Bar Code Scanners - Information for Retail Users

Fujitsu fi-6130 Duplex Scanner (PA03540-B055)

Corded scanning
Simple scanning in a small shop could use a low cost bar code scanner possibly that requires near contact touch to the product. This would not be the best bar code scanner in the world but would read bar codes effectively and be cheap to buy (Under ?50 ex VAT).

Alternatively if you required a bar code scanner that can read a greater distance away from the bar code you could spend slightly more on a mid range bar code scanner that can also scan bar codes at a faster rate, slightly more expensive but still will not break the bank (Under ?99 ex VAT).

Cordless scanning
For scanning without wires there are two main options - Bluetooth or Wireless LAN (WLAN 802.11b/g).
In retail short range cordless scanning can enhance staff performance on the shop floor or help stock takes or checks in warehouses.

Bluetooth works over a short range, the highest distance working up to 100M without interruption from obstructions. Bluetooth bar code scanners tend to be lower cost due to a shorter range typically up to 15M dependent on obstructions although the range can extend up to 100M on more expensive scanners.

Wireless LAN works over a company?s wireless network, the scanners typically utilise 802.11b/g standards. WLAN bar code scanners have a longer range (from 30 - 100M).

Omni Directional Scanning
Omni directional bar code scanners are most commonly used in retail applications especially in Epos systems in shops and supermarkets. The bar code scanners enable the cashier to scan the product from multiple angles to decrease time spent scanning and make the process more efficient.

2 dimensional (2D) Scanning
2D bar code scanners are used when a bar code is required to hold more than just a product number. For example to hold customers address details or to store more details about a product (name, weight, type...).

Bar code Verifiers
For suppliers to retail businesses bar code verifiers are very important especially for supermarkets. Suppliers can be fined large amounts for printing bar codes that do not provide a good reading when scanned. Through the use of a bar code verifier either on the production line or in testing departments bar codes can be scanned and if necessary production can be stopped to correct the label printing to avoid a fine from the retailer.

Vanessa Raby, AM Labels Ltd, http://www.amlabels.co.uk Barcode Scanners: http://www.amlabels.co.uk/Barcode1.htm