Barcodes are data codes that contain important data and information

pertaining to a specific product. Using bars and spaces of varying lengths

and widths, different numbers and letters are encoded.
These codes are extremely important for accurate inventory
management. In this article, we compare the different barcode scanner
types to help you choose the right one for your business and its inventory
management.

For example, the barcode seen on the tag of a shirt does not describe the
brand or color or price of the shirt. Instead, it will only have certain black
and white spaces with a 12 –digit product number, which is scanned and
detected by a computer. In the computer, the data corresponding to this
barcode will be found and accordingly, the cashier at the counter will bill
the product.
Check out our free Barcode generator tool.

What are the different types of barcodes?

There are primarily 2 different types of barcodes: 1D and 2D. The kind of
barcode you need to use depends on how much data you intend to store in
the barcode.

1D code

These codes, like the UPC code, are generally linear black and white
spaces of varying widths. They will have close to 12 characters.

The disadvantage of the 1D code is that the more information you want to
include, the longer the barcode will become.
But, 90 percent of the applications use the 1D barcode.
Related Read: What is SKU – Learn everything there is to know!

2D code
2D code, like QR codes and data matrix use squares, hexagon and other
shapes to store data.
It is read in 2 dimensions as data is arranged in both horizontal as well as
vertical patterns.

It can be much smaller than the 1D code but can carry up to 100
characters, and thus hold much more information. Another advantage is
that while 1D can carry only alphanumerics, 2D codes can carry other
kinds of information like images, website address, voice, and other types
of binary data.
The 1D code can be read with the traditional laser scanners or camera-
based imaging scanners. But 2D codes can be read-only using imagers,
which are more expensive.
A barcode requires a specific type of scanner, called the ‘barcode scanner’
to scan this code. The scanned output is transmitted to the computer using
this device. There are various types of barcode scanners available in the
market. Doing some research and choosing the one suitable for your
business is important.

Types of barcode scanners

There are primarily 4 different barcode scanners types, based on the

technology they use to scan.

Pen type readers

They are also called barcode wands because they look like wands. This
scanner consists of a LED light and a photodiode at its tip. How it works is
that, when this pen-like barcode scanner is slid over the barcode, the LED
illuminates the black and white bars. The light reflected from these bars,
which vary depending on their thickness, is captured by the photodiode
and is later converted into digital information.
The problem with this type is that you have to carefully pass the scanner
over the barcode and at the proper speed. The scanner needs to come in
contact with the barcode. Any kind of human error could lead to flaws in
the data obtained.
Pen type barcode scanners are the least expensive among all.

Laser barcode scanners

These are the most popular type of barcode scanners and are widely used
in retail. They also work similar to the pen-type but give accurate results
when compared to the former.
In this type, a laser beam is shot at a mirror within the actual unit. This
mirror moves within so that the laser sweeps across the barcode in a
straight line. A photodiode captures the reflected light and converts it into
digital information.
This type can be either hand-held or mounted. A standard-range laser
barcode can read the code from 6 to 24 inches away. A long range one can
read from 2 to 8 feet away, and an extra-long one from up to 30 feet away.

CCD barcode scanners (Charge Coupled Device)

CCD scanners are expensive units but give very accurate results. You may
see them referred to as LED scanners.
They have hundreds of tiny LED lights arranged in a row within the unit.
This is directly shot at the barcode, and the voltage of the ambient light is
measured. This is later converted to computer readable data.
These are widely popular in POS(Point of Sale) applications.
But, the disadvantages of CCD scanners are that you need to hold them
within 1 to 3 inches from the barcode, and it cannot read the code that gets
longer than its scanner face.

Imager barcode scanner (Camera-based)

These function more like a video camera rather than a scanner.

The unit consists of a video camera within, and rather than using the laser
to shoot light at the code, it essentially takes a picture of the barcode,
which is then analyzed using sophisticated digital decoding techniques.