Barcode scanner

A barcode scanner (also called barcode reader) is a device used to scan barcodes (or labels containing barcodes), decode the information stored in them and send it to another device (typically a computer).

Dealing with articles and products is only possible with an efficient method of tag management. For this reason, barcode scanners were established and have been the system used commercially for over 40 years now.

From its origins in the USA, the use of barcode scanners spread across the world, becoming the most reliable - as well as efficient - form of tag management for retailers and stockists. Since their inception, technological advances have improved barcode scanners by turning them into a device that not only can read barcodes, but also print them.

Despite its complexity, the barcode scanner is easy to use and indispensable for the daily function of some businesses. Produced as a small and handy device, barcode scanners are powered by RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), a technology that is able to authenticate and locate items and sorts of things.

Barcode scanners are used in multiple industries and for many purposes, including the following:

• In the retail and wholesale industry.
• In the capital goods industry.
• For warehouse management.
• For material management.
• For product traceability.

As its name indicates, barcode scanners are able to read traditional barcodes. However, technological advances have enabled the creation of new codes capable of storing more information than the traditional barcode. These include the data matrix code or the QR code. This situation led to the enhancement of barcode scanners, which are nowadays also able to read such codes.

There are multiple types of barcode scanners, including the following:

• Portable slap and ship barcode scanners.
• Mobile slap and ship barcode scanners.
• Print, code and apply barcode scanners.
• Print, code and apply flag tag scanners.
• Print, code and apply spine tag scanners.

The portable slap and ship barcode scanners are the most common type. They are small and easy to use (even on complex surfaces like metal).

The mobile slap and ship barcode scanners, on the other hand, are usually placed over a mobile device. This allows for more flexibility. Something similar happens with the so-called online slap and ship barcode scanners, which are not placed over a mobile device, but installed on a fixed point.