At any Point of Sale counter, there is a need for barcode scanners in order to expedite the process of checkout. It is vital to choose a barcode scanner on the basis of the kind of business you have, type of barcodes that are required to be scanned, your budget, etc. Always read the testimonials of people that have already bought a particular brand of barcode scanner prior to making a purchase.

Given below are some of the reasons why barcode scanners are needed:

1. Minimizes Possibility of Human Error- When barcodes scanners are used chances of human error get reduced drastically. Maintaining manual records of things is not easy. There is a lot of duplication and chances of theft increase. So, making use of a barcode scanner in order to stock and record each and every item is a very good option.

2. Fast and Reliable- A barcode scan is reliable as well as fast. If you enter data by hand it can take a lot of time and manpower hours will get wasted. So, inventory management with the help of barcodes is a lot easier. The owners of the business know what is available in the stock and they can replenish the stocks accordingly.

3. Quicker checkouts- For faster checkouts, barcode scanners are a necessity. Rather than entering the name of every item, its price, quantity manually, the cashier just scans the barcode and the work is done. As a result the checkout procedure is pleasurable and efficient for both the customer and the cashier. Chances of mistakes also plummet and it is a win-win situation for all.

4. Versatility- Barcodes are extremely versatile. They can be used to store any type of information that you want. As a matter of fact, some POS Systems print the barcode on the bottom right side of the receipt. Now, here the barcode records the name of the cashier, payment method used, number of items that the customer brought and the price of each item. Some barcodes also contain information with reference to the loyalty programs.  So, in short the barcodes are extremely versatile and can record a wide range of information.

The market is replete with barcode scanners from various companies. The most common kinds of barcode scanners comprise a red source of light or a laser that conveniently reads the data from the barcode labels.  This information is then fed into the Point of Sale system.  These days due to advancements in technology even Smartphones can work as a barcode reader. This is because of the camera functionality. 

Some business houses make use of Bluetooth scanners. This is better when there is space constraint. A cordless scanner is also useful where heavy items or huge items are sold. With a cordless scanner the cashier can scan the items without picking them. Whenever you go to buy barcode scanners you must take suggestions as to what barcode scanners are applicable for your kind of work.