With the vast array of barcode scanners on the market the questions arises, which on is the best choice for me?  This depends on the capabilities that you need and the environment you plan on using it in.  

Capabilities:

In the past there were only so many types of barcodes that you would need your scanner to read such as UPC, Code 128, and Code 39.  In the present day, with the introduction of 2D barcodes such as QR codes, Data Matrix, etc., there are many more symbologies (languages) that you may need to have the capabilities to read.  Therefore, the first step towards finding the perfect barcode scanner is to decide which types of codes will be utilized in your business.  While it may go against conventional wisdom to purchase a scanner that has more bells and whistles than you need, the new 2D barcode readers may be the best solution.  In addition to reading 2D codes, many of these devices will also read the traditional linear barcodes.

In recent years the marriage of wireless technology and the barcode printer has created competitive advantages for retailers from the front of the store aspect to that of the warehouse.  The ability to print current information from a handheld device has become a critical technology for increasing overall efficiency in retail operations.  Employees can conduct price checks, update pricing for promotions and sales, and verify pricing at the shelf with handheld printers and barcode scanners.  Overall increases in ROI (return on investment) can be realized from higher labor productivity, lower printing costs, and increased customer satisfaction.  For custom items, such as fabric by the foot, a handheld barcode printer allows store associates to print on demand price tags.  With returned items, retailers can print new labels for unused items, as well as print special pricing for opened or slightly damaged items without having to send it back to the warehouse.

Based off of recent media attention given to QR codes as well as RFID technology, one would think that these technologies are the cornerstone of logistics.  Nevertheless, both of these technologies still lag behind the supply chain management stalwart, the barcode.  While barcode technology seems commonplace, it is important to keep in mind that the quality of the barcode itself is essential to its very being.  Given the differences in quality of barcode scanners from one warehouse to the next, ensuring the print quality of the barcode, can offset many of the issues that could arise out of a misread or unreadable barcode.  The way to attack this problem head on is by going to the source, the barcode printers.