Barcode Scanner Selection Criteria

What Type of Bar Code Scanner Should I be Using?
A typical request is help in selecting a barcode scanner.  Here are some basic considerations for making the choice.

Linear (1D) or 2D barcodes
Code density-The size of the minimum bar width or element in the code
Tethered or Cordless
Distance from the scanner to the barcode
Environment-Ruggedness Requirement
Method of printing the codes
Some thoughts.

Linear codes can be read using Laser or Linear Imager scanners. These are single line raster scanners. They are available as hi-density, standard range and extended range versions to handle the range of code sizes and reading distances. The most economical are tethered by a cable to a workstation and require no special software or drivers as they emulate a keyboard. Multiple cable interfaces are available including USB, RS232 and PS/2.

Cordless versions behave the same way as the cable is replaced by a short distance radio, most typically a Bluetooth link good to about 10 meters although longer range radio versions are available.

Some applications require scanners with aiming capability when there are multiple barcodes on a label or reading at long range, out to 40 feet. Others survive hostile environments and long drops to concrete.

Special scanners are available that can read poor contrast etched or dot peened codes

2D barcodes are matrix codes such as Datamatrix, and Aztec or stacked linear codes such as PDF417 used on driver’s licenses. Readers for these codes utilize image capture technology. The scanner/reader takes a picture, captures the image and algorithmically processes the image to extract the data in the code.  The reading is inherently omnidirectional so the user need not orient the scanner with respect to the code  which is not the case with a laser or linear imager scanner.

Many of these scanner are excellent in reading codes from PDA and  cellphone screens which are highly reflective. As with linear only scanners there are versions for various densities and ranges. These Imager readers also read linear barcodes. It is always a good idea to provide sample codes for evaluation to ensure a good selection, please send us your codes for evaluation.