The five digits that follow are the manufacturer's number. Each manufacturer has a unique number assigned to them by the Uniform Code Council, which must appear on all of the manufacturer's products. It's up to the manufacturer to make sure that duplicate item numbers aren't used throughout their products. The last digit in the bar code is the check character. This character is a module ten check number which helps protect the integrity of the bar code. It's up to the manufacturer to ensure that every UPC bar code printed on every product has a valid check digit. This helps make sure that when your customer buys dog food they don't get charged for tuna fish.
What Is A Bar Code Scanner?
Bar code scanners (or readers) can be held in your hand or placed on the counter. Since they read the bar code labels that come from product manufacturers, they save time and improve accuracy at the cash register. Bar code scanners also facilitate adding new products to your inventory. When the bar code label is scanned, the item's stock number can be automatically entered into the PC. That's a lot quicker than typing in the data manually. Since scanners are not subject to human error as weary employees may be, you are assured of correct data input.
Bar code scanners are connect to the PC by an RS-232C serial interface or a keyboard wedge. There are many different types of bar code systems. Which type is necessary is determined by what the scanner will be used for.
When a bar code scanner is in use, it "reads" the bar code information as a reflection of emitted light. An image of the lit bar code is received by the scanner since the spaces between the bars reflect more light than the bars themselves. This image is converted into a digital electrical signal based on the layout of the bars and spaces in the code. The encoded signal is then sent to your computerized point-of-sale system in ASCII format, which is a common data format understood by your computer.
A self-decoded canner has built-in electronics for decoding. This means you don't need an external decoder. Self-decoded scanners come in different interfaces such as RS 232 or keyboard interface. An undecoded scanner doesn't have this feature, so you need and external decoder such as a wedge reader.
Types Of Scanners
Bar code slot reader: A bar code slot reader is used mostly for identification (ID purposes). It is connect to a wedge or an RS-232C interface and provides fast accurate reading of bar codes on cards, ID badges and other similar items.
Hand held scanner: Hand held scanners can read bar codes from a slight distance, making them ideal for odd sized packaging. This type of scanner is used widely in hard goods retail environments, since the products aren't typically smooth or clean.
Projection scanner: A projection scanner allows for hand-free. The scanner is mounted on a pole and the bar code label is passed through the light beam at which point it is scanned. Most projection scanners offer:
Omni-directional scan patterns
Automatic high-speed scanning
Small footprint (does not take up much space)
Automatic discrimination of types of bar codes
Projection scanners are used where counter space is at a premium, such as specialty, convenience or liquor stores.
In-counter scanner: An in-counter scanner is mounted in the counter where the purchase transaction takes place. The clerk drags the product over the scanner. This type of scanner is typically used in supermarkets, discount stores and department stores and is ideal for items that are heave or unwieldy.
Here are some advantages of using in-counter scanners:
Scan angle allows less movement from the clerk
Large scanning area
Bar codes can be scanned without rotating the product
When the laser light is directed to a collection of moving and still mirrors, a scanning pattern is generated. This pattern leaves the upper window, producing a mesh of laser light which captures the bar code when an item is passed through it. The scan pattern is dense enough to guarantee that many scan lines will pass over the bar code. this results in a high-quality signal that the scanner can then accept and decipher.
Before You Decide
Here are some things to consider when selecting which bar code scanner is best for your business:
Where do the bar codes typically appear on the products you sell?
How large are the bar codes?
How many bar codes will you be scanning?
Based on your operation, is it important for the scanner to tolerate rugged treatment?
What price range are you comfortable with?
Will my point-of-sale software support bar code scanners?
Taking the time to answer these questions will simplify your selection process. If cash is short initially and the number of customers is low, you may consider starting out with a wand type of scanning device. However, if you volume is large, you may soon see that a more expensive device such as a CCD or laser scanner would really save you money by speeding up transaction times. You are the best judge of your needs. Carefully reviewing those needs will lead you to the proper choice of which device is best for you.
POS For Less offers a wide variety of bar code scanners
For more information please contact:
POS for less
720-283-1352
fax - 720-283-1356
email - posforless@posforless.com
