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Actually, a bar code works in much the same way as an ordinary flashlight -by reading the reflected light from a surface. The process begins when a device directs a light beam through a bar code. The device contains a small sensory reading element. This sensor detects the light being reflected back from the bar code, and converts light energy into electrical energy. The result is an electrical signal that can be converted into data. Bar codes are measured by the width of the narrow bar and are recorded in mils, or 1/1000 inch. A 15 Mill bar code, for instance, has a narrow bar that is 15/1000 inches wide. Further, "quiet zones," or blank spaces to the left and right of bar code symbols, are included to insure the bar code can be read. It''s a three-step process. First, an input device must convert light energy into electrical energy. There are a variety of input devices, each with its own unique characteristics.

Barcoding is a fast growing industry that is revolutionizing Point of Sale (POS) and the way people collect, store and retrieve data. Whether at the supermarket, a hospital lab or the loading docks, barcodes are an integral part of the data collection process. We supply businesses with products, systems and services that make it easy for them to accomplish this. The POS products we supply include personal computer-based terminals, receipt printers, cash drawers, magnetic stripe readers, keyboards and related peripherals. Barcoding products distributed by our company include barcode scanners and printers, portable data collection terminals, wireless networks and other related equipment. In recent years Verifiers have become more important than ever. Compliance labeling required by major Retail Chains, Government, and Manufacturers, have made verifying bar codes a must for suppliers. If a suppliers bar code can not be read, they can be subject to fines, or worse. Our company can help you with your Compliance Labeling and bar code verifying. Check out the different topics below to learn the Barcode Basics!

The "wand" is the simplest and least expensive input device available. It is durable and contains no moving parts. It must, however, come into contact with the bar code, which can present a challenge. If a bar code must be read more than once, it may become smeared or damaged and, in essence, unreadable. Also, a wand is "human powered," which means it must be held at the proper angle and moved at the proper speed. For these reasons, a wand is the best choice when cost is the largest determining factor. The CCD, or "Charge Couple Device," is another common input device. A CCD is a very "aggressive" instrument, with a high ability to read bar codes quickly and easily. But it has two primary limitations. First, it has a short "read" range, and must be held no more than 1 to 3 inches from the bar code.