Wasp Barcode Technologies: The Barcode Solution People

Barcode Scanners: How Do They Work?

As consumers, we see barcodes and barcode scanners used all the time: purchasing from any retail store, renting a car, attending major events, flying, and even going to the doctor. They’re in our social media apps and on store windows.

Barcodes are more than lines and spaces on individual products:

THE BARCODE

A barcode is used to encode information in a visual pattern readable by a machine. Barcodes are used for a variety of reasons including tracking products, prices, and stock levels for centralized recording in a computer software system.

In June of 1974, the first barcode appeared on a pack of Wrigley Company chewing gum. Today, barcodes can be found on almost every item for purchase within a store as well as on inventory waiting to be shipped out. Businesses as massive as Wal-Mart and

Amazon use barcode and scanners

; so do small-town and home businesses that need to keep track of where they’re sending their e-commerce orders. 

[Tweet "In June of 1974, the first barcode appeared on a pack of Wrigley Company chewing gum."]

There are two types of barcodes – linear and 2D. The most visually recognizable, the UPC (

Universal Product Code

), is a linear barcode made up of two parts: the barcode and the 12-digit UPC number. The first six numbers of the barcode is the manufacturer’s identification number. The next five digits represent the item’s number. The last number is called a check digit which enables the scanner to determine if the barcode was scanned correctly or not.

A linear barcode typically holds any type of text information. In contrast, a 2D barcode is more complex and can include more information in the code: price, quantity, web address or image. A linear barcode scanner can’t read a 2D barcode; requiring the use of an image scanner for reading the information embedded in a 2D barcode. Popular

Check out Wasp’s “

What is a Barcode, Anyway?

” video to learn the basics of barcodes in under a minute.

THE BARCODE SCANNER

A barcode scanner usually consists of three different parts including the illumination system, the sensor, and the decoder. In general, a barcode scanner “scans” the black and white elements of a barcode by illuminating the code with a red light, which is then converted into matching text. More specifically, the sensor in the barcode scanner detects the reflected light from the illumination system (the red light) and generates an analog signal that is sent to the decoder. The decoder interprets that signal, validates the barcode using the check digit, and converts it into text.

This converted text is delivered by the scanner to a computer software system holding a database of the maker, cost, and quantity of all products sold.

This video is a quick lesson in barcode scanners

and highlights the basic differences between a Contact Scanner, Laser Scanner, and an Imager.

Because barcode scanners are variable and include diverse capabilities, some are better suited for certain industries due to reading distance and to work volume capacity.

Outlined below are a few of the available barcode scanners with a little insight into how each works. Pen-type Reader:

consists of a light source and a photodiode on the tip of the pen.

Laser Scanner:

works similarly to a Pen-type Reader but uses a laser beam.

Camera-based Reader:

installed with camera and image processing techniques in the reading of barcodes.

CCD Reader:

has several light sensors to scan barcodes.

Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner:

highly advanced and very efficient in decoding badly printed, crumpled, and even torn barcodes on products.

For more information about barcode scanners and how they read barcodes, check out our “

How Barcode Scanners Work

” infographic.

Increasingly, companies are using their smartphones as makeshift barcode readers—and while that method can work great in some settings, many companies require rugged, reliable,

dedicated barcode scanners and mobile computers

to get the job done.

HOW SCANNERS MAKE LIFE EASIER

There are lots of companies that use barcodes and scanners on a daily basis, but few where using one could be a matter of life or death. All About Kids Pediatrics in Orlando, FL sees up to 100 kids a day, providing healthcare and measures such as vaccinations. Barcodes are now required or mandated by federal agencies when it comes to administering medication, but the government hardly oversees the quality of the barcodes or scanners used—meaning the door is open to errors, due to poor contrast, modulation, and other factors.

According to their Wasp Barcode case study

, “The use of barcode technology in medication administration has reduced All About Kids’ medication administration documentation time by 50%.”

How? Simple: They no longer needed to spend precious minutes—adding up to hours—  capturing and recording medication administration data and electronically compiling reports for submission and compliance. A quick scan does everything that filling out a report used to. Barcode scanners are found in many quality inventory management and

WASP BARCODE SCANNERS

Wasp

 built withstand tough industrial environments and delicate healthcare environments. They are designed to provide customers with high-quality machines that easily read barcodes at an increased speed, letting you focus on other – more important – responsibilities.

Does your company need to improve its efficiency and productivity? Understanding how barcodes and barcode scanners work and where they fit into a barcode-based system will help you determine if it’s appropriate to implement in your small business. Visit the Wasp website for more information about barcodes, barcode scanners, and barcode printers.

