A barcode scanner is a piece of hardware used for interpreting information and data stored within a barcode. Barcode scanners use lasers, light or imaging technology to read barcode labels printed on products or other items, and then translate and log the details stored within the barcode onto tracking software running on a connected computer. The connection between the barcode scanners and the computer may be made either using an usb/ps2 cable, or using cordless wireless or bluetooth technology.

Barcode scanners have many uses, and are used in a wide range of fields. Their most common and well known use is for recording sales and tracking stock in a retail environment, but barcode scanners are also frequently used for monitoring ticket entry at public events, logging book loans in libraries, tracking the movement of goods shipments, and for many other diverse purposes. The reason barcode technology is used so widely is due to the ability of barcode scanners to read and store information quickly and efficiently at a relatively low cost.

Because of this wide range of uses, barcode scanners come in many shapes and forms, each suited to a particular purpose. This includes handheld barcode scanners (ideal for inventory logging), fixed mount scanners (commonly used for supermarket checkout counters), small pen-shaped barcode scanners and wearable barcode scanners (handy at events where you need both hands free). Whichever model is suitable for you, barcode scanners are reliable, easy to use and available in a variety of price ranges.

Using Barcode Scanners: Barcode scanners have become a fact of life in business and in leisure because of their ability to make business processes more efficient. Barcode scanners come in a wide variety and are used for an ever-increasing amount of tasks based on the rapid expansion of technological capabilities. Perhaps the most ubiquitous use of barcode scanners is in retail environments like fast food restaurants and department stores, which rely on barcode scanners to keep track of inventory and are part of even the most basic transaction. Places like gas stations and convenience stores have even created express check out systems where a person can swipe their credit card past a stationary barcode scanner.

There are many other uses for barcode scanners outside of grocery and department stores. Football and baseball stadiums are beginning to use barcodes on admission tickets and scanning the tickets at the gate in order to keep track of attendance. Manufacturers use barcode scanners to keep track of how many products roll through their factories and also to keep track of how many parts they have in stock. Finally, places like libraries and video rental stores are beginning to use barcode scanners to rent out books and videos, including an express checkout option at some venues.

Barcode scanners do not fall into one monolithic category, but rather many subcategories of barcode scanner based on laser type and housing. Aside from the popular and inexpensive LED for barcode scanners, newer barcode scanners feature lasers that offer greater scanning distance and accuracy. As well, barcode scanners can be placed in handheld units, pen-sized compartments, stationary or fixed positions, as well as in PDAs, commonly used by inventory companies to keep track of products. The use of barcode scanners will continue to grow as miniaturization technology improves and the need for businesses to become more efficient grows.