The CCD Barcode Scanner: A False Economy?

Symbol DS6707 CCD Barcode Scanner

A CCD barcode scanner is certainly a wise choice when it comes down to budget but it usually comes down to what you really need from a barcode scanner. For example, is the scanning distance a factor during operation? Will the scanner be under heavy use? Considering such factors (but not limited to) is important if you are to make the right handheld barcode scanner purchase.

The first thing to think about is what kind of role the barcode scanner will play. For instance, the size of the barcode is probably the biggest factor – a CCD barcode scanner can only scan up to 3-4 inches depending on the model. Anything larger and you may have to resort to a laser scanner. As a result, you should check the size of your barcodes since you really don’t want to replace the barcodes on thousands of products!

For smaller applications, such as less frequent inventory checks in a small business, a CCD barcode scanner is great value for money. Unlike their laser counterparts, there are no moving parts in a CCD barcode scanner and consequently last up to 10 times longer. This also makes them less prone to mechanical failure – an important implication financially, especially if the technology is integrated into a PDA.

So, are CCD barcode scanners really only designed for lighter use? Granted, a warehouse environment may require heavy duty scanners that use laser technology. However, CCD technology is constantly improving and are comparable to lasers in terms of their scan rates, which is somewhere in the region of 45 scans per second. The DS6707 Symbol scanner is a good example of this improved technology and features a 1.3 megapixel camera to allow any kind of document scan up to about A4 size. This universal imaging device allows the user to scan all types of barcode, including 1D, 2D or PDF417 barcodes making it great a return on investment.

One other benefit which you may not immediately consider in your barcode scanner is safety, especially in busy customer-focused environments. CCD barcode scanners make use of LEDs which is safe for direct eye contact. This could be quite an important issue in close contact environments, such as retail POS, so in effect the safety of the customer is almost guaranteed when scanning with CCD imaging technology.

Overall, a CCD scanner is a great investment for a small business or those in a POS environment, but even in more intense usage, recent barcode scanner innovation means that these devices are certainly not a false economy.