How To Pick the Right Barcode Scanner & Data Collection Software

Most barcode scanner hardware comes ready with software and does not require any specialized software for operation. However, in specialized applications, barcode scanner software may be necessary. Barcoding software provides added functionality for scanners and scanning systems.

Barcode Scanner Output & Software Compatibility

Make sure to check to see if your scanner uses a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or RS232 port. Both types of connectivity affect implementation of your scanner device into an entire POS or data collection system, in addition to the type of software that should be used.

Types of Barcode Scanner Software

Device Management Software

Large enterprises need mobile device management software to update and keep track of all of their data collection devices. Device management software allows administrators to power, update software, ensure proper configuration and check performance for hundreds of barcode scanners and other devices across multiple offices. Mobility scanning can make your business’ data vulnerable. Finding the right software for device authentication, stolen device detection and file encryption is essential for securing business assets. Device management software can help to keep track of barcode scanner, wearable computer, mobile computers and more.

Barcode Decoding Software

The type of barcode decoding software you will need depends on the type of barcode symbologies to be read. 1D barcode symbologies are what we are most familiar with, found on our groceries and most of our other store bought items. These UPC codes store data regarding price and item description. 2D barcodes include the increasingly popular QR code, PDF417 (found on U.S. driver’s licenses) and Datamatrix. 1D barcode symbologies can be read by a typical laser scanner, while 2D barcodes require an area image scanner.

It is important when purchasing a barcode scanner to know what type of software the scanner supports. A better barcode decoding software will allow you to read damaged barcode, wrinkled codes or plastic-covered barcodes. Additionally it will read better on the first scanner pass, increasing speed with which data may be collected with the scanner. A good barcode decoding software means less no-reads and faster, accurate data collection.

Inventory Management & Asset Tracking Software

Barcode scanners and mobile computers are used by various verticals to accomplish up-to-the-minute inventory management and asset tracking. Accurate asset tracking allows executives to at all times know where items are and where they are headed next. This real-time data allows instant identification of theft. Asset tracking software can track anything from government vehicle fleets to retail sales information.

Vast Applications for Rugged Vehicle Mount Computers

Gain Mobility with “Hot Swappable” Abilities

The expansion of mobility computing is transforming the way data collection projects are completed. From industrial handheld barcode scanners to ruggedized in-vehicle computers, vehicle mount mobility is essential for successful in-field data capture operations. Some AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) manufacturers supply distributors and value-added resellers with mobile computers that can be mounted and demounted in forklifts, police cruisers, trucks and other work-related vehicles. This is called “hot swapping.”  Also sometimes called “hot plugging,” these kinds of mobile computers supply end users with best-in-class features and an enhanced productivity rate thanks to the ease of computer-to-mount separation. Suitable for many industries, vehicle mount computers are ideal for applications in areas such as construction, industrial sites, ports and intermodal transportation emergency response, warehousing and other in-field operations.

Warehouses, Ports & Intermodal Transportation Facilities & Field Applications

When it comes to ports and intermodal transportation, vehicle mount computers are a lifesaver. From forklifts to cranes, these durable devices supply employees with the reliability and connectivity required to get the job done. Oversized, bright screens overcome the sun’s ability to drown out screen visibility and remain easy to see. They also operate in inclement weather. This feature is especially helpful when workers load and unload ships stocked full of products. Efficiency is no longer sacrificed due to mediocre technology. Seamless and fast barcode scanning allows for more productivity and simplified data input.

Warehousing is another area where implementing vehicle mount computers can make all the difference. Mobility is maximized with computers that enhance warehouse scanning in areas such as receiving, picking, putaway and packing and shipping. In-vehicle computers stand out due to their strong performance for putaway projects. Other vehicle mount computers supply end users with fully-mappable keypads for added versatility and long-distance scanning abilities for accurate, aggressing scanning. ToughTalk Technology is built-in to industry-leading vehicle mount computers so warehousing employees can benefit from improved voice recognition in noisy environments. A number of these computers are now “hot swappable” between pieces of handling equipment, which provides additional mobility.   

