Buying Guide

A barcode scanner reads information and transfers it quickly and accurately into a computer. That is its job. Your job is to work with it, bringing scanner and information together. Working with a barcode scanner day in and day out, the equipment can become such an integral part of your workday that it can feel like an extension of your own body. If it is well suited for your work environment, using it becomes almost second nature. If it does not, it has the potential to feel cumbersome and awkward. Barcode scanners need to be able to read the information passed in front of them. Some scanners read only 1D code, while some also have 2D capability; it is important to know what kind of barcodes you will need to read. Some scanners are engineered for use in harsh environments and will withstand rough treatment. Others are perfectly suited for a much gentler environment. Some, such as wand scanners, require physical contact with the barcode while others can read from great distances. Technology used in omni-directional scanners allow random orientation of the barcode within the scanning field, while other designs require the image to be lined up with the laser. Some scanners are free standing or integrated within a flat counter scale; others are handheld with a pistol grip. Mobility ranges from none at all to the freedom offered by wireless technology. With so many combinations of features available, the ideal match can be found for your work environment.