
Wireless barcodes are ideal in high-paced, mobile workflows. For context, the entire Gettysburg Address—all 271 words—can be scanned and decoded in less than 70 milliseconds. The fact is scan/decode times for correctly set up wired and wireless barcode scanners are measured in milliseconds. Speed: Wired or wireless barcode scanners—which design is up to speed?Įither. However, the force exerted on the cable when it stops the barcode reader from hitting the ground could eventually degrade the cable itself or connection integrity at either end—especially after repeated drops. Of course, a wired barcode scanner may not even hit the floor if it has a shorter cable. In fact, specs for 1.2–1.6 meter (4–6 foot) drop tests on a hard surface, like sealed concrete flooring, are common on vendor spec sheets. Most modern barcode scanners, both wired and wireless, are robust enough to counter the inevitable drop. That piece can help you better understand and assess your equipment needs.ĭurability: Which will last longer, wired or wireless scanners? If you’re equipping staff in an area where water, dust, and dirt are present, such as cells on a production line, visit our blog on ingress protection ratings for barcode readers. Environmental conditions should also be considered. These design limitations mean that retrofitting a wireless IT network to an older building isn’t viable (due to cost and business interruptions), making these buildings better suited to wireless barcode readers. However, many facilities (think factories, hospitals, town halls, and courts) were constructed long before communication needs evolved. Many modern buildings today are constructed with pre-installed data cabling, lending themselves well to wired barcode scanners. Should the application involve multiple processes in different areas that must be linked (e.g., scanning a patient’s wristband, then a blood vial, and then medication), a wireless device makes more sense.įacility design: Building the case for wired vs. If your application involves a single process (e.g., scanning a PCB board at the final packaging point), then a wired device makes sense. Wired barcodes are ideal for single-process tasks like retail.įlexibility: Will your barcode scanner be used on the move? So, is a wireless barcode reader better than a wired barcode scanner? And how do you pick the right barcode scanner? This barcode reader buyer’s guide will help you evaluate your specific needs so you can choose the right tool for the right job. wireless design has a significant role in accomplishing this.

Every model is carefully crafted to offer a suitable price-to-performance ratio a wired vs.

What matters most when shopping barcode readers?Ĭhoosing a barcode scanner (also called a barcode reader) can be exhaustive—after all, aren’t they all the same? No, just like virtually every other device, barcode readers aren’t alike.
