How To Measure Barcode Scanning Distances

How do you measure barcode scanning distances? It’s really not that hard.
by Barry Barcode

So, you’re in the market for a new barcode scanner? But, you remember that scanning distances have been a problem in the past (especially trying to scan a far away mountainside). How do you know what to look for in scanning distances for barcode scanners? How is that even measured?

Barry Barcode is here to help you out with that. There are all kinds of barcode scanners and all of them work best at varying distances, so the right barcode scanner for you depends on the job at hand!

Scanning distances for barcode scanners is measured in “mils.” A mil refers to the narrowest bar in a barcode, measured in 1/1000ths of an inch. For example, the narrowest bar of a 25 mil barcode is 25/1000ths of an inch.

If you’re in the market for a barcode scanner, like the one you see in a grocery store or a warehouse or even a mountanside! Just kidding. We’ll you’re going to be looking for a handheld barcode scanner. They typically have handles and a “trigger” button you press down to scan barcodes. As image-based barcode scanners, they work at shorter distances than your laser-based scanners, but are also cheaper and less susceptible to damage from drops.

As mentioned, there are also laser-based scanners that are like image-based scanners, but have more moving parts within them. This makes them more susceptible to damage than image-based scanners, but they can also scan items from a much longer distance – ideal for those working in warehouses with items to scan on high up top shelves.

With that in mind, what barcode scanner is right for your business? MIDCOM offers repair and sales for all your barcoding needs. Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn or, as always, give us a call at (800) 643-2664, we are happy to help.

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