Are All Barcode Scanners The Same?

Welcome to this comprehensive post where we will be answering the question of whether all barcode scanners are the same or not. Our team has studied wide on barcode scanners and we have examined many models to see where the various models of barcode scanners differ. Read on, as we share our findings with you.

Are all barcode scanners the same? All barcode scanners perform the same function and follow the same operational process. But still, there are different types of barcode scanners. Laser barcode scanners are different from imagers. And wired scanners are different from wireless scanners. In essence, the operational process of every barcode scanner involves shining special red light on a barcode to detect and decode it. How this is done and how the scanner transmits the information to the computer is where barcode scanners are different.

The world of barcode scanners is vast, filled with many brands and models. Looking at these several models, you may wonder what makes each one unique. Don’t they all do the same thing? Yes, they all do the same thing but as you will soon see, they may not all be exactly the same. We will show you more details about the different types of barcode scanners as you read on.

How Do Barcode Scanners Differ?

Barcode scanners differ in two major ways – their scanning functionality and connectivity. By scanning functionality, a barcode scanner can either be a laser scanner or an imager scanner. And by connectivity, a barcode scanner can be a wired scanner or a wireless scanner. These are broad categories with different types of barcode scanners under each category. An imager scanners, for instance, can either be a linear imager or a 2D imager.

In one of our other posts, we talk about the 15 different types of barcode scanners. You can read the post if you want to know about the different types of barcode scanners available. But as you read on in this post, we will show you how barcode scanners differ.

Laser vs. Imager Barcode Scanners

By scanning functionality, you can divide barcode scanners into laser and imager scanners. Laser scanners are the better option for reading barcodes at long distances of more than 2 feet and under low-light conditions. But while laser scanners mostly decode only 1D barcodes, imagers can read and decode both 1D and 2D barcodes, as well as matrix symbols. There are omni-directional laser scanners which can also read 2D barcodes, but they cannot read matrix symbols. Only 2D imagers can read matrix symbols.

The scanning functionality of a barcode scanner refers to its type of technology (laser or imager). Conversely, the scanning capability of a barcode scanner refers to the type(s) of barcodes it can read and decode (1D, 2D, or matrix symbols). Both properties are interconnected. In the next section, you will see how barcode scanners differ along these two lines.

Laser Barcode Scanners

Lasers are the most popular and most common type of barcode scanners for small businesses. They operate by emitting laser light that reflects the barcode back to the scanner for processing. They are easy to operate and integrate easily into inventory systems and retail arbitrages.

Laser Scanner Benefits

• They are extremely fast. Some laser barcode scanners can scan and decode as many as 400 times per second.

• They are also very accurate. All you need to do is point the laser scanner at the barcode for quick and accurate results.

• The long-distance capability of laser scanners set them apart from imagers. Some laser barcode scanners can even scan barcodes from as far as 50 feet.

Laser Scanner Disadvantages

• Ambient light can negatively affect scanning with a laser scanner. Remember that light reflection is essential for laser scanners to read barcodes. As such, direct sunlight and other sources of bright light can make scanning with a laser scanner difficult.

• Laser scanners cannot scan barcodes from screens, including computers, mobile devices, and LCD screens.

• Laser scanners have a few other limitations. For instance, most scanners cannot capture scans when the barcode is too small, faded, or damaged.

Imager Barcode Scanners

Imager scanners function like digital cameras. Instead of using laser beams, imagers capture the picture of barcodes with a lens, sensor, and external source of light. They are also easier to operate and deliver faster results because they can read barcodes in any direction, even when they are turned upside down.

Imager Scanner Advantages

Some of the advantages of imagers over laser scanners are as follows:

• Some imagers can read both 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional barcodes. 2D barcodes, like QR codes and Data Matrix, can hold more information than 1-D barcodes. More so, they use a smaller space.

• Barcode imagers can read damaged barcodes. They can also read barcodes in different orientations, as well as from device screens and under ambient light.

• Some barcode imagers can read DPM (direct part marks). You can use DPM to track items all through their lifecycle.

• Barcode imagers can help verify barcode quality.

There are two types of barcode imagers, namely CCD scanners (also called linear imagers) and 2D area imagers. In the next section, we will discuss the differences between these two types.

✅ Video – Image vs Laser Barcode Scanners

This video contains an easy-to-understand explanation of how laser barcodes differ from imager barcodes. If you want to know what type will fit your needs, make sure to watch this video to the end.

Linear vs. 2D Area Imagers

Linear imagers take barcode pictures digitally by aligning LED lights and shooting the lights to the barcode directly. They are also called LED scanners or charged coupled devices (CCD). 2D area imagers also capture digital images but they flash bright light with multiple lightbulb rows. Most linear imager scanners only scan 1D codes, but area imagers can read both 1D and 2D codes.

Let’s take a closer look at these two different types of barcode imagers:

Linear Imagers

Linear imagers are a step ahead of laser imagers, but they do have some limitations too. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of linear imagers.

Linear Imager Benefits

• Linear imagers are more durable than laser scanners because they have no moving parts in them.

• They typically don’t cost as much as laser scanners. So they are a more economical solution for barcode scanning.

