What is Barcode Reader ?
Barcode reader is a type of scanner device that reads dark and white bars which contains pieces of information (Descriptive data of numbers and letters). It basically works using the electro-optical principle. Barcode reader is made up of 3 parts. Those are the converter, decoder and the illuminator.
What are the types of Barcode Reader ?
Depending on the purpose, there are different types of barcode readers available each with its own pros and cons. For an example, there are 2 different barcode readers used for linear barcodes and 2D barcodes.
Where is Barcode Reader used ?
Being used most in the retail and production industries, most warehouses are benefited from them. In fact businesses today cannot function effectively without the use of barcode technology. Using the barcode informations, you can decide if the barcode reader will be right for your needs.
In this article, I will be illustrating about 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Barcode Reader | Drawbacks & Benefits of Barcode Reader. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using barcode scanner.
Let's get started,
Advantages of Barcode Reader
1. Universal
Barcodes are universally accepted technology. They are used behind almost all of the retail items all around the world. Therefore, using a barcode reader these products can be read wherever you are present in the world.
2. Accuracy
Human errors can cause problems in every face of the business. Using barcode readers, the users can significantly reduce the number of mistakes happening. A barcode reader is considered to be highly accurate than entering data by hand. Even higher than a RFID technology. Regardless of the material on which they are scanned, their accuracy remains the same.
3. Productivity
The ability to track data fast and accurate can lead to better decision making in each department. Thus, the overall productivity of the company is increased.
4. Time Savings
Always the data of a barcodes are readily shown since the informations are directly scanned. Within a fraction of seconds all the necessary details of the product is given. This is especially beneficial in grocery stores where customers purchase multiple items and each needs to be scanned individually. Hence, there is very minimal amount of time wasted.
5. Employee Training
The entire training process of a barcode reader is less expensive and simple. Within a shorter duration, the employees can learn how to use them without the compensation of other coworkers. Therefore, the training times are reduced notably for new employees.
6. Inventory Control
Barcode readers makes it easier for the inventory control so precisely. Whatever the items those are scanned, the informations are passed onto a computer instantly so that they are calculated through stock inventory. As a result, they are able to provide inventory status about individual products as well as company's overall inventory.
Disadvantages of Barcode Reader
1. Cost
For using a barcode technology, a barcode reader must be purchased which is quite expensive. The prices are even higher if it is a 2D barcode scanner. Particularly, for small businesses this cost cannot be justified. A separate analysis needs to be done for ensuring that the investments of a barcode reader will be beneficial.
2. Range
In order for a barcode reader to be able to function, it should not be kept above 15 feet from the barcode label. If it is placed more than that, the barcode reader will have a problem scanning. For some applications, this shorter range can cause difficulties.
3. Physical Damages
Barcode readers are easily vulnerable to physical damages. Similar to other equipments, it is too subjected to wears and tears. If it undergoes damages, it can cause additional costs in repairing.
4. Label Damages
Typically, barcodes are printed on labels which is always exposed to outer world. This makes it easily prone to environmental damages. Even if one part of the label is damaged, it can pose problems while scanning.
5. Informations
Barcode readers are able to scan only limited number of informations. Those informations are only about the product and manufacturers. Informations about manufacture date and expiry dates are not included.
6. Security
Not all the barcodes are genuine. There can be malicious barcodes setup by cybercriminals. If a user happens to scan a malicious barcode, the system could potentially be taken over by the hacker. Since the USB which connects the scanner and the computer acts as a secondary keyboard, the hackers could easily gain access to the operating system.
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