A barcode scanner or reader is an apparatus utilized to trap and read information included in a barcode. This device may be a handheld or fixed stationary type.

There are three important components of a barcode reader. These are the scanner, the decoder and a cable. The decoder may either be seen externally or built-in to the device. The cable attaches the reader to a computer by way of various mechanisms such as keyboard or serial port ,or a wedge.

A wireless barcode scanner directs a beam of light across the bar code. The scanner transforms the light into electrical energy. The decoder converts the electrical energy into data of numbers and letters. These data is forwarded to a PC to be analyzed by a software.

There are several types of barcode readers and these are as follows.

Wireless barcode scanner. This one is highly essential when collection of data away from a computer is required. It is more popularly known as a mobile computer and data collector, and it serves as a versatile device for sophisticated capture of information.

It makes use of different operating systems such as Windows Mobile, Palm and Linux. Only a wireless barcode scanner can give you ease of mobility.

At times, you simply need to leave your computer to secure the data. Or, you'll have to gather information far away from any computer and have the data transferred from the scanner to the computer. You may also need to be self-sufficient of a computer and prefer to work to a database on the network.

With this, the barcode scanner can offer a wireless network connection, and the operating system will be directing to the source of data to update it.

Slot scanner. This kind of reader is fixed. Its main function is to read bar codes on identification cards. It is useful in offices when logging in employees or time of check-in.

The Charge Coupled Device or CCD. It is a reader often used in retail stores. This one's offer an improved scan and read-extent compared to the pen wand. This gun-typed interface device needed to be carried an inch from the bar code.

Pen wand. This pen-shaped or wand-shaped device offers economy and durability. Considered as the simplest barcode scanner, pen wand works by moving the tip of the pen across the bar code in a steady even motion. The tip of the pen must come in direct touch with all the bar codes.

Image scanner. It is also being referred to as a camera reader and normally has a lower price than laser reader. It has a built-in tiny video camera that captures images from the bar code. It then employs advanced digital processing system for decoding. It can scan a bar code from three to inches away. This is the latest of all the barcode readers.

Laser scanner. It is able to do 500 scans every second and can efficiently work even at 24 inches away from a bar code. Some models can even scan a bar code from up to 30 feet away. These are specialized long-range laser scanners.

Advantages of using a Barcode Reader

It can do faster scanning compared to a human data encoder. For instance, a pen wand can scan a bar code level of 12 characters at the same time when a data encoder can perform two key strokes. It can also provide businesses with accurate data entries. It prevents the entry of invalid information. It means that all information entered or inputted are highly reliable.

Another benefit is its lower system cost compared to other data entry systems. It demonstrated a payback period of 6 to 18 months. Investors of this type of scanning could easily regain their investment during that span of time.