Monthly Archives: October 2015

The New PC42t Economical Thermal Printer from Honeywell

Honeywell has over 40-years experience in designing barcode label printers. With the introduction of the PC42t, they have created a thermal transfer desktop printer that meets the needs of a wide range of markets globally.

Choosing the right Barcode Scanner

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a suitable barcode scanner is the type of scanning engine built into it, and is ultimately dependent on the type of barcode you will be using and reading in your business operations, and the performance of the unit you will require.

Important questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a scanner:

• Is it compatible with your software?
• Can you stay connected to your PC or Tablet 
• Where will the scanner be used? 
• Is it a rugged environment? 
• How often will it be used? 
• What kind of barcodes will you be reading? 

There are 3 main types of scanning engines:  Laser, Linear Imager, 2D Area Imagers

LaserScanners (1D)

This is the most common scanner type, and uses a red diode laser to read the reflectance of the black and white spaces in a barcode. Laser Scanners can only read standard linear (1D) barcodes and are usually the most cost effective option. 

Laser Barcode Scanners are mostly available in Handheld / “Gun” form, but are also used for counter top and fixed mount applications. Laser scanners provide excellent scanning accuracy and productivity, and in turn allows operators to achieve high productivity

Laser scanners offer a number of advantages for a multitude of applications and should be considered the technology of choice for:

• Decoding at long distances
• For Self-Service shopping 
• Decoding UPC / EAN and other 1D barcodes, used in retail
• Applications that require motion tolerance
• Outdoor use

Most standard laser scanners can read barcodes from a few inches to a foot or two away depending on the size of the barcode. There are also extended range laser scanners, which can read up to 35ft away when using large, reflective labels. Laser scanners are capable of decoding barcodes over wide ranges and can achieve 50% more range than digital imagers.

While laser scanners may prove to be advantageous in specific applications, other markets and business operations are better suited for digital imagers or a combination of both technologies.

Linear Imagers (1D)

Linear imager scanners, like Laser Scanners, can also only read 1D barcodes. 

These imagers do not read reflected light from the laser, they take a picture of the barcode, and then analyse this image to extract the information from the code. 

Linear imagers have become a good replacement for Laser Scanners, as the read ranges and costs have become more aligned. It is also true that a Linear Imager does a better job of reading poorly printed or damaged barcodes, compared to Laser Scanners. 

For applications that need a more aggressive scanner, a linear imager will be a better fit, for the same cost.

2D Imagers 

2D imagers also capture an image to analyse, just like the Linear Imager, but these scanners can read all types of barcodes, including 1D, 2D and stacked. 

Another important and useful advantage these Imagers have is that the orientation of the barcode is not important when reading (i.e. omni-directional). With Laser Scanners and Linear Imagers, you have to line up the indicator horizontally across the barcode, and this takes up valuable time.

A 2D imager is more intelligent and is taking a more detailed image, and can read a code in any direction, resulting in faster reads with less aiming. In addition to 1D barcodes, digital imagers (also known as area imagers) can decode 2D barcodes, and 2D barcodes can be encoded with significantly more information than 1D barcodes.

This makes Digital Imagers beneficial to:

• Transportation
• LogisticsT
• Tracking applications

Area also imagers have the capability of reading Direct Part Marking (DPM), a method of permanently marking a product. DPM is growing in popularity and allows a product to be tracked throughout its life.

Digital imagers offer many advantages in certain applications, but area imagers are not to be confused with linear imagers. Although data is captured in a similar way, linear imagers aren’t capable of decoding entire images or 2D barcodes as an area imager can.

2D imagers can also read barcodes off of most surfaces including a phone screen or monitor, and as a result are becoming more popular in most industries to speed up scanning applications and to help expand ways in which barcodes are used.

Imagers have proven to be beneficial in the following applications / areas:

• Decoding critical tracking information
• Reading Smartphone & Tablet screen barcodes on email
• Decoding all kinds of 1D and 2D barcodes
• Decoding DPM (Direct Part Marking)
• Capturing images for inventory management
• Combining barcode decoding, image capture, and signature capture in a single device

Please contact POS'99 for advice on the right scanner for your business operations and environment.

Star Micronics Australia announced the amazing new mPOP Advanced POS Solution. 

It is the first combined Bluetooth POS Receipt Printer and Cash Drawer of its kind, with a unique little patent called the "Flat Receipt"

The mPOP offers outstanding connectivity, design, intuitive functionality and very simple integration.

With the mPOP Star Micronics have created something that’s aesthetically simple and elegant, but at the same time loaded with intuitive design features. It measures at just 10cm high and 30cm wide, and is easily transportable, and with the Bluetooth functionality means only one mains cable is needed for operation.

Operating systems: The mPOP works with all major operating systems including Windows, Apple iOS and Android.

The mPOP has multiple functions and connectivity, making processing customer translactions smooth and effortless for outlets such as cafe's, bars, retail and pop up stores. The beutiful sleek design will complement any counter top or the mPOP can also be secured under the counter.

Some of the amazing features of the mPOP:

* 1D Corded Star Scanner - Purchase separately
* Ultra compact design with advanced cable routing to maintain sleek design
* Unique mobile point of purchase solution for merchants requiring Bluetooth printer and cash drawer to link with  their choice of mobile device
* Secure counter clip, under counter mount and 3rd party Kensington lock facility.
* Word first “Flat Receipt”, looks really sleek and professional, and will make you stand out between the crowd.
* Reliable 58mm wide 100mm/second printer with easy top paper loading and auto cutter as standard.
* Functional compact cash drawer, fast drawer release, multi-configurable note and coin slots.
* Classic Bluetooth connectivity that’s compatible with Android, Apple iOS, Linux and Windows devices
* A clear LED display for status information such as paper low, Bluetooth pairing status, etc.
* Multiple USB ports for external devices and peripheral charging

Please contact POS'99 for guidance on compatible Software Vendors.