Square-compatible Barcode Scanners

Every modern-day point of sale (POS) bundles come with a barcode scanner as an essential hardware component. These powerful tools are designed to track assets, enhance checkout efficiency, manage inventory, and enhance overall business operations. Implementing a robust barcode system minimises the requirement for manual efforts that in turn saves time.

The past several years have witnessed an exponential rise in the use of barcodes and barcode scanners, with businesses implementing barcode systems for their unique requirements. Initially used by enterprise businesses that dealt with large volumes of products, barcodes nowadays have become an essential aspect of businesses of any size.

To scan these barcodes that come attached to almost every commodity, barcode scanners are used. There are different types of barcode scanners available in the modern world, depending on their portability and performance.

This blog discusses the different types of barcodes and barcode scanners and enlists the devices that are compatible with the Square point of sale (POS) system.

Let’s begin!

Barcodes: What are they and their Different Types?

Barcodes are a systematic arrangement of numbers and lines arranged in a parallel pattern in different widths that when put together forms a scannable code. A single barcode is encoded with large amounts of data regarding a certain product. With about 100 billion barcode variations available, the barcodes can be customised as per the business needs. The barcodes display the product-related information in the integrated point of sale touch screen monitor through the point of sale (POS) software. The information that a barcode provides can be customised based on the business niche, industry, and other related requirements.

Types of Barcodes

Technically, there are two prominent types of barcodes-

1D Barcodes: The one-dimensional (1D) barcodes are the most common types of barcodes that comprise vertical lines in different widths and gaps in between. These combinations of lines and gaps represent the final code that a barcode scanner reads. The barcode scanners read one-dimensional (1D) barcodes horizontally and are usually 12 digits that correspond to UPC numbers. The first 6 digits are the identification number of the manufacturer, the 5 digits contain product-related data and the last digit verifies the accuracy of the entire code. Usually, one-dimensional (1D) barcodes can store up to 8 to 25 characters of data. The process of adding bars and spaces in a barcode is known as ‘stacking’. The more information stored in a barcode, the more complex the barcode becomes.

2D Barcodes: Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, for example, QR codes and data matrix codes, are capable of storing more information compared to a one-dimensional (1D) barcode. Other than simple characters, two-dimensional (2D) barcode can store information like images, website addresses, pricing, voice, and other forms of data. These barcodes are mostly available in a square or a rectangle and are capable of storing information both vertically and horizontally. Other than simple lines, there are other shapes in which two-dimensional (2D) barcodes encode data including dots, squares, hexagons, and more. Usually, a two-dimensional (2D) barcode can store up to 4000 characters and 7000 digits of information while having a compact scanning size. These barcodes ensure 100% readability despite slight damage and can be scanned from any angle. Unlike one-dimensional (1D) barcodes that are dependent on a connected database, two-dimensional (2D) barcodes are used independently. At the same time, these barcodes need not necessarily be read using a designated barcode scanner but can be scanned using smartphones too.

Barcode Scanners: What are they and their Different
Types?

As the name suggests, a barcode scanner is an optical device designed to scan, read, and decode data encoded within a printed barcode. On scanning the barcode, the barcode transmits the data to the attached computer and displays it to the retailer/sales assistant. Functioning like a traditional flatbed scanner, barcode scanners usually come with a light source, a light sensor, and a lens that converts optical impulses into electrical ones for modern computers to capture. Usually, modern-day barcode scanners can be connected to a computer via USB, Bluetooth, and wireless networks, other than traditional connections.

Types of Barcode Scanners

Depending on the technology, interface, design, and capabilities, there are 4 types of barcode scanners-

1. Pen-type Barcode Scanners: As the name suggests, pen-type barcode scanners are shaped like a wand that resembles a pen. The tip of a pen-type barcode scanner has a LED light and a photodiode. On passing the barcode scanner over the barcode, the LED light gets emitted, highlighting the bars on a one-dimensional (1D) barcode. The photodiode measures the right reflecting which indicates the size of the bars and decodes the barcodes. The barcodes then transmit the data back to a separate computer. These types of scanners are durable, affordable, and fast. However, using these devices requires some practice by the handler.

