You might have noticed several parallel lines of varying widths printed on products. These are in machine-readable form and are read by a device called a barcode scanner. A Barcode Scanner is a handheld input device widely used in shopping malls, grocery stores, etc. It efficiently keeps track of inventory and purchases. Also, it is beneficial to check the price of the product and to identify it. It is mostly used for scanning the price, so it is popularly known as a price scanner or POS (point-of-sale) scanner.
Now, are you planning to buy barcode scanners for your business? When you go to the market, you will get a variety of scanners. But you have to choose the right one for you, depending on your needs. So here we are with important tips that can help you in selecting a barcode scanner:
1. Study different types of barcode scanners –
It is the first thing you have to consider while buying a scanner. You can view the five main types of scanners in the market, which are:
Wand Scanners
Pen Scanners
Image Scanners
Laser Scanners
CCD Scanners
These days most businesses use CCD scanners and laser scanners. You have to examine which one will work best for your business carefully. If you cannot decide, you can take the seller’s suggestion or ask someone working in the industry the same as yours.
2. Ease of Use –
The price scanner should be easy to handle and use. Especially when you want transactions to be done easily and quickly, don’t go for the scanner which you think will be difficult to use by you or your employees. For businesses considering wireless scanners, the only problem they will face is charging the scanner after a certain time.
3. Compatibility –
Before buying, verify if the barcode scanner is compatible with the POS that you are using in your business. Some devices are dedicated to only one software, while others are flexible. Check if the scanner can be connected to your laptop. Also, check if it can be attached to every station in your store or not. Compatibility issues arise with many because they don’t check the scanner before buying. Remember not to commit the same mistake.
4. Design of the scanner and its reliability –
Many people don’t review how heavy the barcode scanner is. It is an important thing to consider for smooth working. It is essential to take into account the performance reliability and physical aspects of the scanner. If you plan to buy a handheld scanner, then don’t forget to check its weight as your employee had to work with it the whole day. The device has to be comfortable when gripped. If you want your business to function smoothly and don’t want customers to wait for a long time in the queue, buy a scanner after reviewing it thoroughly.
