How to choose the best barcode scanner:

1. Consider Your Flooring
2. Think About Air Quality
3. What Are Your Lighting Conditions
4. Which Keyboard Do You Need
5. What Type of Barcodes Will You Be Scanning

Five tips for how to choose the best barcode scanner

Consider Your Flooring

Did you know that drops are the leading cause of damage to mobile computers? So, the flooring in your warehouse is a top concern. Barcode scanners can be rugged or general purpose. Rugged devices can perform under harsh conditions. If you drop your mobile device, will it land on a soft surface like carpet or on a surface like concrete? Look for a handheld computer with a rugged classification if you have hard flooring.

Think About Air Quality

Is there a high level of dust in your warehouse? What about sawdust or other small particles?

If the answer is yes, make sure you look at the Ingress Protection (IP) rating of any model you consider. This is also the case if it’s possible that a handheld scanner could be dropped in water. To maximize the chances of your device surviving these elements, look for an IP rating of at least 68.

What Are Your Lighting Conditions

Do you work in a warehouse with low light levels or is your environment full of light? Lower brightness on your barcode scanner is suitable for a low light environment. But, you’ll need a higher brightness level if you plan to use the device in bright sunlight or a bright warehouse.

Whatever the lighting conditions in your warehouse, ask your vendor for a demo in those conditions. You’ll want to ensure that the scanner can read barcodes correctly in your environment.

What Are the Keyboard Needs of the User

If the employees are typing in numbers, find a barcode reader with a number key location that is ergonomic for them. If the user will often be wearing gloves when typing on the unit, you need one with larger keys. Consider anything else that may impact the size or location of keys for the device users.

What Type of Barcodes Will You Be Scanning

If you will be scanning barcodes, consider the code type and scanning distance. 2D imaging is appropriate for any type of barcode scanning. Linear barcode scan engines are appropriate only for 1D barcodes.

If you’ll need to scan from long range, look for a unit with Advanced Long Range or Extended Range capability. These scanners can read with either laser scanning or 2D barcode imaging from 45 to 50 feet away.

The question of  how to choose the best barcode scanner for your warehouse can be a daunting one. Consider the five items above, and you’ll be on your way to the right decision.