Records can be more accurate and timely when there is less human intervention in identifying items, tracking data, and inputting information. For this reason, bar coding has become a major tool used in companies to capture critical data quickly and precisely. Part of this bar coding system is a scanner such as a wireless barcode scanner.

Barcode scanner, either wireless barcode scanner or handheld barcode scanner, is a device that emits light to a set of black-and-white bars of varying sizes, and reads the bounced-back reflection of light which now varies in intensity as a result of the variation in the bar sizes and colors. Each of the bars corresponds to specific bits of information which are stored in a computer.

When the handheld and wireless barcode scanners throw the light beam onto the bar-coded label, the dark bars absorb the beam while the white spaces bounce it back. The pattern of light reflected back to the wireless barcode scanner is received by a transducer which converts the dark/light information into an electrical signal. This is further converted into digital data and correlated with the information stored in computer files.

Unlike handheld barcode scanners, wireless barcode scanners are very convenient to use in situations where data are located far from the computer. The wireless barcode scanner makes it easy to scan heavy items that are impractical to move around.

The early versions of the wireless barcode scanner actually function similar to cordless telephones, which transmit signals to a base unit. The base transfers the data by a cable connection to a computer; it also charges the wireless barcode scanner remotely, to ensure uninterrupted operation of the wireless barcode scanner. You can then use the wireless barcode scanner without having to work next to the computer.

The latest innovation in wireless barcode scanner is the use of Bluetooth technology. A wireless barcode scanner that employs Bluetooth technology gives the convenience of bringing wireless barcode scanner to the inventory instead of moving everything to the handheld scanner. With Bluetooth technology embedded on your wireless barcode scanner, you can take barcode scans while the unit automatically transmits data to the base, within a working line-of-sight radius of 160 feet. More powerful wireless barcode scanner models can be used over longer distances from the base.

Wireless barcode scanner using Bluetooth technology comes as part of a set that includes a radio/recharge base unit with a connecting cable. The base still functions as in the early versions, but it is more powerful because it can support multiple wireless barcode scanners. This makes the wireless barcode scanner ideal for big volume jobs such as in a warehouse inventory or in retail operations.

For non-industrial applications of barcodes, you can also find a smaller wireless barcode scanner (which resembles a pen) that still uses the Bluetooth protocol. This wireless barcode scanner is ideal for delivery tracking, on-store information, home-shopping and many more. You would only need to push the trigger button of this wireless barcode scanner to activate the scanner. If really necessary and the wireless barcode scanner’s base unit is within range, you can make a real-time transmission of the data, but usually the information is stored until data transfer can be done to the nearest wireless barcode scanner terminal.

The ease-of-use that you get from a wireless barcode scanner comes with a price, however. You should carefully determine whether you need a wireless barcode scanner. If after your assessment you find out that a cable-connected scanner restricts your movement, or when cable placements are too vulnerable to damage, then a wireless barcode scanner solves this problem for you.