With regards to field operations, vehicle-mount computers help drive the force for meeting service level agreements (SLAs). They play a major part in increasing customer satisfaction rates and offer businesses a much higher ROI than less versatile in-vehicle computers. The industry’s leading manufacturers understand the vital importance of providing remotely located employees with clear, instant and dependable communication channels. Organizations that deploy “hot swappable” vehicle mount computers deploy intelligent devices made to be regularly moved and operated in industrial and even hazardous environments.  

Industrial Data Collection with 2D Barcode Scanning

Mobile Computers are Changing AIDC

Mobility is key when it comes to business-critical data capture missions. Wireless barcode scanners help to overcome challenges, including helping employees reach hard to scan items with data capture technology that can read barcodes from longer distances.  Even if barcodes are worn, torn or otherwise damaged, certain high-throughput wireless devices are able to scan mangled barcodes with equal efficiency. 

Industrial barcode scanners boast the same features, but are designed with industrial applications in mind. Many top-shelf industrial scanners are manufactured with dust-proof and water-proof housings, and are rubberized to deter drop damage. Business-ready for application in numerous verticals, numerous models of industrial barcode scanners are offered in many form factors. With built-in advanced technology, today’s scanning devices provide universal ADC (Automatic Data Capture) solutions from healthcare to warehousing to transportation. 

Versatile, Rugged Design

Made for rigorous use, 2d barcode scanners and industrial hazardous location mobile computers are ideal for applications in extreme environments. Certified for hazardous location usage, these computers are strong enough to operate in the harshest conditions.  From chemical sites to oil and gas environments to aircraft refueling, rugged barcode scanners can meet any tough environment challenge. Incredible durability offers industrial employees mobile computing devices that lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and still function properly after experiencing multiple 6’ plus drops and 1 meter tumbles.   

Externally rugged and internally intelligent, these mobile computers offer next generation software that advances efficiency with real-time access to imperative data.  Intuitive Adaptus® Imaging Technology drives multitasking potential with superior image capturing and fast scanning speeds.    

The versatility of mobile computers doesn’t stop there. Numerous industrial barcode scanners also come in vehicle-mount form factors. Whether staff members require work trucks or massive forklifts, these devices ensure productivity through durable housings and turnkey software solutions. Some in-vehicle computers fuel further mobility thanks to innovative “hot swappable” features. Mobile in-vehicle computers are “hot swappable” when they can be detached from mounts for maximized device mobility. 

From Warehousing to Ports & Intermodal Transportation

These kinds of mobile computers are ideal for warehousing sites, ports and intermodal transportation areas. Whether warehousing employees need to pack and ship, pick, put away or receive items, industrial 2D and wireless barcode scanners exceed demands thanks to accurate scanning, added mobility and cutting-edge voice recognition. The role mobile barcode scanners play in ports and intermodal transportation is an important one. From connectivity to efficiency to security to reliability, linear and 2D barcode scanners play an integral role in helping staff complete AIDC projects successfully. Oversized, bright displays help employees see well, regardless of sunlight or glare. Real-time data entry and retrieval is possible thanks to seamless wireless connections. Cargo safety and security is ensured throughout data capturing processes thanks to the latest advancements in barcode scanning software. No matter what tasks you desire in 2D barcode scanners, manufacturers offer a vast array of industrial options, in-vehicle devices and mobile computers designed specifically for use in hazardous atmospheres.

How Barcoding Helps To Increase Pharmacy Efficiency & Safety

Retail pharmacies and hospital pharmacies rely on healthcare barcode scanning systems to correctly verify patient information, update patient records and ensure patients receive the correct amount of medication.

 Medical errors claim thousands of lives in the U.S. each year. Implementing a pharmacy barcode system reduces the chances of human error, saving time and money for pharmacies and keeping patients safe from dangerous medication errors. 

In fact, the FDA requires medication and drug manufacturers to place a barcode that indicates the item’s National Drug Code (NDC) on the drug’s container or packaging.

Hospitals and pharmacies also use advanced data collection devices that have dual barcode scanner and optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities in order to capture data from important documents like prescription cards or insurance cards. Healthcare scanners are often built with a disinfectant-ready housing, to protect the device’s mechanical and outer components from the wear and harmful effects of most cleaning solutions.

