When choosing the right kind of barcode reader, it’s important to know the differences between the products that you’re looking at. To help demystify the process, here’s a quick and easy overview of common types of barcode readers:
Handheld Scanners
This type of barcode reader will allow for you to position the scanner toward the barcode freely for maximum flexibility and comes in the form of a handheld device. Using a laser or CCD light, it will scan for a bar code. Ideal for oddly shaped products with barcodes, or smaller business operations.
Fixed Mount Scanners
This type of scanner can be mounted to a counter top or conveyor belt so that it can scan objects as they move past, either to the side or under the scanner. However, in order to be scanned successfully, the objects with barcodes have to be positioned accordingly so that they can be scanned properly. This type of barcode scanner is best suited for fast paced environments, or in shipping and receiving functions.
Pen or Wand Reader
This device is much like a large pen that is pressed to the bar code label and then dragged across in either direction. It is not very popular, as it can only read 1 dimensional bar codes such as Code 39 or UPC A.