Barcode Education

When considering purchasing a PDT, operation and handling should be a key component in the decision process. The size and weight of the PDT are also particularly important. Many of these PDTs are now smaller and lighter and even have pistol grips designed for specific warehouse applications. Several questions must be asked when deciding which PDT is required. Does the user need both hands to operate the reader? When scanning the bar code, will the user be able to physically touch the bar code or scan it from a distance? If so, how far away? In general, tethered scanners (nonintegrated) are several hundred dollars less than portable units with integrated scanners. In warehouse environments, laser scanners are usually recommended since Òpoint-and-shootÓ scanning is much faster than stripping a bar code and since the users will generally stand at a distance from the equipment.