How Do I Choose the Right QR Scanner?
QR scanners are extremely useful in the modern age. The predicted number of consumers who use smartphones to scan QR codes may increase by 16 million in 2025, just one of the many stats highlighting the importance of QR codes. This also increases demand for QR scanners in various sectors, from healthcare centers to supermarkets. However, since QR code scanners differ from traditional barcode scanners, you may find searching for the right one difficult. Therefore, we have compiled a detailed guide to choose the right QR scanner.
Let’s explore the various purposes of QR scanners, their different types, and the major things you must consider while choosing a QR scanner.
More About QR Scanners
Before we look at the various factors you must consider while buying a QR scanner, let us first understand a little more about them.
➔ Purpose
Understanding the purpose of QR scanners is crucial before selecting one.
- 1D Barcodes: A laser or CCD barcode scanner is adequate for scanning traditional one-dimensional barcodes found on product packaging.
- 2D QR Codes: A 2D Area Imager is necessary when dealing with modern two-dimensional QR codes, essential for tasks like inventory management, retail transactions, or event ticketing.
Identifying the specific application areas, such as retail, logistics, or event management, helps determine the most suitable scanner for your needs.
➔ Types
Online QR scanners help your customers by allowing them to scan QR codes online due to their easy accessibility and increased convenience. In contrast, physical QR scanners help you manage data for your inventory, retail products, and shipping processes.
Consequently, your search narrows to a few options if you solely work with QR scanners. You can try a gun-style scanner if you have to scan products from one shelf to another.
On the contrary, a presentation, handheld, and in-counter scanner helps you scan retail products easily and quickly.
You can select different types of QR scanners depending on your needs. The only thing you need to consider while choosing a particular scanner is that it should be compatible with scanning QR codes. You will find multiple-styled scanners that only scan barcodes; therefore, choose a QR scanner that can scan 2D and 3D codes.
➔ Benefits
2D and 3D QR scanners offer diverse scanning options. You can easily scan multiple codes with different patterns. Moreover, QR scanners are more advanced than standard scanners as they can process from multiple surface types such as glass, mobile, and computer screens.
➔ Drawbacks
Compared to traditional laser scanners, QR scanners can be high in price.
How to Choose the Right QR Scanner?
Choosing the right QR scanner depends on your specific needs and preferences. Let’s answer a few questions to help you explore the different factors you must consider before choosing one.
Q1. Does the QR Scanner have a Sufficient Scanning Range?
Answer: Handheld and presentation scanners have specific scanning ranges, meaning they can only scan QR codes from a limited distance (anything farther than that range would cause trouble while scanning). Subsequently, if your staff has to scan the QR codes of products placed on shelves, you would need a gun-styled scanner with a longer scanning range, while a presentation scanner would be sufficient for scanning nearby products.
Q2. Does QR Scanner Process Efficiently?
Answer: Evaluating the speed of a QR scanner is important when dealing with QR codes on retail products and access codes in healthcare centers. Consequently, before buying a scanner, double-check if it can quickly read and interpret the data from the codes. On the other hand, while you are checking the scanner’s speed, make sure it interprets and transmits information accurately.
Q3. Is QR Scanner’s Read Rate Up to 100%?
Answer: Another factor you must consider before buying a QR scanner is its reading rate and run time. Reading rate involves the number of attempts a scanner requires to break down the code into grids and further process to assign each a value. You get an estimated percentage after dividing the detected QR codes by the time required to read each code. If the result is close to 100%, the scanner can read QR codes efficiently and effectively.
Q4. Is QR Scanner Compatible with Your Device?
Answer: Most QR scanners offer increased compatibility and multiple connecting options, such as WiFi, USB, and Bluetooth. However, before buying a QR scanner, check your device’s connectivity option and whether it can connect with a scanner via Bluetooth or WiFi. Furthermore, check if the QR scanner offers the required connectivity option and effective compatibility with your device.
Q5. Is the Battery Life of a QR Scanner Effective for Long-Term Use?
Answer: Battery life is the most crucial aspect of any QR scanner, and you should consider it a priority. Especially if you use the scanner for longer periods that require frequent scanning of codes, make sure the QR scanner you are buying has sufficient and reliable battery life. For instance, some QR scanners offer a battery capacity of up to 2000mAh with a light indicator that shows a low battery sign so you can charge before the scanner dies. Therefore, look for QR scanners with long battery life that can help you in peak working hours without experiencing any inconvenience.
Q6. Is QR Scanner User-Friendly?
Answer: You may find yourself attracted to advanced scanners that are difficult to operate. Therefore, buying a QR scanner requires an easy-to-use interface, audible beep sounds, and efficient handling. Depending on your needs, you can also look for a backlit screen display, multiple pairing modes, waterproof, and comfortably gripped scanners. The more easily you can operate your scanner, the more efficient you will be during working hours. Thus, make sure the scanner you are buying is comfortable and easy to use.
Q7. Does QR Scanner Fit Your Budget?
Answer: Before buying, consider the price of a QR scanner, which usually varies from a few to a thousand dollars. It is essential to address your budget and required specifications in a QR scanner and find a suitable one that meets your needs.
Final Thoughts
As QR codes become more common in industries like retail and healthcare, reliable QR scanners are essential. These scanners play a big role in businesses, so it is important to choose the right QR scanner. Remember all the things we talked about when picking a QR scanner. Make sure it is tough, will last a long time, and does everything you need.
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