Wireless Barcode Scanners: The Next Generation Gizmo

 

Wireless barcode scanners are a clear example of the best just having got better. Much like Alexander Graham Bell’s wired telephone that got eclipsed by the cordless phone which became a craze across millions of households, wireless bar code scanners have become a mega-hit with an ever-increasing number of business entrepreneurs making the upward shift to realize greater productivity day in day out. To put it simply, wireless barcode scanners offer you all the benefits of your regular barcode scanner or barcode reader and then, some more!

But hold on just yet, while wireless barcode readers and scanners are blitzing the market, you still need to which type of the device you need to best suit your business needs before going ahead and making a purchase. You need to very clearly articulate the reason for wanting to move into the wireless barcode scanner space and the plausible reasons for wanting to go wireless could be any of the following:-

* You need the freedom of mobility to be able to capture information away from your computer because of the spatial location of your tagged products

* You might want to collect the data away from your computer but be able to sync it or upload it once you get back to the origin i.e. the computer

* You might not only want to collect data away from the computer but also be able to log on via wireless networks to a database and post the captured information

Thus simply put, do you need a simple barcode scanner with a really long cord or do you have a genuine need for a wireless barcode scanner? And once you do a cost comparison on the various types of the barcode readers and barcode scanners, both wired as well as cordless, you will know exactly how much you are paying for what, and how much you are likely to benefit from the application of the device. Accurate information capture, ease of the information capture, speed at which different materials can be barcode registered and tagged, exquisite levels of data control are just some of the innumerous benefits that this technology promises for the user!

Finally a key thing that you need to keep in mind is that implementation of a new technology by itself does not guarantee success. You need to handle the change from one level to the next very well and proactively too, as in the case of wireless barcode scanners too. People management as part of change management is crucial to the success of your business and this should be given core focus. New technology is useless unless its espoused as a unifying cause by all in the work force. Once you have mastered the change in people, you have truly put yourself on the road to progress. Experience the wonders of wireless barcode scanners and be awestruck!

Discover how to get the most bang for your buck! Visit our site at Best Barcode Scanners for more such practical advice, tips and information.

Create Bar Codes

 

Barcodes are created with the help of graphics. The codes make use of widths of white spaces and black bars. The widths of the spaces and bars must be printed within exact tolerances in order to be readable by most bar code readers and scanners. Presently, barcodes are created by Microsoft Windows using three main graphic types: bitmaps, fonts and metafiles.

Bitmap is actually an array of small dots which are called pixels. An image is created with the dot resolution of any printer to create a barcode. Fonts, on the other hand, are not graphics in strict sense of the term but they can still be used to create bar codes. A font is in fact a collection of graphic elements that are assigned to each character in any given set of characters. Since most bar code symbologies encode data by mapping specific characters to specific bar and space patterns, we make use of fonts to create bar codes.

The most widely used method to create barcode is a vector style graphic. Such a graphic consists of a series or sequence of instructions to describe how an image is cast. Metafiles fall in this category. Encapsulated postscript graphics are also designated as vector graphic. We do not have to use a device for such graphics. This format supports precise dimensions for all graphic elements. The amount of memory stored in a metafile is small. As a plus, commonly used Windows programs and several programming languages provide built-in support for handling metafiles.

Many modern businesses offer barcode image generators. This software helps in creating barcode images files in quickly in a range of formats like JPEG, BMP, Photoshop, Quark, CorelDraw and others. Many of these software programs are very user friendly and can even be used by someone with no bar code experience. We can even create barcodes on the internet.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information about bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is the sister site of Bar Code Software.

Discover Everything About Wholesale Bar Code Reader And Software!

It is a given fact that buying wholesale would make us save more money than buying individual items at retail. Purchasing in bulk means more profit for the seller that he could be afforded the leeway of granting discounts. This principle is important when you’re planning on buying wholesale bar code reader and software.

Perhaps the parties interested with purchasing wholesale bar code reader and software are those who own several branches of their businesses, or those who maintain several identification and verification operations in their establishments. Wholesale bar code reader and software, after all, would result in more savings for such a business.

There are many places where you could buy wholesale bar code reader and software. On the Internet alone, a lot of online stores are offering retail and wholesale bar code reader and software. Given the lofty status of these devices, wholesale bar code reader and software are considered as items of above 5 pieces. Not a bad deal right?

