Things to Consider Before Buying a Barcode Scanner

If you're considering buying a barcode scanner, choosing the right one is important. There are hundreds of different barcode scanners to choose from, each with different features for different business needs. Whether you need a barcode scanner for POS sales, inventory management, or any other service, the right scanner is invaluable.

1. Buying a barcode scanner for your business

Before making any decisions, it is important to define your business needs as this will help you choose the right barcode scanner. The nature of your company will help you determine your needs. For example, utility companies require durable and rugged barcode scanners that can withstand all types of weather elements. In contrast, warehouses may benefit more from a reliable and efficient in-room table top barcode scanner for inventory management. By choosing the right barcode scanner based on your needs, businesses can improve their accuracy, boost efficiency, and save time and money.

2. Questions to pay attention to before buying a barcode scanner

Will your barcode scanner be used outdoors or indoors? If you need an outdoor barcode scanner, you need a rugged model, and it is essential to choose a reliable barcode scanner supplied by a reputable barcode scanner supplier. IP rating will be an important indicator. An IP rating of 54 or 65 indicates that the barcode scanner can withstand dust, water, and other environmental hazards.

What symbologies will you scan? Barcode labels can use many types of symbologies, so you need to know what to scan. There are 1D, 2D, Post, DPM, OCR, etc. Some barcode scanners will have a range of capabilities, while others may only work with 1D and 2D symbologies.

How often are barcode scanners used? Do you need a barcode scanner that can quickly scan hundreds of labels at once? Does your barcode scanner have limited use? These are important questions. Some barcode scanners have a continuous scan feature that can scan 60 to 120 codes per second. Other barcode readers take a few seconds between each scan.

Where will barcode scanners be used? If your barcode scanner will be used in a warehouse environment, there are environmental issues to consider. Will there be dust, chemicals, moisture, debris? These things can damage your barcode scanner, so you'll want to choose a model that's suitable for working in these environments. Rugged models with an IP rating of 54 or 65 are ideal.

What scanning distance do you need? Do you want to scan barcodes inches or feet away? Some barcode readers offer greater scanning distances than others. Some can be scanned from a few feet, but others may require close-up scanning.