Introduction
Barcode scanners are an intrinsic part of the retail industry. The Best barcode scanners for small businesses ease the process of checking product quantity, and its movement and make the reordering process convenient. In retail, information about the product availability, its price, and other details can be quickly found by scanning their barcodes. They also speed up the billing process in retail. The best barcode scanners for small businesses will also minimize the chances of errors being made.
What are barcodes?
Barcodes consist of a mix of lines of different thicknesses, spaces, and numbers. Barcode gives information about products, persons, locations, etc. It is mainly used to identify a product, location, or person.
How are barcodes useful?
Barcodes are affordable to create and print. This does not change depending on how they are used or where they are fixed. They provide information quickly and effectively. Barcodes help transmit data in a fast and efficient manner. This helps in making decisions quickly with minimal turnaround time and as a result, improves efficiency.
How do barcode scanners work?
The best barcode scanners are made of three parts. The three parts are the illumination system, the sensor, and the decoder. Barcode scanners work by illuminating the code using a red laser light to scan the elements of a barcode. After this, it is turned into matching text. The sensor then produces an analog signal after detecting the reflected light from the illumination system. This analog signal will then be sent to the decoder. The decoder will decipher the signal and make it into text form. The text that has been converted will be sent to a computer software system that has a database of all the details.
Types of barcodes
1D barcode scanners hold information in text format. 2D barcodes can hold more information. 2D barcodes can hold information like web address, quantity, price, and more.
1D Barcodes (Linear Barcodes)
- UPC (Universal Product Code): is a traditional type of barcode. It contains a barcode and a 12-digit UPC number.UPC-A contains 12 digits. They are mostly used in retail. UPC-E is the compressed version of UPC-A code and is primarily used for small packages.
- EAN (European Article Number): EAN-13 is used as a 13-digit code for international retail products. EAN-8 is used as an 8-digit code for smaller items or in those cases where space is limited.
- Code 39: Support alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9) and some special characters. This is used in several industries like the automobile and defense-related sectors. This variant of the barcode can accommodate only 39 characters.
- Code 128: Highly dense code It comprises all 128 ASCII characters. Packaging and shipping involve this type of code.
- Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF): Universal code for logistics and warehousing applications. In particular, it is often used as two-digit combinations.
- Codabar: Codabar is mostly used in libraries, blood banks, and warehouses. Numeric characters with very few special symbols are encoded.
- GS1 Databar: GS1 Databar can store more information in a small space compared to other barcodes. It is much smaller compared to the UPC-A barcode.
2D Barcodes
- QR Code: It is a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) that holds large amounts of data and is a grid of black and white squares. It includes text, URLs, and other data. It is used in marketing, product labeling, etc.
- Data Matrix: A 2D barcode that stores data in a square or rectangular matrix. Mostly, it is used in manufacturing and logistics for small items.
- PDF417: This is a stacked linear barcode format that stores a large amount of data like personal identification numbers or any other detailed information.
- Aztec Code: Aztec codes are used in various applications like airline boarding passes and mobile ticketing. Strong at correcting errors, this barcode has a compact size and can be crammed into a small space.
- MaxiCode: A 2D barcode of UPS to track packages. It encodes data in a hexagon matrix and is mainly used in logistics.
Rugtek’s Barcode Printers
1.LS-3002: LS-3002 is a 2D QR barcode scanner that is capable of scanning millions of pixels. It does not matter whether the barcode is on curved surfaces or mobile phones, this barcode scanner can capture barcodes perfectly. This barcode scanner is capable of easily decoding complex codes. Working with it for long hours will not be difficult because of its ergonomic design. It is made of high-quality materials and can withstand high-temperature levels. This ensures that it lasts for a very long time. LS-3002 performs well with all kinds of OS like Windows, iOS, Android, etc. This barcode scanner has a scan rate of 300 scans/ second. It comes with a standard 1.8 M straight cable.
2.CD3200-BT E: CD3200-BT E is best suited for the retail environment and to code 2D QR codes. It can be easily connected since it has a Bluetooth option and can be used seamlessly without any hassle. It can be used in both hand-held and hands-free modes. Since it is made with the latest technology, it will help in quick and efficient scanning. Due to its ergonomic design, it is easy and comfortable to use. The battery capacity of this barcode scanner is 2000mAh and it can perform 300 scans per second. The charging time for this barcode scanner is 5 hours. You can continuously scan for up to 12 hours.
3.CD3200-BT RC: CD3200-BT RC can scan up to 350 scans per second. It has an offline Inventory mode to transfer data via the upload button provided on the cradle and can store up to 10,000 scan data. It has a blue LED light, a buzzer, and a red charge light. Its ergonomic design helps operate it with ease. CD3200-BT RC can withstand if you drop it at a height of 2 meters. One cradle can connect with up to 50 BT scanners.
Conclusion
Rugtek provides the best barcode scanners for small businesses. Our products are long-lasting and made with high-quality materials. Rugtek’s products are used across various sectors. To find out more about our products, visit our website. We are sure you’ll find the best barcode scanners for small businesses that are of great quality.
