Bar Code Readers Provide An Easy Way To Keep Track Of 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.

These electronic items use light to read a binary code that has been applied to a product for the purpose of inventory control or pricing of items. There are several different kinds of barcode readers some of these require more operator input than others. One of the smallest and easiest to operate of bar code readers is a pen or wand reader. These pens or wands are simply waved over the bar code in order to read them.

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.

There are some fully automatic bar code readers. These devices will typically be connected to a table or conveyor belt. They read the barcode as it is passed over or under the reader. Some of the simpler automatic barcode readers only read the codes in one direction. There are others that can read the code in either 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.

Hand held bar code readers come with differing capabilities. Some require the merchandise to be held directly against the reader while others have the ability to read from several inches away. Many handheld units will utilize a cord to send the data to a computer system. This system will keep track of inventory levels and determine if there is an order required of this merchandise. This can help drastically reduce the ordering process and provides an accurate way top track all merchandise.

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. - 30529

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