Fast, accurate data capture can simplify identification, check-in, tracking, inventory, and other everyday business processes. Barcode scanners and magnetic stripe readers allow organizations to capture information already encoded on an ID card, badge, barcode, or magnetic stripe without repeatedly entering the information by hand.
ID Enhancements offers barcode scanners, magnetic stripe readers, and related data-capture equipment for businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, government facilities, corporate offices, warehouses, membership organizations, and other environments that rely on dependable identification and tracking technology.
Whether you are replacing an existing reader, setting up a new check-in station, scanning employee ID badges, tracking inventory, or integrating scanning hardware with an existing application, selecting the correct reader is important. Barcode format, magnetic stripe track configuration, connection type, software requirements, scanning environment, and how the equipment will be used can all affect which device is appropriate.
Barcode scanners provide a fast and convenient way to capture information from ID cards, badges, labels, inventory tags, membership cards, and other barcode-enabled media.
When a barcode is scanned, the reader captures the information encoded in the barcode and transfers it to a compatible computer, terminal, software application, or other system. This can reduce repetitive data entry while helping organizations capture identification and tracking information more consistently.
Barcode scanners can be used for applications including:
The right scanner depends not only on the fact that a barcode is present, but also on the specific type of barcode being used and how the scanner will interact with the organization's software.
Barcode scanners capture information encoded in printed or electronic barcodes and transfer that information to a connected computer, terminal, software application, or other system.
Depending on the application, scanners may support 1D linear barcodes, 2D barcodes, or both. Available configurations can include handheld and hands-free models as well as wired and wireless scanners for different work environments.
Magnetic stripe readers, also called magstripe readers or magnetic card readers, capture information stored on the magnetic stripe of a compatible card.
Magnetic stripe readers can support employee ID cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, time and attendance systems, identification applications, legacy card systems, and other facility or business applications.
One of the first decisions when selecting a barcode scanner is whether the application requires 1D barcode scanning, 2D barcode scanning, or both.
1D, or one-dimensional, barcodes are traditional linear barcodes consisting primarily of vertical bars and spaces.
They are commonly used for:
Common 1D barcode symbologies can include Code 39, Code 128, UPC, and other supported linear barcode formats.
2D barcode scanners read two-dimensional barcode formats that can contain more information in a smaller area than traditional linear barcodes.
Examples include:
Many 2D scanners can also read traditional 1D barcodes, making them useful for organizations that use multiple barcode types or want additional flexibility.
Before selecting either type, confirm the exact barcode symbology used by your cards, badges, labels, or software system.
Knowing that an ID card or label contains a barcode is not always enough to select the correct scanner. The barcode symbology identifies the specific method used to encode the information.
Different applications may use different barcode formats, and not every scanner necessarily supports every symbology. Examples can include Code 39, Code 128, QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, UPC, and other barcode formats.
Before purchasing a scanner, identify the barcode symbology being used whenever possible and verify that the scanner supports it. The physical appearance of a barcode alone should not be used to determine scanner compatibility.
Barcode scanners are available in different physical configurations depending on how and where they will be used.
Handheld scanners are designed to be picked up and aimed toward the barcode being read.
They can be useful for:
Presentation-style scanners are designed for applications where cards, badges, products, or other barcode-enabled items are brought to the scanner.
They can be useful at:
When comparing scanner styles, consider whether employees need to move around the work area or whether scanning will take place at a fixed workstation.
Connection type is another important consideration when selecting a barcode scanner.
A wired scanner can be a practical solution for a fixed workstation, registration desk, check-in counter, or other application where the scanner remains close to the computer or terminal.
Wireless barcode scanners provide additional mobility for applications where employees need to move between items, shelves, work areas, or scanning locations.
Depending on the scanner, connection options may include USB, Bluetooth, or other supported interfaces. Before purchasing, verify that the scanner's connection type is compatible with the computer, terminal, tablet, or other equipment being used.
