Barcode scanners play a quiet but important role in everyday business. From small retail shops to large warehouses, they help track products, manage stock , and speed up billing. If you have ever wondered how a POS barcode scanner or a handheld barcode scanner actually works, this guide explains it in a clear and practical way . This article answers common questions, uses real-life examples, and helps you understand how different barcode scanners fit into daily business operations. What Is a Barcode Scanner? A barcode scanner is a device that reads printed codes made of lines or patterns. These codes hold product information such as name, price, or stock number. When the scanner reads the code, it sends the details to a system that shows the data instantly. Most businesses use barcode scanners to reduce errors, save time , and keep records accurate . Whether it is a shop scanner at a checkout counter or a portable scanner used on the move, the purpose stays the same—quick an...
A barcode scanner as the name implies helps you in reading barcodes. Let’s start with understanding what a barcode is. A barcode is simply an encoded form of letters and numbers that use bars and spaces. It does not contain any descriptive data. So, the computer by itself cannot read the barcode. For the computer to make some meaning out of the barcode, it has to be decoded and converted into a readable format. This is where the barcode scanner comes into play. Barcode scanner is the device that captures this information and sends it to the computer. A classic Bar Code scanner or reader kit consists of scanner, decoder & cable that connects the decoder to the computer. The scanner first scans the barcode and sends it to the decoder. The decoder then translates these bars & spaces into resultant electrical output. This data is then transmitted to the computer. How to choose the right barcode scanner? First you need to understand the two major classes of barcode reade...