Wireless barcode scanners are a clear example of the best just having got better. Much like Alexander Graham Bell's wired telephone that got eclipsed by the cordless phone which became a craze across millions of households, wireless bar code scanners have become a mega-hit with an ever-increasing number of business entrepreneurs making the upward shift to realize greater productivity day in day out. To put it simply, wireless barcode scanners offer you all the benefits of your regular barcode scanner or barcode reader and then, some more!
But hold on just yet, while wireless barcode readers and scanners are blitzing the market, you still need to which type of the device you need to best suit your business needs before going ahead and making a purchase. You need to very clearly articulate the reason for wanting to move into the wireless barcode scanner space and the plausible reasons for wanting to go wireless could be any of the following:-
* You need the freedom of mobility to be able to capture information away from your computer because of the spatial location of your tagged products
* You might want to collect the data away from your computer but be able to sync it or upload it once you get back to the origin i.e. the computer
* You might not only want to collect data away from the computer but also be able to log on via wireless networks to a database and post the captured information
Thus simply put, do you need a simple barcode scanner with a really long cord or do you have a genuine need for a wireless barcode scanner? And once you do a cost comparison on the various types of the barcode readers and barcode scanners, both wired as well as cordless, you will know exactly how much you are paying for what, and how much you are likely to benefit from the application of the device. Accurate information capture, ease of the information capture, speed at which different materials can be barcode registered and tagged, exquisite levels of data control are just some of the innumerous benefits that this technology promises for the user!
Finally a key thing that you need to keep in mind is that implementation of a new technology by itself does not guarantee success. You need to handle the change from one level to the next very well and proactively too, as in the case of wireless barcode scanners too. People management as part of change management is crucial to the success of your business and this should be given core focus. New technology is useless unless its espoused as a unifying cause by all in the work force. Once you have mastered the change in people, you have truly put yourself on the road to progress. Experience the wonders of wireless barcode scanners and be awestruck!
Wireless Handheld Barcode Scanners
A Barcode Scanner (or barcode reader) is a computer peripheral for reading barcodes printed on various surfaces. A barcode reader consists of a scanner, a decoder (either built-in or external), and a cable used to connect the reader with a computer. Additionally, nearly all barcode readers currently produced contain decoder circuitry analyzing the barcode's image data provided by the photo conductor and sending the barcode's content to the scanner's output port.
Types of Barcode Scanners: -
By Technology: -
• Pen type readers: Pen type readers consist of a light source and a photodiode that are placed next to each other in the tip of a pen or wand. To read a bar code, tip of the pen moves across all the bars in a steady even motion.
• Laser scanners: Laser barcode scanners work the same way as pen type readers except that they use a laser beam as the light source and typically employ either a reciprocating mirror or a rotating prism to scan the laser beam back and forth across the bar code.
• CCD Readers: CCD (Charge Coupled Device) readers (also referred to as LED scanner) use an array of hundreds of tiny light sensors lined up in a row in the head of the reader. The important difference between a CCD reader and a pen or laser scanner is that the CCD reader is measuring emitted ambient light from the bar code whereas pen or laser scanners are measuring reflected light of a specific frequency originating from the scanner itself.
• Camera-Based Readers: 2D imaging scanners are the fourth and newest type of bar code reader currently available. They use a small video camera to capture an image of a bar code. The reader then uses sophisticated digital image processing techniques to decode the bar code.
By Housing: -
• Handheld scanner: With a handle and typically a trigger button for switching on the light source.
• Pen scanner (or wand scanner): A pen-shaped scanner that is swiped.
• Stationary scanner: Wall- or table-mounted scanners that the barcode is passed under or beside. These are commonly found at the checkout counters of supermarkets and other retailers.
• Fixed position scanner: An industrial barcode reader used to identify products during manufacture or logistics. Most often used on conveyer tracks to identify cartons or pallets which need to be routed to another process or shipping location.
• PDA scanner: A PDA with a built-in barcode reader or attached barcode scanner e.g. Grabba.
Barcode Applications for Consumers: -
While barcode readers are typically used in retail, warehouses, and industry, inexpensive barcode readers open up a number of applications for individual consumers.
While cell phone cameras are not optimal for many traditional barcodes, there are 2D barcodes optimized for cell phones. These open up a number of potential applications for consumers:
.Movies: DVD/VHS movie catalogs.
.Music: CD catalogs, play MP3 when scanned
.Book catalogs
.Groceries, Nutrition information, making shopping lists when you use the last of an item, etc.
.Personal Property inventory (for insurance and other purposes)
.Cataloging property stored in boxes in the garage, basement, attic, self-storage units, etc for easy retrieval, selling surplus on e-bay, etc
.Calling cards: 2D barcodes can store contact information for importing.
·Brick and mortar shopping: Portable scanners can be used to record items of interest for looking up online when you get home.
Both Max Patel & Nate Rodnay are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Nate Rodnay has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Join the Army and Addictions. For over 20 years, System ID has provided automation solutions and Barcoding Equipment to a wide range of large and small companies in virtually every industry sector. System ID offers more than 10,000 brand name products and services such as. Nate Rodnay's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
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