Here, we will answer that question for you in detail so that you can make an educated purchasing decision when the time comes. Equipping your team with the tools they need to succeed is the only way to scale your business in this day and age. Get ready, because we are about to go all-in on 1&2D Barcode Scanners.
1D (One-Dimensional) and 2D (Two-Dimensional) barcode scanners are both used to capture and decode barcode information, but they have key differences in terms of their capabilities and the types of barcodes they can handle. There are a variety of scanners sold on the market today, like those available from ScanAvenger, but do your due diligence and find the one that you think is the best fit for your application.
Here are the primary differences between them:
Barcode Types:
- 1D Barcode Scanner: 1D barcode scanners are designed to read linear barcodes, which are composed of parallel lines of varying widths and spacings. Examples of 1D barcodes include UPC codes, EAN codes, and Code 128.
- 2D Barcode Scanner: 2D barcode scanners can read both linear (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) barcodes. In addition to traditional 1D barcodes, they can decode 2D barcodes like QR codes, Data Matrix codes, and PDF417.
Information Capacity:
- 1D Barcode Scanner: 1D barcodes can store a limited amount of information, typically alphanumeric characters and numbers. They are best suited for storing short product or identification codes, we see this example a lot with HVAC companies.
- 2D Barcode Scanner: 2D barcodes have a much higher information capacity. They can store a variety of data types, including text, numbers, images, and even small applications. This makes them versatile for a wide range of applications, from product tracking to mobile ticketing.
Size and Shape:
- 1D Barcode Scanner: 1D barcode scanners are typically designed as laser scanners or linear imagers. They are usually smaller and more compact than 2D barcode scanners.
- 2D Barcode Scanner: 2D barcode scanners can come in various forms, including handheld devices, mobile phone cameras, and fixed-mount scanners. They often have a larger field of view to capture 2D codes.
Use Cases:
- 1D Barcode Scanner: 1D barcode scanners are commonly used in retail for scanning product barcodes at the point of sale, inventory management, and library systems.
- 2D Barcode Scanner: 2D barcode scanners have a broader range of applications. They are used in logistics and supply chain management, healthcare (e.g., patient identification and medication administration), ticketing systems, mobile payments, and more.
Data Redundancy:
- 1D Barcode Scanner: 1D barcodes often rely on redundancy in their design, with multiple bars and spaces representing the same data to enhance scanning reliability.
- 2D Barcode Scanner: 2D barcodes use error correction techniques, allowing for more reliable data retrieval, even if part of the code is damaged or obscured.
Versatility:
- 1D Barcode Scanner: 1D barcode scanners are limited to reading 1D barcodes and cannot capture more complex data types like contact information or URLs.
- 2D Barcode Scanner: 2D barcode scanners are versatile and can store various types of data, making them suitable for applications beyond simple product identification.
There you have it, it’s that simple. Now, all you need to do is make the purchase, and put the device into action. That’s it! Those are the primary differences between 1D and 2D barcode scanners. Their ability to handle different types of barcodes, data capacity, size, use cases, data redundancy, and overall versatility. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of the application and the types of barcodes to be scanned. Find the right scanner for you, and make it happen!