5 Things to Consider When Selecting a Barcode Reader

Barcode Scanners: How Do They Work?

Barcode Scanners: How Do They Work?

As consumers, we regularly encounter barcodes and barcode scanners: shopping at retail stores, renting cars, attending major events, flying, and even visiting the doctor. They're integral to our social media apps and even visible on storefront windows.

THE BARCODE

A barcode encodes information in a visual pattern that machines can read. Barcodes are used to track products, prices, and stock levels, consolidating this data within a computer software system.

In June of 1974, the first barcode appeared on a pack of Wrigley Company chewing gum. Today, they are ubiquitous, found on almost every purchasable item and inventory awaiting shipment. Giant retailers like Wal-Mart and Amazon use barcodes and scanners, and so do small businesses tracking their e-commerce orders.

There are two primary types of barcodes—linear and 2D. The most familiar, the UPC (Universal Product Code), is a linear barcode comprising the barcode and a 12-digit UPC number. The first six digits represent the manufacturer's ID, the next five indicate the item number, and the final digit is a check digit to verify accurate scanning.

A linear barcode generally contains text information. In contrast, a 2D barcode can store more detailed information, such as price, quantity, web address, or images. Linear barcode scanners can't read 2D barcodes; an image scanner is required to decode these more complex codes. Popular QR codes are a type of 2D barcode that can store significantly more information than a 1D barcode.

THE BARCODE SCANNER

A barcode scanner typically includes an illumination system, a sensor, and a decoder. The scanner illuminates the barcode with red light, and the sensor detects the reflected light, converting it into an analog signal sent to the decoder. The decoder interprets this signal, validates the barcode using the check digit, and converts it into text.

This converted text is then relayed to a computer software system, which maintains a database of product details such as makers, costs, and quantities sold. This video offers a brief lesson on barcode scanners and highlights the basic differences between a Contact Scanner, Laser Scanner, and an Imager.

Different types of barcode scanners are suited to various industries based on factors like reading distance and volume capacity. Here are some common types of barcode scanners:

Pen-type Reader:

Comprises a light source and a photodiode at the tip of the pen.

Laser Scanner:

Similar to a Pen-type Reader but uses a laser beam.

Camera-based Reader:

Uses a camera and image processing techniques to read barcodes.

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CCD Reader:

Has multiple light sensors to scan barcodes.

Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner:

Highly advanced and efficient at decoding poorly printed, crumpled, or damaged barcodes.

For more information about barcode scanners and their functions, explore our "How Barcode Scanners Work" infographic.

Although smartphone apps can serve as makeshift barcode scanners, dedicated barcode scanners and mobile computers are critical for many businesses for their durability and reliability.

HOW SCANNERS MAKE LIFE EASIER

Many companies use barcodes and scanners daily, but few in situations where accuracy could mean life or death. All About Kids Pediatrics in Orlando, FL, sees up to 100 children a day, providing healthcare and vaccinations. Though barcodes are federally mandated for medication administration, the quality of barcodes and scanners is not heavily regulated, leading to potential errors from poor contrast, modulation, and other issues.

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: Instead of spending precious minutes—or even hours—capturing and recording medication administration data and compiling reports for compliance, a quick scan can now accomplish all these tasks.

Barcode scanners are integral components in many quality inventory management systems across the country, from TopGolf's warehouses to the University of Phoenix Stadium's basement. Although their reliability is rarely as crucially tested as in All About Kids' offices, they pass the test daily.

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