If you are considering buying a barcode scanner it is important to choose the right one. Our experts at AIS have come up with a list of key considerations you should take into account.
There are hundreds of different barcode scanning models to choose from and each of these come with different features for different business needs. Whether you need a barcode scanner for POS sales, inventory management, or any other service, the right one is going to be invaluable.
Below are some top tips to help you decide.
Buying A Barcode Scanner For Your Business
Before making any decision, it is important to define what your business requirements are as this will help you choose the right barcode scanner. The nature of your company will help you determine your needs. For example, utility companies required durable and rugged barcode scanners that can withstand all types of weather elements. Warehouses will have indoor barcode scanners for inventory, etc. The list below will help you figure out what type of barcode scanner features you require.
- Will your barcode scanner be used outdoors or is it for indoor usage?: If you need an outdoor barcode scanner you will need a rugged and durable model. The IP rating will be an important indicator. An IP rating of 54 or 65 tells you that the barcode scanner can withstand exposure to dust, water, and other environmental hazards.
- What symbologies will you be scanning?: Barcode labels can use several types of symbologies so you need to know what you will be scanning. There are 1D, 2D, Postal, DPM, OCR, etc. Some barcode scanners will have a range of capabilities whist others might only be suitable for 1D and 2D symbologies.
- How often will the barcode scanner be in use?: Will you require a barcode scanner that will scan hundreds of labels at a time and at speed? Will your barcode scanner only be for limited use? These are important questions. Some barcode scanners have continuous scanning features and can scan between 60 and 120 codes per second. Other barcode readers will take a couple of seconds between each scan.
- Where will the barcode scanner be used?: If your barcode scanner is going to be used in a warehouse setting, environmental issues will need to be taken into consideration. Will there be dust, chemicals, moisture, debris? These things can damage a barcode scanner so you need to choose a model that is suited for work in these environment. A durable model with an IP rating of 54 or 65 is ideal.
- What scanning distance do you require?: Will you be scanning barcodes that are a few inches away or a few feet away? Some barcode readers offer greater scanning distance than others. Some can scan from several feet but others might need to be in close range.
Once you’ve answered the questions and determined what your business requirements are, you can check out the range of barcode scanners available at AIS and compare the features and details of each as well as the specifications that will be important to your business.