What to look for in a laser barcode scanner

laser barcode scanner

With quite a few types of barcode scanners to consider and even more models to choose from, it is easy to get lost with the vast selection of products currently available. The laser barcode scanner is probably the most common type of barcode scanner and its reliable performance and fast response time means that this barcode scanner is a good place to start.

Even though features in a laser barcode scanner are subtle, they are designed to increase work efficiency and minimise any errors during operation. Of course, these features are proportional to cost, so just as your purchase needs need to reflect your budget, the reverse is true in order to experience increases productivity as a direct result of the technology employed. In other words, your budget needs to consider the needs of your business.

So what is available in terms of features with these high performance bar code scanners?
For a start, ‘motion tolerance’ is becoming fairly standard amongst laser barcode readers. Motion tolerance basically means that you can scan a number of barcodes without having to release the trigger that initiates the barcode scan. This allows you to scan items that are in close proximity quickly with minimal user intervention. From a retail Point of Sale (POS) perspective, you will decrease queue time which will subsequently result in a better customer relationship.

Another, often overlooked aspect of a red laser scanner is the scanner’s resistance to physical abuse. Of course, no barcode scanner is going to withstand half a ton of fork lift truck (and I don’t suggest you test that out either!), but your laser barcode scanner must withstand everyday use, including drops. Many barcode manufacturers are implementing single circuit board designs which minimise any dislodging during a drop and reduce any points of failure that arise with other barcode scanners, such as the ribbon cables which connect circuit boards together.

Finally, consider barcode scanners that can scan damaged barcodes. Since laser barcode scanners scan in a linear fashion (from one end to another), they ignore a broken barcode and resumes interpreting the information as soon as the barcode becomes readable again. With long numbers, this can save enormous amounts of time manually keying in barcodes.

There is no doubt that all of the above features in a laser barcode scanner are certainly indications of a high quality product but when bought in considerable numbers, it becomes quite an investment no matter how they might improve your asset management system. Find a balance between cost effectiveness and how these products can ultimately make (or save) money.