Barcode scanners today are incredible in speed and accuracy. On average, we calculate that manually entered data has a 1% error rate. Barcode scanning cuts that down to 1 error in 10 million scans! This translates to massive time and money savings for retailers.

But did you know your old barcode scanner could be costing you customers?  

In this guide, I will discuss the pros and cons of the existing CCD and laser scanners vs. the newer camera scanners, which will soon be available in bulk, so you can make the best choice for your store's needs.

Before I start, I should say that the camera scanners are really CCD scanners on steroids. They are like giving an old CCD scanner a superhero upgrade! They can read virtually any barcode, no matter how blurry or beaten up, and even scan stuff right off a phone.

The Barcode Scanner Basics

Let's start with the two main existing categories:

• Tried-and-True: Laser and CCD Scanners These have been around for ages, and with good reason. They're specialised tools that excel in certain areas:

  • Laser Scanners

    • Lightning-fast, super accurate, and can handle even crummy barcodes.
    • Many models scan from a distance, which is great for heavy items.

  • CCD Scanners

    • They're more budget-friendly
    • Generally better than laser scanners for close-up scanning of good-quality barcodes.
    • They often have trouble reading damaged labels or wet items like a Coca-Cola bottle directly from the fridge.

Since they're both small, they are great for stores with limited counter space.

Most have trouble reading barcodes on phone screens,

They are designed to work with the basic 1D barcodes. Soon, we are expecting that some products will switch from 1D barcodes to more complex barcodes. When this happens in bulk will be when the problems come. 

• Camera-Based Scanners 

  • These can read virtually any barcode (1D, 2D, QR codes, etc.) easily 
  • Scanning from phone screens is good.
  • Can be used with self-checkout, mobile coupons, and inventory checks with a simple photo snap.
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Often slower
  • Often have issues in low-light situations
  • Need more training to get used to them.
  • It's still pretty experimental; most shops that use them only use them for some types of scanning.

Scanner Showdown: Which Model is Right for You?

Here is my breakdown to help you decide:

• Volume is King: If you have a busy store, laser is the fastest.
• Going Digital: Want customers to use mobile coupons, streamline returns, or consider self-checkout? Camera-based is the only way to unlock these customer-pleasing features.
• Budget Matters: Tight on budget? CCD is the cheapest way to go. 
• The future: Camera-based tech, as it keeps evolving, will replace CCD and laser, but not anytime soon. 
• Omnichannel or Not: Camera scanners can now do everything, while CCD and laser scanners generally cannot. 

The Bottom Line: It's All About Your Needs

Only get camera scanners if you have a need that CCD and lasers cannot do.

Chat with us, your point-of-sale (POS) provider, and we can tailor a solution just for you!

Ready to take your small business to the next level? Ask us for the best scanner options for your shop – your customers (and your bottom line!) will thank you.

Choosing the Right Barcode Scanner for Your Business

Today, businesses need to scan barcodes on products and so use barcode scanners. 

The most common barcode scanners in retail today are laser and CCD scanners.

Laser scanners:

The most popular are laser scanners as the price for these has dropped

Pros:

> They are better at reading problematic barcodes, e.g. on a soft drink that can be wet, curved and has glossy surfaces.

> Their range is good, which makes it often easier to scan.

> They scanned barcodes which is excellent in high-volume settings.

Cons:

> They tend to be more costly, which may be problematic if you have a tight budget.

> They have moving parts that make them prone to damage.

> Although we have never had a problem, lasers are classed as a public safety risk. They could be dangerous if misused; they reflect onto someone's eye.

CCD scanner:

Pros:

> CCD scanners are generally cheaper than laser scanners

> In close range, they tend to be more accurate

> Since they do not have any moving parts, they typically last longer and are less damage-prone.

Cons:

> Range, and this is no minor point. CCD scanners can, in many applications, be a pain as you have to get the scanner quite close to read the barcode.

> Difficult-to-read barcodes such as magazines or reflective gifts can be a problem.

Conclusion

The choice between laser and CCD scanners depends on your business's specific needs.

In today's world, the same brand will have different factories for different types, so the brands matter less today. Unlike many, we test our scanners. We have them on many sites, so we know how they fare in the real world. We can help you make a smart investment for your business. Whether you need a laser scanner for its range or a CCD scanner for its accuracy, we've got you covered.