What is a barcode scanner?

Barcode scanners have been developed accurately capture and decrypt barcodes using advanced sensors that quickly and reliable transmit the data to computer systems or software. In business settings, they are regularly used to track packages and carry out inventories. Use the filter options in the Bechtle shop to narrow down the search for the perfect device.

Application areas.

Barcode scanners are used in multiple areas, including:

Services: Barcode scanners are used in various service industries for tracking purposes, to facilitate invoicing as well as for event ticketing systems and to keep an eye on rented items.
Retail: QR and barcodes are essential for quickly scanning products, checking prices and completing transactions in the retail industry, accelerating PoS processes and optimising the customer experience.
Healthcare: Hospitals and other medical facilities use barcodes to identify and trace medication, treatment files and medical devices, improving patient safety and efficiency, too.
Production: Barcode scanners play an important role in tracking products, batches and materials along the production line for precise control over processes allowing greater quality assurance.
Transportation: Freight and parcels are managed and tracked using barcodes to optimise logistics processes.
Logistics: To track and manage the transportation and warehousing of goods, barcodes are widespread in logistics, establishing an interface between inventory management, route optimisation and general order processing.
Heavy industries: In industrial settings, barcodes are used to follow products, components and materials along the supply chain to support inventory management, batch tracing and quality assurance.
Manufacturing: Barcode scanners are essential here for tracking the progress of products through production. They help identify workpieces, allocate jobs and keep an eye on costs.

How does a barcode scanner work?

Using advanced technologies, these scanners allow the fast and precise capture of barcodes in various formats, acting as an interface between physical products and the digital information held in a computer system. They use special sensors to read barcodes, 1D, 2D and Digimarc codes and transfer the data to a computer. Contrary to wired devices, wireless hand scanners support maximum flexibility and mobility for all your data capture needs, leverage technologies to read codes from a distance and don’t have to be used at a fixed workstation.

As a rule, all scanners have a red or infra-red sensor that hits the barcode and detects the reflected light. The decoder then decodes what, to the human eye, is just a black-and-white image. All the pertinent product information—name, ingredients and availability—is thus uniquely identified and can be used, for example, to search a database and determine where the item is found and how much it costs.

There are several factors to consider before making a purchase.

Scan technology: Choose between laser or CCD scanners and imagers depending on your teams’ specific requirements.
Scan speed: The speed with which the scanner can read the code is measured in scans per second (SPS) or scans per minute (SPM) is decisive for efficiency.
Compatibility: Make sure your scanner is compatible with the types of barcode (e.g. EAN 13, UPC A and Code 39) and the computer system you use.
Connectivity: Check if the scanner supports the connections you need (USB, Bluetooth, etc.) to connect to your other devices.
Additional features: Think about whether you need extras like automatic label feed, cutters or integrated RFID writers.

Types of barcode scanners.

To give you an overview of the options out there, we’ve defined four categories of barcode scanners with differing mobility capabilities and connection options, supporting a host of EAN barcodes including EAN-13, EAN-8 and EAN-5. While fixed barcode scanners tend to use a red or infrared sensor, mobile hand scanners usually have a camera to capture and decrypt data enabling information such as product categories, manufacturer and stock levels to be clearly identified. Choosing the right barcode scanner depends on your specific needs and your company’s industry, which is why we’ve defined the various types of devices below, including products from Honeywell and Zebra, to give you an overview of features and benefits.

Wired barcode scanners.

Wired scanners provide a reliable connection and are perfect for used at fixed workstations. They are particularly suitable for tasks that don’t depend on mobility such as in offices, warehouse management systems and workshops. These scanners are easy to set up and quickly and accurately capture codes.

Wireless barcode scanners.

Contrary to wired devices, wireless scanners support maximum flexibility and mobility for all your data capture needs, reading codes from a distance without having to be used at a fixed workstation. Hand scanners are ideal for dynamic working environments such as warehouses, shops and logistics centres.

Mobile barcode scanners with cameras.

Mobile data capture devices are portable handheld scanners that allow you to easily capture any barcode on the move. While wireless devices often use lasers, mobile camera scanners have a camera just like a smartphone. Their compact size and wireless connectivity make them perfect for inventory management, supply chain tracking and PoS where it’s necessary to quickly and flexibly capture data.

Fixed barcode scanners.

Fixed barcode scanners are permanently installed and are ideal for production lines or in warehouses where continuous scanning of barcodes is required and fixed workstations are available. They offer stable and reliable performance for cash registers, warehouse management systems and production lines and their robust design and ease of integration into existing systems make them the perfect choice for a whole host of applications.

Buying barcode scanners from Bechtle.

No matter if you are looking for a barcode scanner for the office, warehouse or somewhere else, hand scanners are versatile tools that can save time and effort. With premium products such as Zebra or Honeywell hand scanners, you’ll enjoy fast, simple and precise data capture. Looking for the best device for your needs? Bechtle has a broad portfolio of hand scanners and barcode readers.

Barcode Scanners