How many times have you said, “This would be a lot easier if I had the right tool for the job.” Well, same is true for bar code scanning in your business. Great strides have been made over the years to improve the accuracy and speed of bar code scanners. The importance of choosing the right “tool for the job” can mean the difference between status quo and increased operational efficiencies. 2D scanning can improve efficiencies in your operations in several ways:
- Reduce errors
- Empower employees
- Speed up worker productivity
- Increase customer satisfaction
If you are new to bar code scanning, chances are you have seen a linear (1D) scanner in your travels (airport, grocery store, fitness club, etc.). 2D scanners, also referred to as area imagers, are also used in many applications because of the scanning flexibility they offer. The main difference between the two is that linear scanners can only read one-dimensional bar codes, and area imagers can read one-dimensional and two-dimensional bar codes.
If you’re already using a linear imager and are looking to improve operational efficiencies in your business, then a 2D scanner will provide greater capabilities and faster speed – at a slightly higher price than a 1D device.
Here’s why 2D brings greater advantages:
- Greater variety of bar codes can be scanned (i.e., QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec, Postal Codes)
- Omni-directional reading – it can read a bar code in any direction
- Fast reading on damaged or poorly printed codes
- Quickly and accurately reads barcodes that are printed on all kinds of material (paper, labels, computer screen, phone, and more!)
How 2D Scanning Devices are being used today:
A two-dimensional bar code can store larger amounts of data than a one-dimensional code. This feature enables users to improve productivity in an application by reducing the amount of manual labor necessary to perform a task. Some examples of this would be gathering information contained on a driver’s license, on a patient wristband, or on a company vehicle. For information on asset tracking applications, refer to my previous blog. Electronic ticketing, equipment check-in or check-out and inventory management are other examples of applications that realize huge cost savings and increased productivity due to a reduction in manual and paper-based processes.
Although this post focuses on handheld scanning devices, it is important to mention that mobile computers also read 2D codes, and are extremely effective in field and mobile applications such as parcel delivery, asset tracking and patient care not only for their ability to scan 2D codes, but for other uses such as image capture, signature capture, and other mobile device features like GPS.
Convinced that 2D could increase efficiencies and profitability for your business? We can help you put together an effective solution to incorporate 2D scanning in your organization. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us show you the endless possibilities of bar code automation.