Organizations increasingly use barcodes in more than one format. A scanner may need to read a barcode from:
If an application requires scanning QR codes, mobile tickets, digital registration confirmations, or other barcodes displayed electronically, verify that the scanner is designed to read barcodes from electronic screens. Not every scanner performs the same way across printed and electronic media.
Magnetic stripe readers, also called magstripe readers or magnetic card readers, capture information stored on the magnetic stripe of a compatible card.
Magnetic stripe technology continues to be used in applications such as:
When a card is swiped through a compatible magnetic stripe reader, the reader captures the information encoded on the stripe and transfers it to the connected system or software application. If you are replacing an existing reader, verify both the required magnetic stripe track configuration and the reader interface before ordering.
Magnetic stripe cards can contain multiple data tracks. These are commonly identified as Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3.
Different applications may store information on different tracks, and magnetic stripe readers can vary in the tracks they are capable of reading. Depending on the model, a reader may support:
A three-track magnetic stripe reader can provide greater flexibility, but an organization should still verify how its existing application stores and expects to receive magnetic stripe data. When replacing an existing reader, determine which tracks are currently being used whenever possible rather than selecting a reader based only on physical appearance.
A magnetic stripe reader retrieves information that has already been encoded on a card.
A magnetic stripe encoder writes information to the magnetic stripe. Some ID card printers can be configured with magnetic stripe encoding capabilities, allowing organizations to produce ID cards with encoded magnetic stripes as part of the card-printing process.
If your goal is to create or encode magnetic stripe ID cards rather than simply read existing cards, make sure you select equipment with magnetic stripe encoding capability rather than a read-only magnetic stripe reader.
Not every scanner or reader works with every application. Before selecting equipment, consider the following:
Matching the hardware to the existing workflow before ordering can help prevent compatibility problems and unnecessary equipment changes.
If you are replacing an existing barcode scanner or magnetic stripe reader, gather as much information as possible from the existing equipment before ordering.
Useful information can include:
Providing this information can make it significantly easier to identify a suitable replacement.
Barcode and magnetic stripe technology can be particularly useful in ID card and badge applications. Organizations can use ID cards containing barcodes or magnetic stripes to associate an individual with information stored in a database or software application.
For example, an employee or member may present an ID badge at a registration or check-in station. Rather than manually entering an identification number, staff can scan the barcode or swipe the magnetic stripe and retrieve the encoded information quickly.
The reader itself does not necessarily determine what happens after the card is scanned. The connected software or application controls how the captured information is interpreted and used. This distinction is important when replacing existing equipment or adding new scanners to an established ID card system.
Barcode and magnetic stripe technology is useful far beyond a traditional retail checkout environment. Organizations can use scanning equipment anywhere reliable identification, tracking, registration, or data capture is needed.
Common environments include:
The best reader for an application should support the organization's existing cards or barcodes, work with its software, and fit the physical workflow in which employees will use it.
A scanner or reader that looks similar to an existing model is not necessarily a compatible replacement.
A barcode scanner must support the barcode symbology being used. A magnetic stripe reader must support the required track configuration. The device interface must also be compatible with the computer, terminal, or system receiving the information.
If you are unsure which scanner or reader is required, identify the existing equipment and provide information about the cards, barcodes, magnetic stripes, and software application being used before ordering.
Browse ID Enhancements' selection of barcode scanners, magnetic stripe readers, and related POS and data-capture equipment for identification, check-in, tracking, inventory, facility management, and business applications.
Compare 1D and 2D barcode capabilities, supported barcode symbologies, scanner styles, wired and wireless connectivity, magnetic stripe track support, interfaces, and other specifications to identify the right reader for your cards, software, and workflow.
Not sure which barcode scanner or magnetic stripe reader you need?
Contact ID Enhancements for assistance. Providing the manufacturer and model number of your existing reader, along with information about the barcode, magnetic stripe, connection type, and software application being used, can help our team narrow down compatible scanning hardware for your application.
