Are you wondering whether a standard barcode scanner could read QR codes?
Barcode scanners play an integral part in our daily lives and are quite popular in high-performing businesses.
These devices play a key role across a myriad of industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, travel, manufacturing, grocery, and government institutions.
They help improve the efficiency of your business by storing and tracking information about thousands of items.
With different types of barcode scanners on the market today, you should opt for the right scanner to suit your business needs.
It’s important to know the right barcode scanner to read QR codes because QR codes are the latest barcode technology in the industry.
In this article, we will take a look at the following:
- What Is A Barcode Scanner?
- The Difference Between A 1D and 2D Barcode?
- Can All Barcode Scanners Read QR Codes?
What Is A Barcode Scanner?
A barcode scanner is simply a compact device that helps read those lines you see on a label.
These are technologically advanced tools that are designed to capture the image of a barcode as well as decode the information in the code and transmit the information to a computer.
The transmission could be done through wires or wireless mode depending on the type of barcode scanner you use.
The scanner will add the information to a database or a software system rather than typing the data.
It doesn’t leave room for human error in the process.
That’s why barcode scanners are so efficient in scanning various product items in your business.
The Difference Between A 1D and 2D Barcode?
Most people think of a barcode as a horizontal linear code. This is a 1D or one-dimensional barcode.
The group of lines and spaces in this code represent the data that the barcode scanner will read.
The most common 1D barcode is a 12-digit UPC number – of which the first six digits are the manufacturer identification number and the next five digits are the item number.
The final digit is the check digit that helps the scanner identify if the code was read correctly.
The 2D or two-dimensional barcode looks like a square or rectangle in shape. It stores information horizontally as well as vertically.
The code uses patterns of dots, squares, hexagons, and other shapes to encode the data.
The 2D code can include a large amount of information compared to the 1D code. It can hold almost 7,000 digits while appearing smaller.
It has a 100% read rate from any angle – even if the code is slightly damaged.
That’s why 2D barcodes are extremely popular in most medium and large-scale businesses out there.
Can All Barcode Scanners Read QR Codes?
QR codes belong to the group of 2D barcodes. QR codes consist of different squares, dots, hexagons, and other shapes to encode data.
QR codes are best read by 2D barcode scanners. These codes cannot be read by standard or 1D barcode scanners.
The 2D scanner will take a picture of the entire image of the barcode at once.
This data is then analysed by a decoding algorithm to define the information contained in the code.
That’s why you need to opt for a 2D barcode scanner to read QR codes.
Choosing the right barcode scanner on the market is important to take your business to the next level.
If you need to decode QR codes, you should opt for a high-quality 2D scanner on the market.
If you would like to know more about the best stocktake software and how the right set of software and point of sale systems could help you, give us a call.
Our team would be happy to discuss your needs and to help you build new, more efficient workflows that will support the best operation of your warehouse or store.
We have the right tools for companies of all sizes and will work to accommodate your business, supplying you with technologies that are tailored to suit your business to help improve your efficiency and accountability.
We are the market leader when it comes to the development of customised and packaged solutions.
This includes Inventory Management, Portable Barcode Readers, Supply Chain Management, Time and Attendance and Asset Tracking to name but a few.
Please call us today on 03 9578 7600 or 1800 061 642 or contact us through our website.
