How does a barcode reader work? | BERRY BLOG | ON LIFE AND MONEY MAKING

Monday, January 24, 2011

How does a barcode reader work?

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How does a barcode scanner work? Barcode scanners are also known as barcode readers. Barcode readers helps compute for the total amount of items bought for check out. These are usually use in groceries and shops.


The barcode scanner has this red light when it is turned on. The scanner simply waits for a barcode to read. When a barcode runs through the light of the scanner, the scanner automatically reads its code, translates it into numeric form, and then search the database for possible item match. If it finds the item on the database with such numeric code, information about the item shows up on the terminal. Item description, item code, item unit description and item price are the most essential information shown on the terminal. The terminal for scanning items for buyer check out is just a computer that is in a form designed for easy cashier use. A personal computer can also be use as a scanning terminal, as long as it has a barcode scanner connected to it.

On the other hand, the information shown on the terminal has been encoded and is readily available before the item can be scanned. If the scanner can't find such code on the database, no item information would show up. And the item can not be checked out, unless the cashier manually inputs the code into the terminal and recheck whether the scanner just missed reading the barcode properly.

The usual type of barcode in groceries are the stationary readers. These are wall-mounted or table-mounted scanners wherein the operator would just past the item above it, with the label fronting the reader. This kind of barcode scanner is usually table-mounted which is easier to scan a barcode.

Some groceries do use the handheld scanners. Smaller groceries who opt to use scanners usually prefer a handheld compare to the stationary scanner, as it is cheaper and can easily be replace. Some handheld scanners are not automatic, meaning the operator would still need to trigger it like a gun for the scanner to start reading the barcode sticked on the item.

There are also other scanners like the pen-type reader and the reader gate scanners which are not use in buyer check out purposes. Other uses of barcode scanners are to keep inventory in company warehouse. Wireless handheld scanners would serve a good purpose on company warehouse inventory. The reader gate scanners are also for keeping company warehouse inventory but are usually being use by big companies with very big inventory.
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1 reactions for this post.:

Javier Reeds April 23, 2011 at 10:48 PM  

Basic but informative... especially for store owners being introduced to hand held barcode scanners or other interface.


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