Streamline Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide to Barcode Scanners

 Asset tracking systems provide several advantages that improve workflow and boost profitability, including effective inventory control, maintenance management, and resource utilisation. In addition to being more functional and long-lasting than previous versions, modern barcode scanners now provide the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, cordless operation, and other features that enable asset management indoors, outdoors, and even in challenging conditions.

However, finding the ideal one for your business can be a daunting task with so many options available on the market, these days. To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive guide narrows down everything you need to consider when purchasing.

Classification

source: 42gears.com

When weighing your options, make your business thrive with a fast and reliable zebra scanner for handheld. Your application will identify the features and scanning capabilities you require and assist you in selecting from among the many Zebra barcode scanners on the market.

If the level of dust in your warehouse is very high or there are minuscule particles such as sawdust you will need Zebra ultra-rugged barcode scanners designed for harsh warehouse environments. These are made to withstand the difficulties of working in conditions like manufacturing and warehousing, where there are changes in temperature, dust, and poor vision. Additionally, these scanners are strong, read at astonishingly high lengths and rates, and give workers constant power during their shifts. Moreover, they record information from soiled, broken, or shrink-wrapped labels.

On the other hand, take into account the code type and scanning distance if you intend to scan barcodes. It is best to use 2D imaging barcode scanners for all barcode types. These can read barcodes that are 2D or linear. However, linear barcode scanners can only read 1D barcodes. In terms of scanning distance, seek for zebra handheld scanner that can scan up to 45′–50′ away with Extended Range capability. They use either laser scanning or 2D barcode imaging for this.

Another thing to consider when looking for the best zebra scanner for handheld is the type of flooring you have in your office or warehouse. Think about whether the surface your scanner hits as it falls is soft or hard like carpet as the easiest way to damage your scanner is to drop it.

Rugged Zebra barcode scanners are consequently necessary for hard floors because they can function well in adverse environments. All in all, Zebra is ready for any obstacle!

Unlike hand-held barcode scanners, laser barcode scanners can only read 1D barcodes. The laser beam light source used by these scanners scans across the bar code back and forth. A photodiode is used to decode the bar code by measuring the amount of light that is reflected from the laser; the resulting waveforms are then interpreted by a decoder. After that, the data is sent in a more conventional data format to your computing source by the barcode scanner.

Cordless or wireless barcode scanners depend on a rechargeable battery to function without a cord. These barcode scanners could be image or laser models. The average battery life of the cordless types is a crucial factor to take into account when making your selection. You will need a barcode scanner with a long battery life if your scanning requirements force employees to spend a lot of time in the field, away from a charging source.

Uses and Application

When layering your hands on the ideal barcode scanner for all your business requirements, it's best to focus on the type of use and application. In this regard, barcoding and barcode scanners are critical to the warehouse industry's ability to manage inventory, expedite processing, place orders, and much more. Moreover, barcode scanners are used in conjunction with advanced asset tracking systems to closely monitor every asset under its control. These systems are used to enforce stringent standards.

The oil and gas sector, on the other hand, is responsible for overseeing a diverse range of assets, both on-site and off. Accurate documentation of equipment upkeep and asset utilisation is required. To manage assets and streamline documentation, industrial barcode scanners are frequently utilised in the field.

In the manufacturing sector, maintenance and repair are essential, necessitating continuous equipment monitoring and record-keeping of routine maintenance operations. Manufacturing businesses may swiftly identify parts for repairs, stay on top of maintenance, contact vendors, reorder, and accomplish other tasks with the help of a handheld barcode scanner that is up to the task. These are also useful for applications outside heavy-duty and industrial ones. While many other sectors rely on handheld barcode scanners for asset monitoring needs such as managing resource utilisation and tracking expensive assets, the retail industry employs barcode scanners largely for inventory control and POS (point-of-sale) applications.

Features to Look for

source: valutrack.com

The best barcode scanner for your needs can be found by considering a few key features and attributes as well. In this regard, look for a scanner with an IP classification of IP54 or IP65, which indicates that the device can survive dust, water spray, or water jets coming from several directions, especially when your application calls for a portable scanner that performs well in challenging environments.

Also, check out the connectivity. When a barcode scanner is Bluetooth-enabled, it can wirelessly connect to your network and send data to other databases or applications, such as computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS).