Essential Fast Paced Retail Tools
In supermarkets, in shops, and all around us, we’ll find barcodes. Barcodes are part of our daily life. They contain alphanumeric or numerical information and are most often used to code the price and the product’s standardized name. QR codes (2D barcodes) can contain more information and can be used for other applications. Either way, you’ll need a barcode scanner to translate all of them. Presentation Scanners are a little different than their more common handheld cousins. You might picture a traditional barcode scanner when thinking about this hardware, but presentation scanners are not the same. They are designed to have a barcode move across their face rather than a scanner moved to the barcode. You’ll see them used every day at the checkout counter of any supermarket in the country. If you are considering purchasing a fixed barcode scanner, then here are some things you need to consider
Presentation Scanners – Design
Presentation scanners by design, for the most part, are stationary devices. They reside on a table or desk at the checkout, making them different from their counterparts. They’re hands-free and scan from any angle (omnidirectional). This feature makes them super fast at checkout and ideal for supermarkets. The majority will scan barcodes on the packaging, making them very useful devices in the grocery business.
Scanner Performance
Generally, presentation scanners are of high quality, and able to read 1D and 2D barcodes. The majority can read from any reasonable distance <25cm, which is pretty decent and intuitive. This article presents the best presentation scanners that we have had the opportunity to test.
Presentation scanners, also known as fixed scanners, are standard in supermarkets, metro and bus checkouts, airline counters, and grocery stores. These scanners stay in one position, and then the item to be scanned is brought close to the device.
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Datalogic Magellan 1500i High Performance Omnidirectional Presentation Barcode Scanner/Imager (1D and 2D) (White, USB)$189.98
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Zebra DS9208-SR Omni-Directional Presentation Barcode Scanner (2D, 1D, QR Code, Postal and Mobile Phones Barcode), Comes with Heavy-Duty Shielded 7-Foot USB Cable (CBA-U21-S07ZAR)$139.00
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Honeywell Orbit MK7180-71A38 Omnidirectional Presentation Laser Scanner (Upgraded Model of MK7120), Including USB Cord and Mounting Plate Kit (White)$299.95
Scanner Readability
The scanner should be able to read all types of barcodes on paper as well as digital devices with accuracy.
Presentation Scanners – Lighting
The scanner should work well in conditions of dim or very bright light without losing accuracy.
Presentation Scanner Compatibility
The scanner should be compatible with Windows, Mac, or Linux systems, including tablets, iPods, and iPhones. The reason is that this allows you to send all the data collected to your PC for permanent storage.
Presentation Scanners – Accessories
The latest presentation scanners come with an adaptor to attach a corded handheld scanner. The reason is that some heavy items may be in the shopping cart or too big to be placed on the counter. With the handheld corded scanner, the cashier can use the handheld scanner while the item is in the shopping cart, which offers a great deal of flexibility.
Presentation Scanners – Durable
Because presentation scanners work in busy and harsh environments where spillage of liquids, moisture, and dirt is common, you’ll need to look for a scanner that is durable and has a protective covering. You’ll want the scanner to be moisture and dirt-proof.
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Honeywell Orbit MK7120-31A38 Omnidirectional Presentation Laser Scanner, Adjustable Scan Head, Including USB Cord and Mounting Plate Kit$60.05
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TEEMI TMSL-73 Handsfree Barcode Scanner USB Wired + Virtual COM Port 1D 2D QR UPC Digital Codes Scanning CMOS Imager Desktop Presentation Bar Code Reader Compact Size$49.99
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Datalogic Gryphon GPS4490 Omnidirectional Corded 2D/1D Presentation Barcode Scanner, Includes USB Cable and Adjustable Stand$219.99
Presentation Scanners – Updates
Some of the latest presentation scanners come with a microSD memory card for storage- so you do not need to be connected to your PC all the time.
Uses SMART Technology
The scanner should have the latest SMART technology to read obscured or partially damaged barcodes, saving time and increasing efficiency.
Presentation Scanners – Real-time ID
You want the barcode scanner to identify barcodes in real-time at high speeds without long customer lines.
Scanner Reliability
The scanner should be reliable day in and day out. Read reviews like the ones below to ensure you’re selecting the right tool for the job.
Presentation Scanners – Alerts
The scanner should have an alert system when it fails to recognize a barcode. Sometimes this may be because the barcode is dirty or tampered with.
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Datalogic Magellan 1500i High Performance Omnidirectional Presentation Barcode Scanner/Imager (1D and 2D) (White, USB)$189.98
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Honeywell Orbit MK7120-31A38 Omnidirectional Presentation Laser Scanner, Adjustable Scan Head, Including USB Cord and Mounting Plate Kit$60.05
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Zebra DS9208-SR Omni-Directional Presentation Barcode Scanner (2D, 1D, QR Code, Postal and Mobile Phones Barcode), Comes with Heavy-Duty Shielded 7-Foot USB Cable (CBA-U21-S07ZAR)$139.00
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TEEMI TMSL-73 Handsfree Barcode Scanner USB Wired + Virtual COM Port 1D 2D QR UPC Digital Codes Scanning CMOS Imager Desktop Presentation Bar Code Reader Compact Size$49.99
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Datalogic Gryphon GPS4490 Omnidirectional Corded 2D/1D Presentation Barcode Scanner, Includes USB Cable and Adjustable Stand$219.99
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Honeywell Orbit MK7180-71A38 Omnidirectional Presentation Laser Scanner (Upgraded Model of MK7120), Including USB Cord and Mounting Plate Kit (White)$299.95