The basic working principle of a barcode scanner is to use a light source to illuminate the barcode, and then convert the reflected light signal into an electrical signal through a photoelectric conversion component, generally using lasers or other technologies. Mobile phones use cameras and special APPs, such as WeChat Pay or other APPs, to scan QR codes or barcodes. Mobile phones replace barcode scanners, which are low-cost, easy to carry and can scan codes at any time. In addition, the intelligent expansion function of mobile phones can directly query product information after scanning the code. Therefore, in many cases, mobile phones can replace barcode scanners.
However, in some scenarios where barcode scanners are used, such as supermarket retail, logistics or warehouse inventory, mobile phones will affect work efficiency due to weak light or slow focus. These scenarios require professional barcode scanners to meet work needs. On the other hand, professional barcode scanners can read at a long distance, such as high shelves on warehouse shelves and high-density barcodes. Mobile phones cannot be used to scan codes in these environments. Industrial-grade barcode scanners have dust-proof, waterproof and drop-resistant designs, but mobile phones are easily damaged when working in these complex environments. Barcode scanners are deeply integrated with enterprise systems and support offline or encrypted transmission. Mobile phones rely on APP transmission. In some security situations, barcode scanners are more advantageous.
Therefore, when choosing whether to use mobile phones to scan codes or barcode scanners, we still need to look at the usage scenarios. Some small retail stores, meeting sign-ins, and query product information can use mobile phones to scan codes. However, in high-frequency and high-efficiency places such as logistics warehousing, large supermarkets, and manufacturing logistics, we need to use professional barcode scanners.
Mobile phones are sufficient to meet daily lightweight scanning needs, but in scenarios with high efficiency, environmental adaptability, and professionalism, professional equipment is still needed. When making decisions, cost, efficiency, durability, and data security requirements must be weighed.
Guangzhou Netum Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.,located in Guangzhou Jingzheng Science Park is a research, development, manufac- turing, sales, and service company that specializes in Barcode scanners,PDAs, Thermal Printers,and POS machines.Since its founding in the year 2011, accruing over a decade of development experience and expertise, Netum has become a leading professional barcode scanner manufacture.