Barcode readers ensure better functioning of business processes with efficient and accurate automatic identification of products. Various barcode technologies have evolved that help in tracking inventory tracking, monitoring stock movement, increasing operational efficiency, improving employee productivity, etc. Various types of barcode technologies are used effectively across various sectors like healthcare, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, etc.

Barcode Reader Technologies:
Deciding on which barcode reader technology depends upon the type of barcode that will be scanned, the environment in which it will be used, and the connection type required (i.e. USB, serial, or keyboard).

Pen-Style Readers
Pen-style barcode readers, also called wand barcode readers, consist of a light source and a photodiode placed next to each other at the tip of the pen. As the pen is swiped across the barcode, the photodiode measures the intensity of light reflected from the surface. A waveform is generated that represents the exact widths of bars and spaces in the barcode. The dark color of bars absorbs light while the white spaces reflect light, thereby making a specific pattern of waveform. This voltage waveform is then converted by the pen-type reader to retrieve product information quickly. Because wand readers are manually swiped across the barcode, they are not limited by the width of the barcode. They do require the user to pass the wand over the barcode at a consistent rate of speed and at a particular angle. The pen-type readers are not the most efficient scanners, but they are small, extremely durable, and economical. Pen-style barcode readers are suited for low-volume and desktop applications.