scanner with a robust shell and make sure that it can cope with drop tests.
Do I Get Any Bundled Software?
Some barcode scanners include bundled software free of charge, an example of this is the Peninsula range of barcode scanners which come with a basic tracking system free of charge. This free software allow you to set up a simple lending system, ie for tools or equipment, and also print basic barcode labels for use in that system.
Although the barcode scanners work without this software, if you are looking for a complete system at a low cost this may be your answer.
Do I Get A Discount For More Than One?
Obviously you should look at discounts for purchases of more than one scanner. Most retailer of scanners buy in product and as such cannot offer significant discounts, if you purchase direct from the manufacturer they will normally offer you discounts for a purchase of more than 3 scanners. Examples of this are the 3 for 2 offers on barcodereaders.com, where if you purchase three scanners one of them is free of charge, saving you 33%.
Is It Cost Effective?
There must at all times be a cost performance measurement. If the unit is low cost but requires replacing after 12 months this is obviously not a good choice. You should look for a supplier who produces a product that will last and also who will be there in 5 years time to support you. This may cost more to start with but it will pay off in the long run.
Availability
Some retailers of barcode scanners do not hold stock themselves, they rely on a distributor to ship the stock direct to the customer for them. This reduces their overheads but does not always provide a good customer experience. Sometimes quoted stock levels are not actually true and customers can be left in the lurch.
You should always deal with a supplier who has the product in stock with them for immediate shipment, this way you know they understand the product and can support it. Again this may cost you slightly more but the benefits will show themselves over time. Most suppliers should be able to ship for next day delivery in the country of origin and within a few days to a week for overseas customers.
1. Select the barcode type from the main menu at the top of the barcode window “UPC A/UPC 12″. (Where EAN 13 is shown to the left.)
6. Click the image of the code or the “Export Code” button to save an .eps file of the code. That’s it. All done.