Pharmacy barcode scanners and data collection devices help to:

• ·         Ensure accurate filling of medication packages and bottles
• ·         Associate medical bottles to a patient’s medical file
• ·         Track and manage off-site medication storage

Implementation of pharmacy barcode scanning systems is the greatest challenge to using a barcode scanning system for patient care. Staff is often not well trained on using the hardware and software, leading to frustration and sometimes unwillingness to adopt the new technology.

Choosing a Healthcare Barcode Scanner

To find the best healthcare for pharmacy barcode scanner, try to choose a company that specializes in this vertical. Additionally, it is essential that you look at reviews of any wireless products regarding battery life, as battery life draining during critical medications administration could put patients in danger. Make sure to assess the ruggedness of the barcode scanner in relationship to the applications for which they will be used.

 Other Medical Uses for Scanners

Direct Part Mark (DPM) scanners are used to track and verify essential medical equipment for surgeries. DPM scanners read barcodes that are recessed into the surface of the object to be scanned.

Barcode scanners are also used to keep track of hospital admissions, specimen collection in laboratories, materials management and point-of-care administration and management. 

Handheld Barcode Scanners, Plus Added Mobility

2D Scanning Attachments for Apple® iPod Touch®

From healthcare to retail to other POS environments, the latest in computing technologies can make all the difference when it comes to customer and patient engagement.  There are several kinds of hand-held and wireless barcode scanners that give employees the added mobility and efficiency needed to help individuals faster.  Just as barcodes have come a long way, so have barcode scanners.  Numerous manufacturers understand the vital nature of implementing progressive technology in vertical markets.  To stay ahead of the curve, rugged yet lightweight barcode scanners are produced for applications in warehouse management, point-of-sale environments, healthcare and transportation.  

     

The New Enterprise Sled Drives Productivity for Retail

Retail stores can implement next generation technologies that attach to the Apple® iPod Touch® for impressive linear and 2D scanning features.  Not only do staff members have the ability to check on the inventory status of products in front of a customer; they also have the flexibility to complete a customer transaction with incredible speed, accuracy and secure MSR (magnetic stripe reader) security.  Built to last, Enterprise Sleds keep private transactional information safe.  From the time a customer walks in a store to the time they reach the checkout counter, this handy little Apple attachment can transform an iPod Touch® into a customer retention tool and POS life saver for players in the retail industry.

The technology behind these compact sled attachments challenges the status quo with aggressive scanning mechanisms, durable exteriors, intelligent designs and out-of-this-world benefits.  For instance, one of many advantages in utilizing the Captuvo^TM SL22 Enterprise Sled is the device lowers transaction times by a whopping 95% thanks to EasyDL^TM software.  

   

Rapid, Lightweight Scanning for Hospital Staff

Aside from its many uses in retail, Enterprise Sled attachments are also applicable in the healthcare industry.  By manufacturing hospital-ready versions, companies supply sled attachment devices that run on high performing Adaptus^TM Imaging Technology for aggressive scanning reliability.  With Enterprise Sleds, nurses and doctors have their patients’ information at their fingertips throughout the day and can be updated if serious matters arise.  Allergies, information, procedure notes and prescriptions are kept secure for maximized patient safety.  And when it comes to germs and bacteria, these durable sled attachments can stand up to the harsh disinfectants hospitals require.  Their ruggedized housings are designed to withstand repetitive cleanings for ensured sterility. 

From small doctor offices to regional hospitals, the healthcare field benefits very well from these intuitive scanning technologies.  Whether a patient requires point-of-care assessments, is in need of medicine or requires specimen collection, Enterprise Sleds never miss a beat.  Able to scan curled, high density or poor quality barcodes, healthcare AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) has never been made easier.    

Designed for your Specific Needs

There are all kinds of barcode scanners out there.  The important thing for folks to remember is that quality manufacturers who make worthy products aren’t hard to find. Also, these products span many applications and come in a number of business-ready form factors.  From retail and point-of-care enhancing sled attachments to industrial 2D barcode scanners, businesses can harness themselves with the latest in mobility technologies for astounding improvements in staff communications, employee-to-customer interactions and more.