Most people are familiar with barcode scanners from the time spent in the checkout lines at retail outlets. While they speed up shoppers' exit from those lines, they also have valuable business benefits. Here are some considerations to ponder when selecting a system: reasons to implement a barcode system:

1. Consider scanning distance. Some systems can work up to several feet away.
2. Decide whether you want the scanners to have wireless functionality, and thus work anywhere, or go with a cheaper, fixed-cord model.
3. Examine the various types and decide whether you need a fixed, omni-directional, handheld or pen-type model

To get started, you can go straight to an online store, manufacturer, or learn more:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy your equipment online

There are several online stores that sell a variety of barcode scanners and related equipment. Make sure your scanner is compatible with your PC and inventory/sale applications.

I recommend: Check out POSDATA, ScanOnline, SystemID Warehouse, POSGuys.com, Barcode Giant or POSGlobal.com.

Learn more about using barcodes

Most of the barcode education available online comes from manufacturers or stores that sell barcode equipment. The Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM) covers recent news, standards, and has a comprehensive Buyer's Guide.

I recommend: Check out AIM, Tysso's "Introduction to Barcode Scanner & Barcode Technology" Guide, Worth Data's Barcode Basics, Data Net's Barcode Primer or POSGuys.com's Buying Guide for Barcode Scanners.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're working with inventory that you create or manufacture, barcode labeling software and a barcode printer can help you generate your own barcode labels.
• •  For companies needing a more robust system, consider RFID. An abbreviation for radio frequency identification, RFID provides the same inventory management capabilities as standard barcodes, but puts all that capability into a wireless transmission chip whose signal can be read without any handheld reader.