Some Different Ways A Barcode Scanner Holder Gets Used

Let's face it, a barcode scanner holder is hardly the sexiest item one could think of in terms of scanner accessories but it's a very necessary one and, in fact, there is quite a variety of types which indicate the wide spectrum of uses and environments where barcode scanners are employed.

A quick review of what's available discloses some of those uses. The first that is quickly apparent is that many of them while being thought of normally as handheld are in fact used in a mounted option on fork lifts, construction equipment, factory machines and other locations where the operator's hands are full.

The next aspect that is apparent is that mounted barcode scanner holders are necessary in environments where there are contaminants either on the work or counter surface and where the scanning units need to be kept dry and protected.

Obviously the shape, size and construction of your barcode scanner will determine, to a large extent, what your barcode scanner holder has to look like and its type of use will determine the type of mount that it will rest in. Consequently, the price ranges of these holders will vary widely. Just taking a quick survey of what's being currently offered discloses prices that run form $10 at the lowest to $100 or more for esoteric designs. In a fast paced retail environment, the holder design has to perform in a way that allows a salesperson to remove the scanner, use it and return it all in a series of swift movements that don't allow for fumbles, hangups and other time wasters. You guessed it, it's got to be something like a cowboys unholstering his six guns the quickest or die trying.

Another use I've stumbled upon is the Intermec bar code scanner holder which is a strip holder for 120 roll film, probably used by people like wedding photographers to scan in a whole strip at a time. According to a customer review the scanner is almost silent when scanning, while the scan is monitored by a progress bar on the Epson interface. Scan times are very fast, a full resolution (3200 dpi) 35mm took 1 min 30 sec, the 6x7 took 4 min 35 sec. and the massive 5x4 (527 mb) scan took 5 min 10 sec.

Another application is one where there is a need to hold the scanner steady while barcode labels in some product form are passed quickly under the scanner on an almost continuous basis. This is where a mounted barcode scanner holder is used. Such a product is the Phoenix II barcode scanner and holder. The barcode reader is set to an "Always-On" mode and items are passed under it. The unit can also be used as a wall mount to save more space and allow the Phoenix II barcode reader to be used in doorways and on the shop floor.

Who'd have thunk it?!