There are a lot of different kinds of barcode scanners out there and in order to choose the right one for your business, our AIS Ltd experts have compiled these top 5 tips.
Barcode scanners are devices that are used to read barcode images on products. They also keep track of purchases, inventory, and can be used for price checking and identification purposes.
5 Tips for Buying a Barcode Scanner
1. Pick the Right Model
Before spending any money on a barcode scanner, it is important to know what the different types are. There are a number of different types including image scanners, pen scanners, wand scanners, and laser scanners. Many businesses use laser scanners, and these have a better range than pen or wand scanners. Laser scanners can perform 500 scans per second and are popular in retail settings.
2. Ease of Use is Important
The barcode scanner you choose should be easy to use. One of the main concerns for a lot of businesses is how to connect or pair the barcode scanner with a station. Some barcode scanners have USB ports while others are wireless and use bluetooth connectivity. The only negative aspect for wireless barcode scanners is that they need to be charged.
3. Compatibility with POS Systems
It is vital that the barcode scanner you choose is compatible with your POS system. Some barcode scanners are designed for one type of software only while others can be used with different software. You need to make sure you can connect your barcode scanner to the POS system on your laptop or iPad if that is what you are using or to the stations in your retail outlet.
4. Design and Reliability
It is important to look at the design and physical appearance of your barcode scanner as well as how reliable the model is. With handheld barcode scanner models you need to consider how heavy it is for people who might be holding them all day long. You also need to look at how comfortable it is to hold. An ergonomic design is preferred for handheld devices. You need to look at how reliable the barcode scanner is, so you don’t have too much downtime.
5. Range of Use
The barcode scanner you choose to purchase should be reliable and be able to scan a variety of barcode images under different conditions. Will the scanner you choose be able to read barcodes in direct sunlight? This is something you need to consider with mobile barcode scanners. Wireless scanners give users more freedom to move around and this can be especially useful for scanning large items. Can the barcode scanner read digital and physical barcodes? Being able to handle both kinds of barcodes as well as images and QR codes gives you more flexibility.
There are barcode scanners that are easy to use and come with a wide range of capabilities and if you need any help in finding the right type of scanner for your business, our experts are always on hand to help. Get in touch today and find out how the right barcode scanners can help you manage and run your business with ease.