Barcode scanning is used right across industry, so various types of scanners have been developed to operate in differing environments.
The least expensive types of barcode scanner is the pen or wand scanner. These are held like a pen and the end is wiped across the barcode. This means they have to be wiped across at the right speed and angle, which means they are not as efficient as other types.
Fixed barcode scanners are usually seen at the checkouts in supermarkets. The item’s barcode is wiped out the scanner which records the item and its price. A development of the fixed version is the omnidirectional which can read the code even if isn’t in direct line of the scanner.
Laser barcode scanners continue to be the most common in use. They have been adapted to meet various scanning requirements.
The latest technological development is the 2D scanner which reads barcodes extremely quickly and accurately.