Additionally, wholesale bar code reader and software regularly appears on eBay. Ebay is a bidding site where a lot of enterprising people advertise what they want to sell. The person you would deal with won’t necessarily be the wholesaler per se, but most certainly, he’ll have access to a drop shipper who would give you access to wholesale bar code reader and software, if such is your wish.

Additionally, most major manufacturers of these fantastic tools also offer wholesale bar code reader and software. You may study and determine the goods offered by each manufacturer, and if they suit your needs to a tee, you could purchase wholesale bar code reader and software from them. Here is a list of the major manufacturers who also sell wholesale bar code reader and software:

Argox
Opticon
DataLogic
Visidot by ImageID
Symbol Technologies
Intermec
PSC Inc.
Hand Held Products
American Microsystems, Ltd.
Metrologic Instruments

Wholesale bar code reader and software can also be bought from warehouses of establishments devoted to office supplies and commercial products. Most of these warehouses have to be visited personally however, which would be better for your expenses. Shipping wholesale bar code reader and software can cost a fortune, specially if you prefer the flatbed ones, or worse, those with bigger terminals.

It goes without saying that, given the bulk of wholesale bar code reader and software, you would have to doubly make sure that you’re getting the bar code reader type and kind that you want and need. You won’t want to get stuck with wholesale bar code reader and software that you won’t get to use, right?

So before purchasing wholesale bar code reader and software, determine which built and your business would need. You could select from stationary terminals and handheld bar code readers. Of the latter, you could choose from normal ones or those that can download data through radio frequency. You would also have to determine beforehand which bar codes would best suit your operations. Bar codes determine the bar code reader, and not the other way around.

Then and only then can you decide to buy wholesale bar code reader and software.

Ewen Chia is the owner of BarCodeReader.info providing excellent bar code reader information, news plus completely  free barcode fonts!  http://www.BarCodeReader.info

The Effects of Fax Transmission on Bar Code Decoding

 

When documents containing bar code symbols are faxed, the quality of the bar code symbol will degrade. Documents scanned by fax machines in Standard Resolution are sampled with 204 horizontal dots per inch and 98 vertical dots per inch. Each sample point is then converted to either a white or black value (a process known as binarization). The binarization process converts straight lines of the bar code symbols into ragged lines changing the width of the bars and spaces. If a faxed document is itself resent out as a fax, further deterioration occurs. Each additional fax cycle continues to degrade the bar code. At some point, the symbol may no longer be able to be decoded by bar code decoding software.

The remainder of this article will discuss the issues that should be considered when selecting bar code symbologies and sizes to increase the likelihood of successful decodes after multiple fax cycles.

Linear (1D) Symbologies

Two popular 1D symbologies were examined: Code 128 and Code 39. Code 128 uses four bar and space widths to encode information, while Code 39 only uses two. Thirteen module sizes (smallest element) ranging from 12.5 mil to 32.5 mil of each symbol type, encoding ten numeric digits, were printed on a sheet. The sheet was sent through a fax at Standard Resolution for a total of ten cycles. This corresponds to a horizontal sample per module ranging from 2.6 to 6.6. The resulting 11 pages were then scanned on a flatbed scanner at 300 samples per inch and were presented to a bar code decode software toolkit. At 2.6 samples per module both bar code symbologies were only able to be successfully decoded for 3 faxes while the same codes with 6.6 samples per module were still readable after 10 faxes.

The larger samples per module (6 samples and greater) were able to successfully decode after 10 fax cycles. At 5.6 samples per module, the decode performance was no better than 4.6 pixels per module. This demonstrates that each fax cycle alters the bar code in a subtle way. Every fax cycle produces a unique version of the original bar code, and each alteration can make a symbol that did not read after a certain number of fax cycles read on the next one. However, if high read rates are desired after many fax cycles, then printing the bar code symbols at a minimum of 6 samples per module is recommended.

From the testing conducted, Code 128 slightly outperformed Code 39 after multiple faxes. Given the higher data density of Code 128 and the built in checksum, Code 128 appears to be a better choice between the two symbologies. The images below show the size advantage of Code 128 over Code 39, with both symbols encoding 10 numeric digits with the same module size. If the data to be encoded is purely numeric, the numeric compaction mode of Code 128 can be used to further increase data density.

