What is a Bar Code Reader?
A bar code reader is an electronic tool that scans printed bar codes on items for sale or on other labels for identification purposes. The bar code is a unique reference number which a computer uses to look up a descriptive record. Types of bar codes include universal product code, postal, book codes, private delivery service, and more.
Other People Are Reading
-
Types
-
Bar code readers are available in several different styles. Stationary readers are common in supermarkets and other stores, where the cashier moves the item over the scanner. These use a light-emitting diode, or LED. A lightweight, hand-held bar code reader that utilizes laser technology is useful for scanning large items which are difficult to move over the stationary device. These hand-held tools also are used to create inventory records. They come in styles such as pen-shaped, which a person swipes over the code, and a gun scanner which reads the code at one glance. The laser styles are convenient, but more expensive than the LED types. Bar code readers are often called price scanners, but technically this is incorrect because a bar code reader includes both the price scanner and the decoder which translates the signal from the scanner into specific code representing the data.
History
-
The first universal product code, or UPC, to be scanned at a store check-out was in 1974 at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio. The product was a 67-cent pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum, and the bar code reader was a laser scanner produced by National Cash Register Company. The UPC has become very common in United States retail, though restricted to pre-packaged products and not used for fresh food. Meat and other products sold by weight typically have custom store bar codes.
-
Identification
-
When a store employee scans a UPC or other barcode, the number is transmitted to a computer which finds the record for that item in the database. This record contains an item description, price, inventory quantity, and other data. At the check-out, the computer displays the price on the cash register, and subtracts the number purchased from the number in inventory.
Function
-
Bar codes are now used for numerous items and services outside of the UPC products. Bar code readers check out books in libraries, register store coupons, build up points on store cards which can be cashed in for gas discounts and other promotions, and register amounts on store gift cards. They are used by the U.S. Postal Service and other services such as United Parcel Service to track package delivery. Bar code readers are installed on time clocks at workplaces, replacing the old punch card system. They can read vehicle identification numbers so frequent tollway users can pay a specific amount in advance and not have to stop every time they pass through.
Considerations
-
Bar codes have provided an enormous amount of convenience, speed and accuracy for various businesses, but they do come with a couple of problems. Store employees may forget to code in discount prices on shelf products, causing a ruckus at the check-out when the scanner rings up a higher price. Also, bar code readers have trouble reading labels which get even a little wrinkled, smudged, or dirty, and then the cashier must key in the code.
-
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
Technology has significantly evolved over the past 50 years so much so that the whole world has been affected by it. The way execute various tasks and conduct business workflow has made extremely more efficient and effective. Before the technological book we applied manual efforts to our work, today we are able to automate everything and use computers to control our processes.
