Find the Right Barcode Scanner for Retail

Today, there are a lot of barcode scanners on the market with many features and technological capabilities. But how do you find the best barcode scanners that suit your normal needs? Let's discuss about it!

1D vs 2D code Reader

Now most barcode readers can read both 1D and 2D barcode.

1D: UPC,EAN, Code39, Code128, Code 11, Code 93, Code 39 Full ASCII, Codebar, GS1, MSI, Matrix 25, Industrial 25, Interleaved 25, Standard 25

2D: DOT Code, Codeblock A、Codeblock F、PDF417、Micro PDF417、GS1 Composite

Codes、QR Code、Data Matrix、MaxiCode、Aztec、HANXIN.

Still, we can find there are also bunch of barcode readers that can only read 1D barcodes.

Wired vs Wireless

Wired barcode scanner

The use of the wired scanner is widespread in our daily life, such as at the convenience store, supermaket etc.. It can be transmitted to terminal devices such as computers or POS machines through data cables, so it is cheaper and does not need to be charged.

Wireless barcode scanner

Wireless barcode scanners are generally used in the inventory of some large and medium-sized warehouses, in the fields of logistics and express delivery, in factory assembly lines, or in environments with such needs. They transmit data through Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz radio frequency, and other modes. The communication distance can be up to 100 meters and price for wireless scanners will be higher.

Handheld vs Desktop

Handheld scanner

Handheld scanners are generally more flexible because you can lift them up and scan items at a most proper position and angle.

Desktop scanner

Desktop scanner's scanning area is larger. It is great you don't need to carry a scanner around. The scanning window in a desktop barcode scanner is much larger than that of an ordinary scanning gun, all that we have to do is to present a barcode to the scanning window, then it'll be read instantly.

If it is a big-sized supermarket with lots of consumers shopping around, a desktop barcode scanner maybe more suitable, which saves operation time and helps improve work efficiency. If the store is small-sized with fewer budgets, you'd better consider a handheld barcode scanner.