Bar Code Readers Provide A Convenient Way To Inventory Merchandise

By Helen Carswell

Bar code readers utilize electronic technology to inventory and price merchandise. This is a common method used by retailers and wholesalers. These devices read a label with the use of a laser or other light device.

Bar codes are labels containing information pertaining to particular products. This information may pertain to inventory, pricing, and ordering. The merchandise has labels on them that consist of a serial number and a corresponding set of bars that are of differing widths. The easy these bars is placed determine the serial number of the merchandise.

Bar code readers implement lasers to read threw barcode information. There are some bar codes that are handheld and require human interaction while there are others that do not require any interaction. The smallest of barcode readers is a pen or wand reader. These items get waved directly over the bar code and then send the information to a computer or register via a cord.

Other handheld units are more complicated and have the ability to store data in them pertaining to the merchandise. There is a varying amount of information that these items are able to store. They will typically be semi-automatic, meaning that they only need the merchandise placed in front of the reader rather than have the reader pass over the bar code.

Fully automatic readers are units that are typically connected to a counter or conveyor belt. These readers will usually work without the interaction of humans. Some of these automatic readers only read the last part of the bar code. In order for items to be read with this device the first part of the bar code must be a standard set of numbers. There are other readers known as reader gates. These devices are able to read the number in any direction.

Using a bar code is a great way to keep track of products and inventory if you own a business. The most common bar code readers use a laser. There are many different barcode readers on the market. The most cost efficient of these are handheld devices that typically run from as little as $15o.

The price of a barcode reader typically relates to the ability of the reader to detect the code from distances. Some of the less expensive units will require you to place the bar code directly next to the machine while more costly units may be able to read the barcode from as far away as several inches. Many of the more costly units will have an interface with your computer system and will allow you to place an order for an item automatically. However a cable will be required to send the information back to the computer.

While most barcode readers require to be connected to a computer, the most recent advancement is to incorporate Bluetooth technology into barcode readers. These devices work wirelessly and send the information to the computer over a set frequency. The frequency used is the same as that of Bluetooth telephones. This makes it possible to use the reader from any location in the store or warehouse without needing to be connected to the computer system. - 30530

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