Barcodes are more than lines and spaces on individual products: Barcode scanning systems help businesses track an amazing amount of information which, in turn, increases productivity and efficiency. You will improve your business’ processes by understanding how barcodes work and by knowing how to use them effectively in partnership with a quality barcode scanner.A barcode is used to encode information in a visual pattern readable by a machine. Barcodes are used for a variety of reasons including tracking products, prices, and stock levels for centralized recording in a computer software system.[Tweet "In June of 1974, the first barcode appeared on a pack of Wrigley Company chewing gum."]A linear barcode typically holds any type of text information. In contrast, a 2D barcode is more complex and can include more information in the code: price, quantity, web address or image. A linear barcode scanner can’t read a 2D barcode; requiring the use of an image scanner for reading the information embedded in a 2D barcode. Popular QR codes are a 2D barcode that can store a large amount of information compared to a 1D barcode.A barcode scanner usually consists of three different parts including the illumination system, the sensor, and the decoder. In general, a barcode scanner “scans” the black and white elements of a barcode by illuminating the code with a red light, which is then converted into matching text. More specifically, the sensor in the barcode scanner detects the reflected light from the illumination system (the red light) and generates an analog signal that is sent to the decoder. The decoder interprets that signal, validates the barcode using the check digit, and converts it into text.Outlined below are a few of the available barcode scanners with a little insight into how each works.There are lots of companies that use barcodes and scanners on a daily basis, but few where using one could be a matter of life or death. All About Kids Pediatrics in Orlando, FL sees up to 100 kids a day, providing healthcare and measures such as vaccinations. Barcodes are now required or mandated by federal agencies when it comes to administering medication, but the government hardly oversees the quality of the barcodes or scanners used—meaning the door is open to errors, due to poor contrast, modulation, and other factors.How? Simple: They no longer needed to spend precious minutes—adding up to hours— capturing and recording medication administration data and electronically compiling reports for submission and compliance. A quick scan does everything that filling out a report used to. Barcode scanners are found in many quality inventory management and asset management systems across the country, from TopGolf’s warehouses to the basement of the University of Phoenix Stadium. But rarely is their reliability to crucially tested than in the offices of All About Kids—and they pass that test daily.

Barcode scanners are everywhere these days because, often, speed is an important factor in a lot of businesses. Barcode scanners are a great tool to increase check-out speed and data entry. They have so many applications and can help a number of different kinds of businesses. But barcode scanners are not a one size fits all tool. There are five different attributes to consider when you are selecting a barcode scanner to use in your business.

Style

Barcode scanners come in two major styles or body types: Gun and Countertop. A Gun scanner is just what it sounds like: you pick it up, point it at the barcode, and then pull the trigger to scan it. Most Gun scanners come with a stand that can resemble a holster. On the other hand, Countertop scanners should require no handling at all. They sit on a counter, and most will scan a barcode as soon as it passes in front of it. Some will have a button on top to scan a barcode.

Laser

Barcode scanners have two options when it comes to their lasers: single- or multi-line. Single-line laser scanners have just one laser shooting out that creates a horizontal line to read a barcode. Most Gun scanners use a single-line laser to read a barcode. Multi-line scanners use several lasers to make a grid with several vertical and horizontal lines. Any one of these lasers can read a barcode. Often, Countertop scanners use multi-line lasers.

Connection

There are two ways a barcode scanner can connect to the POS system or database system: either wired directly to the computer or wirelessly to a base. Wired barcode scanners connect to the computer through a USB or serial connection. Most wireless barcode scanners connect to a base through Bluetooth, then that base needs to be connected to the computer through USB. While this is the most common setup for wireless barcode scanners, there are Wi-Fi-enabled barcode scanners that don’t need a base and can connect to a computer directly.

Price

Depending on the style, laser type, and connection used, the price of a barcode scanner can vary greatly. Gun scanners are often cheaper than Countertop scanners. Single-line scanners are cheaper than multi-line scanners. On the low end, a single-line Gun scanner is around $99, while a Countertop multi-line scanner is about $400. There are other features a barcode scanner can have that can jump the price up to $500 plus.

Features

There are a few additional features a barcode scanner can have. Besides barcodes, some scanners can also read QR codes and driver’s licenses. Scanning QR codes are often used for redeeming gift cards. Some bars and nightclubs will want to scan driver’s licenses to help the bouncers detect fakes and prevent underage drinking.

If you need to increase check-out speed or increase speed when entering data into your system, consider choosing a barcode scanner for the job. Total Merchant Supply has a number of barcode scanner options for both retail and hospitality businesses. Stop by our showroom or give us a call at #704-523-6244 to learn which barcode scanner is right for your business.