How to choose a code reader?

   In daily life, barcode readers are used in a wide range of applications. If you want to choose the perfect barcode reader, you must first carefully consider your code reading application. What type of code are you trying to read, how fast is the line speed, and how durable do you want the solution to be? Where to place the code reader and what are the physical constraints? How the code reader communicates, etc. . But that's not all you need to consider.

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Now the data required for inventory or tracking applications may only be a few kilobytes, making 1D barcodes seem like the more logical choice. But data requirements are likely to grow with the size and complexity of your operations. It is conceivable that future applications will benefit from QR codes or the ability to read damaged barcodes. You may have your own distribution channels now, but growth in business or new customers from afar may require you to require a third-party logistics company, leaving you with no control over the quality of your code markings. Purchasing better technical equipment now can minimize the chance of upgrading equipment in the future.

read rate

Every time a machine or person handles your product, there is a chance that the machine-readable code will be damaged. So, even if a product’s data requirements, shape, and size point to a 1D barcode solution, without the built-in error correction of 2D codes, your supply chain is vulnerable to rough pulleys, sharp metal clamps, or dirty gloves. These conditions may smear, scratch, or damage machine-readable code. Without error correction, bad code means poor read rates, more rework, and higher labor costs.

This problem is not unique to paper and plastic packaging. Even codes etched into metal can become deformed or damaged. So, if supply chain accuracy is important to you, make sure your barcode reader can read noisy codes – such as those printed on cartons or those that are scratched, deformed or low-contrast – and not just codes that are just straight. Perfect code coming out of the printer. And when a press, stamper, or laser goes out of specification (and it does happen), you can rest assured knowing that the vision system will alert you before thousands of defective products leave the factory.

use

The scanning environment also depends on which type of code reader you need. If your application requires reading cartons of various sizes moving at high speeds on a conveyor, then a fixed barcode reader will be a more suitable choice for you. If the barcode reader is used by dockworkers loading inbound material or outbound product for final inventory checks, then a handheld barcode reader would be ideal. If you are a courier or technician working on site, a mobile terminal with built-in code reading capabilities can quickly scan a package or check equipment specifications.

total cost of ownership

In order to determine how much read rate affects cost, it is crucial to understand what happens when a barcode scanner cannot read a barcode. When a "no read" issue occurs, the package must be transferred to an operator station, where an operator manually types in the information or replaces the damaged barcode, and then returns it to the sorting system. Such unreadability issues increase labor costs and reduce the efficiency of automated sorting equipment.