More than once you must have come across a business where barcode scanners are being used. They are equipment that provide many benefits to your point of sale, making transactions more agile and accurate. If you are about to buy a barcode scanner, we recommend you consult the following points:

Choose the equipment adapted to your needs

There are many types of readers with specific features for different functions, so choosing the right one for your needs will have more benefits in the long run.

The needs of your business must match the capabilities of the scanner. If you have a small business that has a slow flow of customers, a wired barcode scanner would be the most economical alternative. If you have the need to read barcodes on the move, a wireless barcode scanner would be the right investment. And if you have a business with a high transaction flow, a desktop barcode scanner with the ability to read many barcodes very quickly would be the ideal choice.

Code readability

Before we expand on this point, let's explain the main differences between the most popular barcodes.

The most conventional barcodes that you can find on the labels of most products are called 1D codes, and are used to store alphanumeric information, whether it is the origin of a product, an identification code or an expiration date. To interpret these codes, the scanner uses a laser light, which makes this process error-proof and very fast.

You must have come across the famous QR codes by now, these are an example of 2D barcodes and use geometric figure patterns such as squares and hexagons to encode the information. These codes are much more complex as they can hold many types of information such as images, internet URL' s or voice files. 2D readers have implemented laser to read 1D barcodes and imager technology that gives them the ability to read more complex codes.

All barcode scanners can read 1D codes but not all are capable of reading 2D codes, so if these are codes that you will be using in your business, you should make sure that the scanner you choose is capable of reading both types.

There may be occasions when barcodes are crumpled, damaged, or on a cell phone screen, so you should choose a device that has the ability to read that information easily.

Connection

Another detail you should pay attention to before purchasing a barcode scanner is its connection. Most of them are connected via a USB cable, so make sure it is compatible with your all in one POS system.

Another important detail to consider before buying a barcode scanner is its connection. The most common models connect to the computer via a USB cable. You can also find wireless scanners that have the ability to connect via Bluetooth to compatible devices such as tablets or smartphones. Both types of connection have their advantages and disadvantages, on the one hand the cables limit your movement to scan a code, and on the other hand, there is the risk of running out of battery power.

Design

You should make sure that the handheld scanners are ergonomic and lightweight, since they will be used many times throughout the day, and should not become a heavy task. On the other hand, if you have decided to purchase a desktop scanner, be sure to pay attention to the size it will occupy at your point of sale.

The points we have explored should be considered when choosing a barcode scanner for your business. Choosing the ideal equipment will be essential for the proper functioning of your business and the agility of your operations.

(Discover how to equip your point of sale in an economical way and without losing features).

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