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The most common use of bar code scanners, and the one that most people are aware of, is the scanning of groceries at a grocery store. At the teller the bar code of each package is run past a barcode scanner that tells the system what the item is. The stock control system then feeds back item details and price information to the teller. The cost is automatically added to your bill. When you buy a product such as a can of soup or a box of cereal, it alerts the stock control system to the fact that the item was purchased. This allows the control system to maintain a current record of how many of each item is still available for purchase. As long as the entire inventory was entered correctly in the first place, this allows your inventory control to be automatic and constantly up to date. In a small business setting implementing such a system starts with stock control software where information about inventory items is stored. Bar code scanners are used to input data into the stock control system. Each time an item passes in or out of inventory it is scanned and the appropriate change of status is recorded in the inventory database. Such a system can even create unique bar codes for items that do not already have them. For new items a unique bar code is generated by the software, and then a bar code printer is used to print a bar code label that is then affixed to the item. These are the top three kinds of bar code scanners that are used today: 1. The Wand Scanner - The most basic type of bar code scanner is the "wand". This is a pen-type scanner that needs to be kept in contact with the bar code when scanning it. The wand emits a light which is reflected off the bar code and then decoded by the system to identify the item. The wand system works very well most of the time, and is is the cheapest kind of bar code scanner. As far as cost is concerned, one of these wands will cost 1/10th as much as a laser gun, and about 1/5th as much as a CCD scanner. There are limitations to wand scanners, however. The wand needs to be held at a fairly specific angle when pointed at the barcode in order for it to scan properly. Also, the speed with which it is moved across the barcode can't be too fast or too slow. Additionally, there is a limit to the resolution of every barcode wand scanner. The scanner will not be able to read properly any barcode that has a resolution that is significantly smaller than the scanner itself. For example, a 5 mil barcode cannot be read using a 10 mil wand. When in the market for a wand scanner, it is important that this isn't forgotten. 2. The CCD Scanner - The charged coupled device or CCD scanner is a significant step up from the wand scanner. Similar to the wand scanning device, a CCD reader needs to directly touch the barcode label for it to be able to register the information. Unlike the wand scanner, however, the user does not have to move the scanner across the label. The user merely puts the scanner next to the reader and engages it. The CCD scanner then takes a picture of the barcode, digitizes it, and decodes it. Of all the different types of bar code scanners, CCD readers are considered the most straight-forward to use. They are manufactured in widths that start at about 2 and go up to 4 inches. A CCD reader is expensive compared to a wand (about four times the cost), but is a bargain compared to the laser scanner (about one third the cost). A new barcode technology similar to CCD is called FFO (Fixed Focus Optics). And FFO scnner is a non-contact reader which can read barcodes from as much as 20" away. They are also able to read two-dimensional barcodes which are going to become more widely used in the future. 3. The Laser Scanner - Laser scanners use a beam of light to rapidly scan across the bar code label. This means the scanner itself remains stationary, and there is no need for direct contact with the bar code label. Scanning is automatic in the sense that the scanning action is initiated when an object is held in front of it. Such a system has benefits in a variety of situations. For instance, because the scans are accomplished with great speed, it is possible to embed laser scanners inside of conveyor systems. When items pass by rapidly, scanning takes place automatically. In a retail environment, the clerk merely moves each item over the glass to engage the scan. Such a system can easily keep pace with a clerk who simply moves objects from one side of the scanner to the other other. Laser systems are much more rapid and accurate than any other widely-used alternative. No matter what your ideal scanning system might be today, you need to make certain that you buy a stock control system that allows you to take advantage of future developments in bar code technology. This will allow you to keep your system updated without having to replace the entire system in the future.
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