What Is the Reason for Using a Wireless Scanner?

Understanding barcode scanners

When we think of barcode scanners, we typically think of something used by cashiers at a checkout counter, maybe a classic handheld scanner linked to a point-of-sale (POS) system or a stationary scanner embedded in a countertop that can't really go anywhere. But many different types of businesses across various industries are beginning to recognize the appeal of unassuming barcode scanners, from entertainment to healthcare to manufacturing.

It's hard to find a company that wouldn't benefit from integrating barcode scanning systems into their backend operations. Whether it's for managing end-of-year inventory, POS systems, tracking important assets or employee time-tracking, almost every industry and business, big or small, uses barcodes as a replacement for manual data input. By using barcode scanners, users can input data much faster than with manual input, and with almost no errors. In other words: you make mistakes when you use manual data entry; barcode scanners hardly ever make mistakes, unless the barcode itself is faulty (torn, heat-related issues, poor printing quality, etc.).

Reasons to use wireless scanners

But as scanners become more ubiquitous, user-friendly, and adopted by businesses across a wide range of industries, even the smallest businesses can recognize the value in barcode scanners. Depending on the application, scanners can come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and types. Wireless barcode scanners, in particular, are ideal for small business owners looking to boost productivity and efficiency. Here are some advantages that wireless scanners have over their wired counterparts.

Freedom: Wireless scanners offer freedom while maintaining a connection to Bluetooth. This type of barcode scanner doesn't need to be tethered to a wire, so when it comes time to calculate end-of-year inventory, you can bring the scanner to the inventory instead of dragging the inventory to the scanner. Imagine having to move your entire inventory, taking up the entire warehouse to your barcode scanning computer. It would be an impossible task to complete and frankly, useless. Part of the reason why wireless scanners are so attractive is because you can carry them with you and update inventory and asset records on the fly. Any scans you make will be added to a central record so you don't have to worry about conflicting information.

Increased Durability: Because wireless scanners are especially suited for environments that require mobile data collection, they are often more rugged. Accidents happen and the chances of dropping the device increases when you aren't tethered to a computer. To protect your investment, many scanners are tested to withstand multiple drops onto hard surfaces like concrete floors.