When you think of point of sale (POS) hardware , perhaps the first tool you think of is a barcode scanner.
This tool is a critical part of the customer journey, allowing your cashiers to provide a convenient, accurate checkout experience for your shoppers.
But how does a barcode scanner in Kenya work?
In this blog, we’ll share everything you need to know about how a barcode scanner works — and how to make the most of this tool for your small business.
How Does a Barcode Scanner Work?
The “beep” of your barcode scanner is the culmination of a lightning-fast but complex process. Let’s take a closer look at how a barcode scanner works.
Once you’ve presented an item’s barcode to your scanner, it first emits a red light onto the barcode using a laser or an LED. This light illuminates the barcode, identifies the contrast between the white space and the black bars, and ensures that the light is reflected back into your scanner in the right pattern.
Your scanner’s technology will then decode the reflected light’s pattern, digitize it, and format it into a series of numbers. For example, a standard UPC barcode will be translated into a 12-digit number representing a specific product.
That number will then be transmitted from the scanner to your point of sale (POS) system in Kenya through a wired or wireless connection. Your POS system will identify the product and perform the next steps, including adding the price to your customer’s total and subtracting the product from your inventory count.
And there you have it! That’s how a barcode scanner works.
Types of Barcode Scanners in Kenya
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how barcode scanners work, let’s go into more detail about the different types of barcodes and scanners you might consider using in your store.
First, let’s talk about the two main types of barcodes. One-dimensional (1D) barcodes are the most common barcode type found on most consumer goods. Examples of 1D barcodes include UPC and EAN barcodes. To read 1D barcodes, you need a 1D linear scanner, a simple tool that scans basic barcode labels quickly and easily.
The other type of barcode scanner is a two-dimensional (2D) scanner. Along with reading 1D barcodes, these scanners can also read QR codes and scan barcodes from customers’ smartphones. A 2D scanner may be a good choice for your store if you offer digital coupons or use complex barcodes.
Once you’ve decided whether a 1D or 2D barcode scanner is right for your business, you have a few choices to make. Here are the most common types of barcode scanners typically found in a retail store:
- Handheld barcode scanners, or scanner guns, are the most common type of barcode scanner. At checkout, your cashier will point the scanner at the barcode and pull the trigger to activate it. Handheld scanners are a great choice if you sell items that are heavy or bulky, and they also make it easy to do inventory checks from the sales floor.
- Table Mount Scanners are another common type of barcode scanner. These scanners are built into the checkout counter and can quickly scan items as they’re slid over the scanner. In-counter scanners are the right option for high-volume retail environments like Supermarkets and Minimarts in Kenya, allowing your cashiers to scan several items quickly.
Using the right type of barcode scanner is crucial for keeping your store running smoothly.
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