User:PruScheffler658 - Beaver BarCamp

From Beaver BarCamp

In the world of retail there can't be many more revolutionary products than the handheld barcode scanner. The beauty of this kind of scanner is it is so simple to use. Just point it in the barcode, press the trigger and also the job is done. And since it is worked yourself anyone using one of these simple pieces of equipment is not as likely to make a mistake.

As it happens handheld barcode scanners are attached to the computer by a cable. You will find handhelds which are connected up wirelessly. There isn't any cable restricting what lengths the scanner can be utilized from the computer; the sole limit is the range of the wireless signal. They could be small enough to fit into a pocket. The purists usually do not class these scanners as handheld, instead they use the term "wireless barcode scanner." But these scanners do offer the same ease of use as the handheld variety.

cash register - The handheld scanners that a lot of people will be using will utilise 1 of 2 scanning technologies, the laser and the LED. Lasers continue to be the most popular, despite the introduction of LED scanning technology over the last few years.

With laser scanning technology the scanning unit has a laser diode. The laser diode generates a dot which becomes the laser beam by being projected into a vibrating mirror. The laser beam is then scanned over the barcode.

LED is really a newer type of scanning technology as well as the handheld barcode scanners incorporating it tend to be more durable. Also LED is much more versatile in the kind of barcode it can read - technology-not only to scan horizontal bar codes as well as the more typical vertical ones. The sensor then accumulates the reflected light and also the data is converted into ASCII text.

point of sale system - One decision that anyone thinking about using a handheld unit within their business is whether to stick to the conventional 1D type of scanner or even the newer 2D units. The 2D scanners have become more popular as they do offer more, especially obviously the ability to read the new 2D barcodes including data matrix. These barcodes holds much more information than the 1D type can which obviously makes them attractive to use. However, the 2D handheld scanners do cost far more than the 1D units. Obviously if the business can manage with all the capacity restrictions of the 1D barcode then there is no real need to upgrade. Of course the converse can often happen and many more businesses are now turning to the higher specification units.