A large number of modern companies are using barcode scanner software nowadays, reaping the advantages of this technology. Barcodes first came into use in 1951, and along with their scanners. Barcodes, however, took time to make a name for themselves. It was in the 1960s when they began to be used in industrial prospects for the first time.
Barcodes are used in every industry and context like manufacturing units, retail chains in the healthcare sector, and many more.
Barcode technology is a powerful tool for tracking assets and instantly retrieves information with simply scanning the barcode. Several leading organizations such as Amazon use barcode technology due to its accuracy in tracking inventory and asset tracking.
Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanners are optical scanners which scan a barcode, decode its data and then send it to the computer system that is connected.
Every barcode scanner has an algorithm for decoding the barcode’s image as well as the data supplied by the scanner and transfer the information to the main computer system which the scanner is connected.
Different types of barcode scanners
Barcode scanners are distinguished by the basis of the technology they employ to scan the barcode. The following are the most popular kinds of barcode scanners that are used:
1. Pen Type Scanner
It is comprised of a photodiode as well as a light source that read a barcode. The end of the pen moved across the bars of barcodes in a uniform manner.
2. Lazer Scanner
It is used in the same way as pen-type scanners, but employs lazer as a source of light for reading the barcode.
3. LED Scanner
It employs hundreds of tiny light sources lined up in a row used to analyze the light source that emits from the barcode, and then read as well decode the code.
4. Scanner based on Camera
It works the same way as LED scanners but in a 2D variety of lighting sources to generate an image. Thus, the barcode that appears in the image has been decoded.
5. Omnidirectional Barcode Scanner
It uses a multi-angle arrangement of scanning lines that are projected over the barcode. They are mostly employed in supermarkets.
6. Cell Camera for Phone
2D barcodes , such as QR codes and data matrix codes can be scanned to the camera of the phone.
Barcode Scanners’ Work
Barcodes can be read by crossing dots and dashes, which are converted to numbers. With scanner technology scanning decoding and reading barcodes has become a breeze with the reading of both white and black zebra stripes swiftly.
The barcodes scanned are transferred to the scanner’s output, or a connected device or system to identify the product’s information for the database of the organization.
Here are the steps involved when scanning, reading, and decoding of a barcode:
Scanning through a laser or LED light on the barcode.
The light reflects off the barcode to a photoelectric cell (an electronic device that can detect light). The black areas reflect tiny amounts of light and the light-colored lines reflect the bulk portion of light.
When the scanner is moved across the barcode at a unison, the photoelectric cell produces an on-off pattern that is able to communicate with the black and white stripes of the barcode.
Electronic circuits in the scanner convert pulses of the scanner into zeroes and ones (binary numbers) which then are sent to the computer system connected.
Barcode Scanner Software
Barcode scanner software records the barcode data and transfers it to the connected computer system. It’s a well-designed software application with recording of images and data to increase the efficiency of the work and also work with existing asset management software.
A. Capture the information, read it, and deliver
Scan barcode
Data must be transferred to the database.
Collect data associated with it
Auto-update to servers
Auto-insert scans
Fully integrated
B. Device Flexibility
Barcode scanner app is compatible with smartphones, tablets, scan sleds, android mobile computers.
Access to an in-built camera images, as well as Bluetooth.
C. No-Code Solution
No code-configuring solutions are required directly to select on the list.
Develop enhance solutions.
D. Quick Barcode Scanning
Rapid and accurate scanning of barcodes using the camera in the device.
E. Scans in Real-Time
Barcode scanned to be stored in a database on the internet or automatically updated throughout the year from the Cloud and application.
F. Requires Custom Forms
Ask multiple-choice, drop-down voice-to text, or any other questions after each scan.
G. Auto-Update feature
Scans are instantly refreshed on the barcode scanner with an app for cloud storage each few seconds.
H. Photos, GPS & Signatures
Photographs, keep track of GPS location, and capture signatures with the barcode scanner app.
Pros and cons Of barcode Scanner and Software
1. Improved Efficiency
Barcode scanner software permits operating more accurately and reading the data and other information quickly. Technology used by scanners makes the operation and tracking quick and accurate.
2. Reduced Errors
The accuracy of data and information entry using scanner technology helps improve the organization’s legacy and business by reducing errors.
3. Cost-Efficient
The accurate data transfer to the system can ensure the efficacy of all ongoing processes in the company. When everything is smooth and error-free, you save a lot of money that could be lost due to errors, issues or human error.
4. Saves Time
The barcode scanner software will save the time in the organization and quality analysis of inventory, assets as well as the items. Thanks to scanner technology, it’s highly efficient in comparison to the same task of about four hours for five employees all together.
5. Improved Productivity
The scanner technology aids in increase and boost productivity by updating inventory levels or moving assets digitally. This software comes with significant streamlined benefits to reduce app training time as well.
6. Business Intelligence
The software allows you to keep track of and archive details for each change in operations or transactions, electronically and then track them.
Conclusion
The barcode scanner software can be implemented for any business or institution, as well as a service provider. It is known to enhance operations and solve challenges in business. Moreover the barcode scanner application can manage security, attendance and access control, as well as the tracking of assets in organisations and institutions.
All this can be achieved through barcode scanners. They’ve become mobile and also laser-operated today. Barcode scanning is a vital part of asset tracking and management of inventory. It improves accuracy, reduces human errors, and enhances the discipline of managing inventory.
