Bar codes can be found on any product you buy today at supermarkets or shopping malls. Everything, from the biggest TV to a package of gum, has this unique code that distinguishes it from all other products.

The unique symbols that each barcode contains is determined by the height, width and spacing of the bars. The choice of bar used will determine the type of information contained in the code, either numeric data, alphanumeric data or character data.

Photo sensors in the bar code scanners convert the bars into electric signals which can then be “read”.

Each product gives a unique signal since each bar code is unique, and this signal is converted into readable characters by special software that accurately measures the height, width and spacing.

In a matter of seconds, the information is gathered by the software and sent on to the main computer.

The critical tool is the decoder, which is capable of accepting upwards of 250 scans per scanning rate without making a mistake. Scanners also come equipped with an automatic discrimination feature that allows the scanner to identify what type of code is being scanned.

There are many other important pieces to a bar code scanner, but what are all these pieces for?

If you look at all the items on the shelves of a grocery store, you’ll notice almost all of them have a UPC (Universal Price Code) sticker. The scanner reads the bars of the UPC and adds that to your account.

Not only that but bar codes can make compiling inventory reports much easier. Scanning products can reduce errors by clerks, either in calculating sales or recording them, as well as providing faster service to clients.

No one wants to wait in line, watching the cashier try to ring someone up manually, and scanners help everyone from a gas-and-go to departments stores tend to their customers quickly and efficiently.

Author: Kenneth Masters
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker