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Why use a barcode scanner when you can scan with your mobile phone?

In this digital age, the popularity of smartphones has fuelled the misconception that they can effectively replace dedicated barcode scanners. However, as a leading Chinese factory specialising in barcode scanners, we are here to shed light on why investing in professional scanning equipment can significantly improve business operations. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of barcode scanners and why they remain an indispensable tool for effective inventory management.

1. Limitations of using smartphones to scan barcodes

1.1 Inaccurate scanning due to poor camera quality:

The camera quality of a smartphone may not be as good as that of a professional barcode scanner, affecting the accuracy of the scan. A poor quality camera can produce blurred, distorted or colour distorted images, resulting in the inability to correctly identify barcode information. Limited ability to focus: The smartphone camera may have limited focusing ability to clearly scan barcodes at long or close distances. This may result in the barcode not being read accurately, requiring the user to adjust the distance or angle for better scanning results.

1.2 Potential compatibility issues Supported barcode types:

The scanning function of a smartphone may only be able to recognise common barcode types such as 1D codes (e.g. EAN/UPC codes) and 2D codes (e.g. QR codes). Some special types of barcodes, such as PDF417 or DataMatrix codes, may not be scanned or recognised by the phone. Software compatibility: The scanning software on the phone may only be compatible with certain applications and not others. This means that a user may need to install several different scanning software to meet the requirements of different applications.

Despite the limitations of barcode scanning on smartphones, for some simple barcode scanning tasks, smartphones offer a convenient and economical solution. For professional barcode scanning needs that require high accuracy and speed, a professional barcode scanner may be more appropriate. When selecting a scanning device, a suitable choice must be made based on specific needs and expected performance.

If you have any interest or query during the selection or use of any barcode scanner, please Click the link below send your inquiry to our official mail   (admin@minj.cn) directly! MINJCODE is committed to the research and development of barcode scanner technology and application equipment, our company has 14 years of industry experience in the professional fields, and has been highly recognized by the majority of customers!

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2. There are many benefits to using a barcode scanner, including

2.1 Superior scanning performance:

High speed scanning: Barcode scanners typically scan faster than smartphones. This means more barcodes can be processed in less time. Accurate scanning precision: Barcode scanners use professional scanning technology to deliver more accurate scans. This helps to reduce the likelihood of errors and mis-reads and increases work efficiency.

2.2 Durability and Ruggedness: Suitable for harsh working environments:

Bar code scanners are usually designed to be used in a variety of harsh working environments such as warehouses, production lines and so on. They are able to withstand adverse factors such as higher temperature, humidity and dust, and are able to operate stably in difficult environments. Longer life than smartphones: As barcode scanners are devices specifically designed to scan and identify barcodes, they tend to have a longer lifespan and higher durability. In contrast, smartphones may be more susceptible to damage and require more frequent maintenance and replacement.

2.3 Enhanced functionality: Other functions such as inventory management:

Many barcode scanners also offer other features such as inventory management. This allows them to be used not only for scanning barcodes, but also for tracking and managing inventory to improve efficiency. Integration with existing systems: Barcode scanners can often be integrated with existing systems (e.g. ERP systems), allowing users to transfer scanned data directly into other systems for more efficient data management and processing.

In summary, barcode scanners offer better scanning performance, greater durability and robustness, and more advanced functionality than smartphones. This makes them a better choice for handling large numbers of barcodes.

3. Below are details of how barcode scanners outperform smartphones in specific use cases:

3.1 Retail and inventory management:

Efficient merchandise scanning: Barcode scanners are able to quickly and accurately scan merchandise barcodes and transmit the data to a POS or inventory management system. This significantly speeds up retail operations and reduces the possibility of manual errors. Batch scanning capabilities: Many barcode scanners have batch scanning capabilities that allow them to scan multiple barcodes at once. This is very useful when scanning multiple items at once or when conducting inventory counts.

3.2 Healthcare and patient safety: Medication and medical record management:

Barcode scanners can be used in healthcare to manage medication and medical records. By scanning the barcodes on medications, a patient's medication use can be accurately recorded and tracked, and medication misuse can be prevented. Scanning barcodes on medical records provides quick access to a patient's health information and medical history, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment. Patient identification: In healthcare environments, a barcode scanner can be used to quickly and accurately identify patients. This helps to avoid confusing patient information or incorrect medical procedures and ensures patient safety.

3.3 Logistics and supply chain management:

Accurate cargo tracking: Barcode scanners enable accurate tracking of goods in transit. By scanning the barcode on the shipment, the location of the shipment can be updated in real time, ensuring that the shipment arrives at its destination on time and providing accurate logistics information to customers or suppliers. Inventory management: Inventory can be more easily managed and tracked using barcode scanners. By scanning the barcode of every item in the warehouse, you can get a real-time view of the quantity and condition of stock, and make replenishments or stock adjustments when necessary to improve the efficiency of inventory management.

Although smartphones are capable of scanning barcodes, using a professional barcode scanner is still the better choice in many application scenarios. It offers faster scanning speeds, higher accuracy and better durability to meet the needs of a wide range of industries that require fast and accurate reading of barcode information. Therefore, choosing a barcode scanner when you can scan with your mobile phone is still a wise decision.

Questions?  Our specialists are waiting to answer your questions.

Phone: +86 07523251993

E-mail: admin@minj.cn

Official website: https://www.minjcode.com/

Our dedicated team will be happy to assist you and ensure that you choose the best scanner for your needs. Thank you for reading and we look forward to serving you!


Post time: Aug-22-2023