What Are the Types of Barcode Scanners Available?- By Trevor Perry

Barcode scanners have been around for a long time and have developed along with technology. Scanner technology can be broadly characterized into 3 groups, CCD, Laser and Imaging scanners.

CCD or Contact scanners, as they are sometimes known, are the oldest of the technologies in use and are being phased out by manufacturers. CCD scanners need to be placed in close proximity to the barcode to be read. CCD scanners are traditionally slow to read and process barcodes.

Laser scanners come in 2 form factors, Hand Held and Presentation.Laser scanners are fast and can read smaller and more tightly packed barcodes. Omni Directional or Presentation scanners produce multiple scanning beams and bench or counter top mounted. Older laser scanners have a rotating mirror which makes them less reliable. However new technology is overcoming the reliability problems with fixed mirrors.

Imaging scanners are the latest technology and come in hand Held and Presentation form factors. A linear Imager can only read standard barcodes. An Area imager can read Linear and 2D barcodes which makes them the most versatile scanner available. Imaging scanners are solid state devices with no moving parts and therefore very reliable. Digital Imaging Countertop scanners are a great solution for retailers that don't have to take the scanner to the goods. These scanners are very cost effective and don't take up too much space on the counter and they are extremely reliable.

CCD scanners are the cheapest. Laser scanners vary in price dependent on form factor. Imaging scanners are moderately priced. All technologies are available as tethered (with a cable) or non-tethered (WiFi or Bluetooth) scanners.

The large PDT scanners with keypads-long favored by the big retailers for stocktaking, price checking and receipting deliveries-are decreasing in size and more importantly, weight and now come with much faster processors and faster, longer range scanners. These scanners are still ideal in warehouses and distribution centers. However the smaller retailer is well catered for with very small, lightweight scanning PDTs. These units save the busy store time and money and make it easy for staff to receipt goods and do rolling stock takes.

The QR code, now seen on many advertisements, has revolutionized mobile scanning technology. Most smart phones with the right app, are able to scan the QR codes and take the user to a landing page offering product information, stockiest information, pricing and discounts that was previously only available from a website that could only be viewed on a PC or laptop.

Buy right barcode scanners for your store to meet the demands of our business. Online shopping for Barcode Scanners from a wide range of collection.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Perry

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8312028