Bar Code Readers Are A Convenient Way To Store Merchandise Information

By Helen Carswell

Bar code readers are devices that are used by businesses and retailers for pricing and inventory purposes. These electronic devices use a laser or other light source to read a label that is applied to products providing a way to inventory these items.

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.

There are also handheld devices that are about the size of a paperback novel. These units typically have different quantities of information that these units can store. These units may be semi-automatic or fully automatic. Semi-automatic units do not require the item to be swiped, but rather placed in front of the reader.

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.

Handheld bar code readers are a convenient way to keep track or merchandise and may be used to order merchandise through a processing center. While there are a large variety of bar code readers the least expensive tend to run for as little as $150.

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.

There are some barcode readers that implement the latest technology. These units work on Bluetooth technology, this technology allows the information to be sent to a computer with the use of a wire connected to the reader. - 29854

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