Picking the Right Barcode Scanning Device for Your Lab

Choosing the right scanning device for your lab can seem daunting — so many barcode scanning devices, but what fits my application best?

Here are a few important questions to ask yourself:

What Type of Barcode Symbologies is in my Lab?

There are two categories of barcodes: 1D and 2D. The first step is to identify what symbologies are currently in use, or, if you don’t currently use barcodes, decide which barcode type your lab requires. Keep in mind that 2D codes can hold far more data than 1D codes. You should also consider the size of the code. If a code is very small, special optics may be required to read it.

Even if you only read 1D barcodes, it’s best to select a barcode imager over a laser to future proof your lab. More and more companies are using 2D codes. It is the code of the future.

Will I Need to Read Damaged, Low Contrast, or Dirty Barcodes?

Depending on the type of lab, barcode labels can potentially become dirty or smudged making them difficult to read without a scanner designed to read partial, dirty, low contrast or smudged barcodes. If your barcode scanner isn’t designed to read these types of damaged codes, you’re looking at a loss of productivity and staff frustration.

Do I Need a Wired or Wireless Barcode Reading Device?

There are a few items to consider before making this decision:

1. Will I need to carry the barcode scanner around the lab or will it mostly reside in a designated location?
2. Is there radio frequency interference that could disrupt a Bluetooth signal if the application does call for a wireless scanner? (Some scanners have multiple wireless connectivity options) This is also something to consider if you select a mobile computer that needs to connect via Bluetooth

Some wireless imagers have batch storage abilities, meaning, if you’re out of base range, the scanner’s memory will store a certain number of codes and then upload them once in base range.

If you choose a wireless imager or a mobile computer, make sure it has good ergonomics. Pick up a variety of imagers or mobile computers to discover what feels best.

Another important consideration is the charging method: inductive charging or contact charging. Inductive charging scanners use the same technology that Apple and Samsung use to charge phones wirelessly. This eliminates the contact charging method that most scanners use. The number one barcode scanning device failure reason is due to damaged, dirty, or corroded contacts. A wireless charging barcode scanning device essentially guarantees zero failures due to charging issues.

Wireless charging also offers multiple battery charging speeds or profiles to the user.

You can read more about wireless charging here.

Is it Compatible With my Software?

Ensure the barcode scanning device you’re evaluating integrates with your lab inventory management system. Most scanners can easily integrate with most lab management software, but it never hurts to check.

Rugged or General Purpose?

Sometimes, you need a barcode scanner or mobile computer that can sustain an absolute beating and still perform like new. If you work in a lab where you think the device will be dropped or get very dirty, it may indicate a rugged device is needed.

Rugged devices have a higher IP seal rating to protect against dust and water moisture and are designed to sustain multiple high drops. It’s additional insurance for your investment. While the cost of rugged devices may run higher, taking into account the total cost of ownership, the extra dollars are well spent versus purchasing a general-purpose device not meant for a rugged environment.

Which Style of Scanner: Hand Held, Mobile Computer, or Stationary Scanner?

At this point, you have some of the basics decided. You know what type of connectivity you need (Wired or wireless), you know the codes you need a device to read, and you know if it’s compatible with your lab software. Now, it’s time to decide what form factor you need. Barcode readers come down to three form factors — unless you intend to completely automate your lab with fixed industrial scanners which is a subject for another time — Mobile computers, hand held scanners or stationary scanners.

1. Most modern enterprise mobile devices have the same abilities as a smartphone, but, as the name suggests, they are built for enterprise and rugged applications. Mobile computers come with a built-in integrated barcode scanner. If the lab software you use has an app, a mobile computer is a fast and portable device that can obviously be taken anywhere and still capture data. Enterprise devices can easily be set up to restrict app and browser usage based on a user’s profile and privileges.
2. Hand held scanners do one thing and one thing great: Scan barcodes. As mentioned above, there are wired and wireless models and from there it branches out even more: Rugged form factor, general-purpose, and even compact scanners that have the benefits of a full-sized scanner in a compact “pocket-sized” form. If a mobile computer is application overkill and you simply need a device you can pick up and use to scan data into a program, a hand held device may work best. Some hand held scanners come with keypads so you can input data as well.
3. Stationary scanners have one connectivity option: Wired. As the name implies, the scanner remains stationary for the most part. Some can intuitively switch from “hands-free” mode to “hand held” mode. (Source: Magellan 1500i). You can also easily mount some stationary scanners almost anywhere in a lab, which makes it convenient when counter space is an issue. Most stationary scanners suitable for labs boast a small footprint, so even if you need it on a counter, it won’t take up much space. Another nice feature is sweep reads of 1D barcodes. Rather than “presenting” a barcode to the reader, you simply “sweep” it by the reader.

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