The introduction of barcode scanners certainly changed retail operations. Prakash Jethwa tells us more about this technology and what we can expect from it in the near future Managing inventory has seen a radical change since the first barcode scanners were first introduced. Barcode scanners have become a common device everywhere, be it a small outlet or a mega mall, these devices have changed the activeness of every business, the world over. Barcode scanners come in handy in keeping track of an aggregation of goods and inventories. To understand the functionality of barcodes, it is imperative to know how barcode scanners have evolved. History And Evolution Of Scanners From a technical standpoint, the term barcode scanner represents the part of the device that senses an optical image of the barcode, and changes the signal into electrical signals that represent the code it sees. These devices went on to revolutionize the entire retail experience, and have been in use in major retail shops for decades. For many people, barcode scanners are the only means of security and accurately storing information about the product.
 Prior to barcodes and barcode scanners (also known as barcode readers), there were no real monitoring systems; therefore giving rise to the need for manual stock counting and monitoring. This was a timeconsuming and laborious task, often leading to miscounts and speculation during stocktaking. In this day and age, given the essentiality of barcodes in modern lifestyles, we often find it hard to believe that barcodes were not in use until nearly four decades ago. All through the 1970s, barcode scanners and scanning systems were more affordable as the price of microprocessors became more affordable. Imaging technology is forecasted to experience greater growth over the next five years and is slated to emerge as a cost-effective, durable, technologically capable alternative to laser-based systems. But this was not the case always, as traditional laser scanners read linear barcodes at the point-of-sale, a technology that greatly simplified checkout. However, in comparison, today's highly developed area-imaging scanners enable greater capability and flexibility in reading not only 1D and 2D bar codes, but also OCR font and image transfer, putting far more productivity into the hands of retail employees. They also deliver aggressive presentation and pass-through scanning that is equal to and, in some cases, better than that of laser scanners. Advanced area-imaging device manufactured by prominent industry players such as Honeywell, includes a diverse product line of not only barcode scanners, but also mobile computers which are designed with a trigger and a grip similar to a handgun to activate the scanning operation. A mobile computer usually has an embedded scan engine for bar code reading, an alpha or numeric keypad for data entry and runs on different operation systems like Windows CE or Windows Mobile. Depending on different applications, custom data collection software can be loaded into mobile computer to attach important information such as quantity stamps and time to barcodes scanned. How they make operations more efficient When in-counter scanning is used at the point-of-sale, a secondary area-imaging scanner provides a broad range of image scanning capabilities in addition to the speed and accuracy of traditional linear handheld scanners-all in a single device. Area-imaging scanners perform fast, accurate 1D and 2D bar code scanning while providing support for additional applications like electronic check imaging and transfer and returned merchandise authorization (RMA), thereby eliminating the need for a second device, enabling retailers to save valuable counter space and money.
Many retailers are discovering advantages in more complex bar codes that can hold far more data information that can drive more effective marketing and inventory management. Area-imaging technology makes reading them easy. Using area-imaging scanners is easy for employees and it reduces their physical stress. There's no need to position the devices at any particular angle to read a bar code because they provide omni directional reading. They also read poorly printed and damaged bar codes, preventing delays and employee frustration. And with no moving parts, area-imaging scanners offer greater durability, reducing the likelihood of downtime. All the advantages and technological advancements made by industrial leaders such as Honeywell Scanning and Mobility, culminate to make the retail experience more enriched for the retailer as well as the customer.  What is in store for the future?
Retailers are constantly trying to attract new consumers while retaining their existing consumers. Through the use of traditional marketing methods (e.g., direct mailings, print coupons, advertisements, billboards, television and radio), information and promotions can be disseminated in the hopes of enticing the consumer to buy. The proliferation of personal computers and the internet has allowed for new types of marketing. Through promotional emails or website advertisements, a casual user can be immediately turned into a customer making an online purchase. Now, as cell phones and mobile devices have become ubiquitous, they are also rapidly becoming a new platform through which retailers can increase their reach and interaction with consumers.
Mobile devices have become a new platform for retailers to reach consumers with marketing messages and this has been possible because of the advancements in bar code scanning technology, such as the emergence of area-imaging scanners that can read bar codes off mobile phone displays, are now making it possible for consumers to receive and redeem coupons on their mobile phones via email or SMS/MMS messages. Retailers scan the coupon directly from the digital display of the consumerís mobile device at the point-ofsale, which eliminates the need to carry paper print outs and ultimately increases customer satisfaction. These advancements provide retailers with new opportunities to engage with their customer base in real time, while saving costs and waste paper associated with paper coupons. Mobile couponing is increasing in popularity, along with e-loyalty and mobile ticketing applications. Honeywell Scanning & Mobility offers a fleet of area-imaging scanners that fulfill the bar code scanning needs of retailers interested in pursuing mobile marketing: Hand-Held Scanners: FocusÆ 1600 Series, 4600g & 4820 Presentation Scanners: Genesisô 7580 Fixed Position Scanners: 4800p & Vuquestô 4980 Another futuristic device in barcode scanners are Bioptic scanners which are usually developed for high speed checkout, maximum uptime and quick return on investments. It employs a single process for scanning as well as weighing products. The scanners excellent performance and optional in-built weighing scale will help save customers time waiting at the cash counter while shopping at super and hypermarkets, food stores etc. The Honeywell MS2420 Stratos is the most compact five-sided, 360bioptic scanner in the market. It is perfectly suited for small checkout environments demanding high throughput with five-sided scanning. Its compact form factor is designed to allow easy integration into most of todayís seated and standing checkout environments. The author is General Manager, South Asia (ANZ, Asean, SAARC) Honeywell Scanning and Mobility |
