There’s a lot of buzz around AI and robotics in warehousing and supply chain. But one technology still does the heavy lifting day in and day out: barcodes. More specifically, the barcode scanners and printers that make barcoding actually work.
In this episode of Secret Life of Inventory, we shine a light on the unsung heroes of inventory management and break down the hardware behind it all. We cover everything from simple USB scanners to advanced smart scanning devices, along with what each option is best suited for.
Whether you’re rolling out barcoding for the first time or thinking about upgrading your current setup, this episode will help you understand your options and choose the right tools for your business.
Understanding how barcode scanners work
Before we jump into the different barcode scanners, it helps to understand the technology behind them. Barcode scanners work by shining light onto a barcode and reading how that light reflects back. They interpret the thickness of the black lines and the spaces between them, then convert that visual pattern into a digital code. From there, your computer links that code to the correct product inside your inventory system.
This simple yet elegant process has revolutionized how businesses track everything from retail products to manufacturing components. But with so many scanner options available, how do you choose the right one?
Stationary vs. mobile: the first big decision
The world of barcode scanners breaks down into two main categories: stationary and mobile devices. Stationary scanners are perfect for fixed locations like checkout counters, while mobile scanners give you the freedom to move around warehouses and larger facilities.
Within these categories, you’ll find several subcategories worth considering:
- USB scanners offer the most straightforward plug-and-play experience. They’re affordable, reliable, and available in both wired and wireless versions. The wired option works great if you’re staying in one spot, while wireless USB scanners give you flexibility without breaking the bank.
- Bluetooth scanners eliminate the need for USB ports entirely, making them ideal if your device lacks available ports or you want a cleaner setup.
- Smart scanners represent the next level of barcode scanners. These all-in-one devices function as specialized smartphones with built-in laser scanners, offering features like Wi-Fi, GPS, and even camera capabilities for product photography.
The crucial role of barcode label printers
Here’s something many people don’t realize: your scanner is only as good as the barcode label printer you pair it with. Why? Because print quality directly impacts scannability. Even the best scanners have trouble reading distorted, smudged, or poorly printed barcodes.
You can break down barcode label printers into three main varieties:
- Stationary printers offer superior print quality and can handle high-volume printing jobs. They require a power source but deliver consistent, high-quality results.
- Handheld printers enable on-the-go labeling. They’re perfect for situations where you need to print replacement labels or create new ones while moving through your warehouse.
- Wearable printers might sound like science fiction, but they’re incredibly practical for specific use cases. Imagine working in shipping and receiving where you’re constantly lifting, scanning, and printing. Wearable devices give you the flexibility to do all three of these things without having to worry about juggling everything in your hands.
Choose barcode hardware that’s right for your environment
The key to selecting the right barcode hardware lies in understanding your specific environment and use case. Are you scanning at a small dedicated central location? A basic wired USB scanner might be all you need. Operating in a large warehouse where mobility is essential? You’ll want to invest in wireless hardware or even a smart scanner.
Volume matters too. If you’re only scanning a handful of barcodes daily, you could rely on your smartphone. But if you need to scan hundreds of barcodes a day, the speed difference between a dedicated scanner and a phone camera adds up quickly.
When choosing the right barcode hardware, consider factors like:
- Durability
- Brand reliability
- Print quality
- Integration capabilities
The barcoding software that ties it all together
Hardware alone won’t be enough to make your barcode system shine. The real magic happens when you connect your scanners and printers to robust inventory management software. This creates a complete solution in which your software generates barcodes, sends them to printers, and receives scanned data from your scanners.
Good barcode software prevents duplicate barcodes, enables bulk printing, and serves as the central database that makes sense of all the data. Without software, a barcode is just a meaningless set of black-and-white lines.
Getting started with barcode hardware
The beauty of barcode technology is that there’s an option for everyone, regardless of business size and budget. You can start simple with a smartphone and a basic office printer, then scale up as you grow. The key is understanding your environment, volume requirements, and long-term goals.
Remember, investing in quality hardware pays dividends in reduced errors, improved efficiency, and better employee productivity. Not to mention the longer lifespan better-quality devices offer.For a more detailed breakdown of everything covered in this article, check out the full episode of Secret Life of Inventory. We discuss everything you need to know about buying the most effective barcode scanner and printer for whatever your business needs.
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