2. Laser Barcode Scanners: These scanners are among the most widely-preferred types of barcode scanners and are more advanced than pen-type barcode scanners. Laser scanners come with a laser beam that is directed at a mirror with the scanner. When the mirror reflects the rays on the barcode, the light that gets reflected shows the areas of the barcodes that are darkened. This reflection then gets translated, decoding the barcode, which gets transmitted into the connected computer. Used extensively in retail businesses, you can place barcode laser scanner on any fixed surface or use them in handheld mode. These scanners are capable of reading barcodes from a distance of 6 to 24 inches and long-range scanners can read from a distance of 2-8 feet.

3. CCD Barcode Scanners: The charge coupled device (CCD) barcode scanners are also known as LED scanners and are comparatively more expensive than the rest of the barcode scanners. These devices come with hundreds of small LED lights in a single long row, all of which are shot directly at the barcode. The sensor on the scanner measures the intensity of the light in front of each bulb and a voltage pattern identical to the barcode gets generated. Since the barcodes are scanned based on their voltage, the accuracy is unmatchable.

4. 2D Barcode Scanners: As the name suggests, these barcode scanners are designed to scan and read 2D barcodes. Unlike one-dimensional (1D) barcode scanners that are capable of reading horizontally only, two-dimensional 2D barcode scanner can read vertically too. The two-dimensional (2D) barcode scanners come with hundreds of tiny lights placed in multiple rows. When the lights are flashed on the barcode, a digital image gets formed which is transmitted to the connected computer. Known for its fast scanning speed, the 2D barcode scanner can scan any barcode regardless of how it is placed.

Square-compatible Barcode Scanner

1. Zebra LS2208 Barcode Scanner USB : Known to provide fast, reliable scanning, the Zebra LS2208 barcode scanner is ergonomic and lightweight and can function from a distance of 17 inches. These scanners are perfect for retail, hospitals, educational, or government setups.
The zebra ls2208 is compatible with Square Terminal, Square Stand, Square Stand Mount, and Square Register.

2. SocketScan S700 1D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner: Designed with Bluetooth wireless technology, the SocketScan S700 1D barcode scanner is lightweight, ergonomic, and comes with a durable battery to endure the entire working day. The barcode scanner is intuitive and is ideal for retail point of sale (POS) setup, field service, inventory management, asset tracking, and more.
The socketscan s700 is compatible withSquare Stand, Square Stand Mount, and iOS with Square Reader.

3. Honeywell Scan Kit Xenon 1900G 2D-HD USB: The Honeywell Scan Kit Xenon 1900G 2D-HD barcode scanner features a custom sensor. Known for their industry-leading performance and reliability for a wide variety of applications, these barcode scanners are powered by Adaptus Imaging Technology 6.0 and deliver quality barcode scanning and digital image capture.
The honeywell xenon 1900 is compatible with Square Terminal, Square Stand, Square Stand Mount, Square Register, and Android with Square Reader.

4. Honeywell Voyager 1250G Laser Barcode Scanner: This single-line laser barcode scanner is easy to set up and is capable of scanning barcodes from up to 23 inches away. The Honeywell Voyager 120G laser barcode scanner features optimised laser scanning technology that can read damaged or poorly printed barcodes too.
The honeywell voyager 1250g is compatible with Square Terminal, Square Stand, Square Stand Mount, Square Register, and Android with Square Reader.

Conclusion

The necessity of barcode systems has increased over the years, supporting effective inventory management and asset tracking. Owning a barcode scanner is the perfect way to save time and effort and enhance sales.

The Square point of sale (POS) system is easy to use and designed for all kinds of businesses. If you own a Square point of sale (POS) system, you would require a barcode scanner that would be compatible with your POS System. The aforementioned barcode scanners are the perfect devices that would function seamlessly with your Square point of sale (POS) system.

If you are planning on purchasing a Square-compatible barcode scanner, POS Plaza is your one-stop shop for all point of sale (POS) needs. We are Australia’s leading online reseller of premium point of sale POS Hardware, consumables, and accessories, all available at affordable prices. Browse through our expansive inventory and purchase the barcode scanner you like or contact us for more personalised assistance with your shopping experience.

- Also Read : How Does Barcodes Work?