Product barcodes are read by barcode scanners in more everyday situations than most of us realize. One of the most familiar uses of this technology is with barcodes on product packages at grocery stores. When we buy something a bar code scanner scans and reads the barcodes on each package. Product information such as product name and unit cost is automatically read and processed by the stock control system. A short description and the amount of each item is automatically added to your bill as each new item is scanned.

When you buy a product such as a can of soup or a box of cereal, it alerts the stock control system to the fact that the item was purchased. This allows the control system to maintain a current record of how many of each item is still available for purchase. As long as the entire inventory was entered correctly in the first place, this allows your inventory control to be automatic and constantly up to date.

In a small business setting implementing such a system starts with stock control software where information about inventory items is stored. Bar code scanners are used to input data into the stock control system. Each time an item passes in or out of inventory it is scanned and the appropriate change of status is recorded in the inventory database.

Such a system can even create unique bar codes for items that do not already have them. For new items a unique bar code is generated by the software, and then a bar code printer is used to print a bar code label that is then affixed to the item.

The three most prevalent kinds of bar code scanners available now are:

1. Wand Scanners - The least expensive type of bar code scanner is the wand system. And even though it is less expensive, it still is a great choice for most uses. Typically wand prices are a tenth of laser gun prices and about a fifth of CCD scanner prices.

The wand system works well in most applications, and it is by far the least expensive type of bar code scanner. A typical wand costs about 1/10th the price of a laser gun, and about 1/5th the price of a CCD scanner.

However, wand scanners are limited in their appplication. To succeed in obtaining a proper reading, the wand has to be positioned correctly with respect to the bar coding label. It is necessary as well to slide the wand along the label neither overly rapidly nor overly slowly. Wand scanners are limited by their resolution requirements too. If a bar code's resolution is too fine, then the wand won't be successful in scanning it properly. For instance, a 5 mil bar code cannot be read by a 10 mil device. You must remember that when you go out to buy a wand scanner.

2. The CCD Scanner - The charged coupled device or CCD scanner is a significant step up from the wand scanner. Similar to the wand scanning device, a CCD reader needs to directly touch the barcode label for it to be able to register the information. Unlike the wand scanner, however, the user does not have to move the scanner across the label. The user merely puts the scanner next to the reader and engages it. The CCD scanner then takes a picture of the barcode, digitizes it, and decodes it.

Of all the various types of bar code scanners, CCD readers tend to be the simplest to use. CCD readers can be found in widths from 2 to 4 inches and, while they are more expensive than a wand, CCD readers are less expensive than laser scanners.

Fixed Focus Optics, or FFO, is another interesting new technology that resembles CCD. These scanners can read bar codes from 20 inches away because they don't require contact with the bar code. They also have the ability to read two-dimensional bar codes, which are being implemented in more installations.

3. The Laser Scanner - Laser scanners use a beam of light to rapidly scan across the bar code label. This means the scanner itself remains stationary, and there is no need for direct contact with the bar code label. Scanning is automatic in the sense that the scanning action is initiated when an object is held in front of it.

This system is widely used in many different types of installations. Scanning is such a quick process that it ss even possible to insert laser scanners directly into conveyor systems. As objects move along the conveyor, they are automatically scanned and recorded. You see this in grocery stores, where the cashier simply moves the items over the scanner to scan them. This type of system is quick enough to keep up with even the fastest motion of a cashier, and it is quicker and far more accurate than any other alternative system that could be used.

No matter what your ideal scanning system might be today, you need to make certain that you buy a stock control system that allows you to take advantage of future developments in bar code technology. This will allow you to keep your system updated without having to replace the entire system in the future.

Learn how bar code scanners can benefit your business. Take charge of business assets with the most effective stock control software and asset tracking systems - Article marketing plans.