There is a trade off to consider: the larger the module size of a linear code, the more horizontal room will be required to encode the same amount of information, but the larger modules sizes can improve read rate. One additional factor to consider is the bar code height. For this test, all the codes were ½ inch in height. Given that all vertical information in 1D bar codes is by definition redundant, if space allows, increasing the height of a bar code will typically provide better read rates after multiple fax cycles.

Matrix (2D) Symbologies

Matrix symbologies provide dramatically better information density because information is encoded in both horizontal and vertical directions. Given their size advantage over their linear counterparts, 2D symbols can be printed with much larger module sizes and still be comparable to linear symbols encoding the same information. For the 2D test, we printed various sizes of Data Matrix and Micro QR Codes. The Data Matrix was a 12 x 12 module square symbol. The Micro QR is a more space efficient version of a QR code that employs only one finder pattern and is limited to a number of smaller sizes. The symbols were encoded at a comparable level of error correction. The module sizes varied from 39 mil to 79 mil. Like the 1D test, we subjected the image to 10 fax cycles and then scanned the images. The images were scanned at 150 samples per inch given the large feature sizes of the test bar codes. The scanned images were then processed by the same bar code decoding toolkit.

At 8.7 samples per module the 2D bar codes were able to be read after 5 fax cycles and once 15 samples per module were reached the codes were readable up to 10 cylces.

The results were not as consistent as the 1D symbols. This is due to the fact that the distortion of the symbol during the increasing number of fax cycles affects data in both the data dimensions. However, we can draw the conclusion that symbols with larger size modules will decode more reliably after multiple fax cycles.

Summary

If documents containing bar code symbols are to be faxed multiple times, the bar code symbols must be printed with larger module sizes to be successfully decoded.

For linear symbologies, if a large number of fax cycles (greater than 5) is required, the number of samples per module should be at least 6. Code 128 performed well in our tests and has a higher data density than Code 39. Linears are a good choice for encoding small amounts of data.

For larger data requirements, 2D symbologies such as Data Matrix, provide good decode performance after faxing if larger module sizes are used. They provide the added benefit of reducing the amount of real estate required in the application document due to their superior data density.

With over 17 years of experience in the bar code industry, Bob Dunphy has been Principal Engineer at Omniplanar, Inc (http://www.omniplanar.com) since its inception. He has designed numerous CCD camera systems as well as high speed processing platforms. He has also been a key contributor to the design and implementation of SwiftDecoder (http://www.omniplanar.com/swiftdecoder.php) bar code decode software.

Durable Barcode Labels

One of the prime features of high-quality barcode labels is durability. Durable barcode labels are vital for any industrial application and are integral for equipment marking and security. These are important for cassettes, plates, slides, vials, and laboratory and medical items.

Durable barcode labels can withstand abrasion, corrosion, moisture, heat, solvents, and UV light. Accuracy, clarity, consistency, easy identification, flexibility, high quality, legibility retention, and reliability are the major advantages of durable barcode labels. Warehouse barcode labels, work-in-process barcode labels, utility asset labels, barcode labels for industrial use, asset tags for property identification, and polyester barcode labels are some examples of durable barcode labels.

Durable barcode labels are available in a range of adhesive backings and are generally categorized into aluminum barcode labels, polyester barcode labels, and ceramic barcode labels. Aluminum barcode labels are able to resist wear and tear and harsh chemicals. Polyester barcode labels have permanent industrial adhesive bonding, which ensures dependability. Ceramic barcode labels are coated with ceramics and have a stainless steel base. This type of label can withstand extreme temperature and strong acids. Durable barcode labels are also made from materials like polypropylene, polycarbonate, photo anodized aluminum, and stainless steel.

Quality of label stock, ribbon, printing technology, and barcode label programs employed are the primary factors, among many others, that determine the durability of barcode labels. Since they have the capability of printing long-lasting images on a range of materials, thermal-transfer printers are generally used to produce scratch-resistant, durable barcode labels. Sometimes laser printers and matrix impact printers coupled with the right media and ribbon technology are employed to print durable barcode labels. Many sophisticated barcode label systems and barcode label programs are available now to ensure the durability of barcode labels. However, the cost to generate durable barcode labels is exceptionally high.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information on bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is affiliated with Bar Code Software.