Performance for Today2D imagers provide performance advantages today even if enterprises do not need to read 2D bar codes or use the additional functionality. These advantages include the ability to read more sizes and types of bar codes, very fast reading, and the convenience of not having to orient the reader to the bar code symbol.

Bar Code Reading

2D imagers are very easy to use because they can read symbols from any orientation, and do not require a scan line to be aimed across the horizontal bars of a bar code. This characteristic enables fast scanning and better productivity because there is no need to realign labels for the scanner.

Another reason 2D imagers are fast is because their motion tolerance has improved significantly – new generation models can read bar codes moving up to 500 inches per second Orientation-free reading is very beneficial for applications that involve sorting and processing variable-sized objects, which is why imagers are becoming popular for point-of-sale, check-in/check-out and other mainstream applications. 2D Imagers also can simultaneously process all the bar codes within their field of view, without requiring each to be scanned separately. This characteristic also supports higher productivity in applications that require multiple objects to be scanned.Exceptional working range enables2D imagers to read bar codes from near contact to more than 50 feet away. This flexibility is valuable in environments where there is not always a fixed distance between the worker and the object being scanned. Examples included warehouses, where items may be within easy reach, or on a shelf more than 50 feet from the floor.

Long range isn’t exclusive to 2D imagers, since specialty laser scanners can read bar codes at long distances. However, laser scanners require the operator to align the laser beam with the bar code, while 2D imagers eliminate the need for alignment, thereby increasing comfort and productivity. 2D Imagers also have more flexibility for the symbol sizes they can process. They can read a location label on a warehouse shelf and can also read the compact 2D bar code used to identify an individual part. As bar codes become smaller they become more dense, which can also make them harder to read. 2D imagers excel at reading high-density bar codes, and are by far the leading scanning technology used to read the 2D bar codes used for direct part marking, electronic component tracking and other small-item identification.