Barcode Test Scans

Test your barcodes, save the world
by Barry Barcode
Allow me to set a scene: you’re on the job and it’s time to scan a new item and suddenly you get an error message. You can’t figure out why it won’t scan, and you’re losing time and energy dwelling on the issue. There are several problems that could be causing the error message, but one simple scenario is that it could merely be an unsupported type of barcode. Lucky for you, the solution is simple. Awareness of your scanner’s data capture is truly the key in this scenario, and I’m going to supply you with the foreknowledge so that you never find yourself in that tricky situation.

Timmy Thermal and I are always arguing about who shot first in Star Wars,1 Han Solo or Greedo. I’m a purist to the original version, because it showed Han as quick on his feet, and as a “take action and ask questions later” kind of guy. But I digress, when it comes to your barcode scanners I suggest that you shoot first like our favorite wily rogue. Many barcode scanners can scan a variety of different types of barcodes, from 1d barcodes, 2d barcodes, QR codes, and PDF417 barcodes. Unless you know for sure which codes your scanner is compatible with, you may be getting yourself into hot water when you get down the line.

Luckily, I’ve found this great resource through Motorola,2 which will allow you to test your barcode scanner with each of the different codes I mentioned before, and you can do it directly onto the image below. Just give the barcode images a quick scan and see if you get an error message. If you get an error, your scanner is not compatible with the specific kind of barcode and you will know to avoid those in the future. If there is no error, you’re scanner is compatible and you can use those barcodes from this point forward. With this handy guide, you’ll never have to worry about whether your barcode scanner is compatible with a certain kind of barcode. Take control of your barcode scanning and save the Galactic Empire! Eheh, I mean, work efficiently within your business and ensure a smooth scanning experience starting today.

For a quick reference, just test your scanner on the images above. For more handy tips about barcode scanners, printers, and all of your printer repair needs, call us at (800) 643-2664 or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

1. Star Wars. Dir. George Lucas. 1977. 20th Century Fox, 1977. DVD.
2. Solutions, Motorola. Scanners At-a-glance Brochure: A Bar Code Scanner for Every Industry, Application and Environment (2014): 8. Motorola Solutions. Feb. 2014. Web. 2 July 2014.