• Linear scanners can scan barcodes under direct sunlight. They can also scan codes from device screens. These include computer screens and other devices screens.

Linear Imager Disadvantages

• Linear imagers cannot read any barcode that is wider than its imager line. So they have limitations when it comes to barcode size.

• They also have limitations in scanning distance. Most linear imagers can only read barcodes that are inches away.

2D Imagers

2D imagers have the widest area or scope among all barcode scanner types. They can read just about any barcode type you can think of, including PDF417, QR codes, and Data Matrix. They are ideal for rapid barcode scanning outdoors. Let’s take a look at some of their advantages and disadvantages.

2D Imager Benefits

• They are very versatile. You can use 2D barcode scanners for virtually all barcode symbologies.

• 2D scanners are very powerful. They can even read barcodes that have been heavily damaged.

• Their special barcode image capturing process enables them to read barcodes in almost any direction and from almost any surface. These include barcodes from LCD screens and glass surfaces.

2D Imager Disadvantages

The only major disadvantage of 2D imagers is that they are usually very expensive, compared to other barcode scanner types. Some omnidirectional laser barcode scanners are, however, more expensive than 2D imagers.

Wired vs. Wireless Barcode Scanners

Connectivity options divide barcode scanners into wired and wireless barcode scanners. Wired barcode scanners connect to computers using USB cables while wireless barcode scanners use no cables. Rather, they use a 2.4GHz radio frequency, Bluetooth connection, or Wi-Fi. Wireless scanners are common in large warehouses while wired scanners are more common in convenience stores and cashier counters. While cordless scanners are more flexible, wired scanners have data line limitations.

Wired Barcode Scanners

Wired barcode scanners communicate directly with computers via a USB interface cable. This type of connection supports common OS, including Windows, Linux, and Mac computers.

Wired Barcode Scanner Advantages

• Wired barcode scanners are typically less expensive than their wireless counterparts.

• They are also very easy to integrate into barcode systems.

• They deliver precise and accurate results.

• Some models also offer proprietary connections.

Wired Barcode Scanner Disadvantages

• The cord of a wired scanner can sometimes damage and make the scanner to fail.

• Cord connections usually come with certain risks, so wired scanners are not as safe as cordless scanners.

• Cords limit the flexibility of scanners. You can’t be too far from the computer. If you are using a wired scanner, you will have to bring every item to the barcode scanner.

Wired Barcode Scanner Uses

Wired barcode scanners are ideal for the following industries:

• Retail and grocery stores
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare logistics
• Warehouses

Wireless Barcode Scanners

Wireless barcode scanners use radio technology (2.4GHz), Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth to connect wirelessly with a signal base. These are some of their advantages, disadvantages, and uses.

Wireless Barcode Scanner Advantages

• Wireless scanners are easy to operate and rid you of the complications of cord connections.

• They are cost-effective barcode scanning solutions for large warehouses and mobile sales.

• Wireless scanners provide instant and real-time information

• They are ideal for various applications and can connect to mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets.

Wireless Barcode Scanner Disadvantages

• Some wireless scanners won’t work when they are outside their transmission range. But some are equipped with a storage capacity. These scanners can scan barcodes at remote locations, store them, and update them later to the central system.

• They are a little more costly than wired scanners.

Wireless Barcode Scanner Uses

Wireless barcode scanners are ideal for the following industries:

• Retail
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Warehouses

Related Questions

Are Barcode Scanners Universal?

Barcode scanners are universal because they all essentially do the same thing. You can use any type of barcode scanner anywhere in the world, so long as the scanner type is suitable for your industry and application. But remember that not all scanners can scan all barcode types.

Generally, linear imagers and laser scanners can only read 1D barcodes. The only exceptions to this are omnidirectional laser scanners. Omnidirectional laser scanners and 2D imagers can read virtually all barcode types. So they have a more “universal” application than other barcode types.

What Can A Barcode Tell You?

1D barcodes can store information about product descriptions, pricing, tracking, and inventory among others. 2D barcodes can save more information than 1D barcodes. They can tell you about sales registry, inventory tracking, mobile marketing, logistics, and supply chain management, among other things.

Essentially, you can store any data in barcodes. But 1D barcodes store fewer characters and, unlike 2D codes, they can’t hold special characters. RFID tags are more versatile than barcodes and can contain

Can Two Items Have The Same Barcode?

Two items can have the same barcode if it’s the same product type made by the same manufacturer. This can also be the case if the retailer decides to put their barcode on the items. Essentially, if you are creating a barcode with a specific set of information that applies to two items, the two items can have the same barcode.

Conclusion

As we have explained so far, all barcode scanners do the same thing. They all scan barcodes, but there are different scanner types for different barcode types. Barcode scanners differ in scanning capabilities and functionalities, as well as connection type. So make sure to get one that fits your needs.

While we have covered the major differences among barcode scanners, we have not covered all types of barcode scanners in this article. For instance, there are barcode scanners with automatic scanning feature while others do not have this feature. Watch out for our post on the different types of barcode scanners for a more comprehensive explanation of all the different types available.