Barcode Scanners: To Hold or Not to Hold

Barcode Scanners: To Hold or Not to Hold

There’s a good chance that most of us have used a barcode scanner. Their use is growing, from hospitals and warehouses, to retail businesses, schools and entertainment venues. At some point in your life, you will most likely need to use a barcode scanner or system. Even though we are coming up with new and innovative ways to use them, if you run a business, they are a necessity for quick and easy inventory management.

There are many types of barcode scanners, all offering a variety of benefits. The larger models are stationary, but there are also portable or handheld barcode scanners. Which one is best for your purposes? Are handheld barcode scanners better than stationary ones?

The Benefits of Handheld Barcode Scanners

Handheld, or portable barcode scanners provide the following benefits:

• Handhelds are helpful for conducting inventory. Portable barcode scanners are lightweight and easy to carry around for long periods of time. You can carry them across the store or around the stockroom without needing any extra equipment.

• Portable scanners prevent pain. Large, heavy items can cause injury when you lift them up to try to scan them into a stationary machine, but with a handheld scanner you can go to them, saving much time – and even quite a bit of pain, too.

• Handheld scanners are affordable and versatile. Portable barcode scanners cost less than the stationary variety. In addition, they perform a variety of functions, so you can use them for a range of uses.

The Disadvantages of Handheld Barcode Scanners

Although they sound like the perfect solution, handheld barcode scanners are not good for every business. Here are some of the cons:

• Portable scanners need a hand. Portable barcode scanners require one hand for operation. So if your employees need to use both hands for working, they can be an impediment.

• Handheld scanners are short-sighted. A handheld barcode scanner cannot scan items that are far away from them. If you need to scan items that are high up on a shelf or far away, they may not work well. There are other scanners on the market that have the capability to scan at long distances, though.

If you already use one, you may be wondering if it’s time for a new barcode system. There are many companies that offer barcode system inspections and barcode scanner repair, so it is convenient to keep your older system running optimally. However, you may want to consider upgrading to new barcoding technologies. Remember, barcoding is evolving fast, and the features are improving and increasing exponentially, so you’ll want to keep up with the growing business benefits they have to offer.

No matter which you choose, remember, time is money. Barcode scanners save time, effort and therefore, your bottom line. They help you to keep track of inventory fast and accurately, and come with a variety of applications to schedule regular tasks, such as automatic ordering. Wireless handheld barcode scanners offer even more portability, so if you haven’t upgraded in a while, now is the time.

Christina Kelley works as a retail inventory manager. She enjoys writing about her experiences to post on the web. Her articles can be found mostly on retail and business websites.