Integrating Ethernet Barcode Readers is Superior to Integrating Traditional USB Barcode Readers

So as I said before, the top 3 benefits include 1) easier and faster deployment of handheld readers, 2) reduced installation and maintenance costs, 3) remote access for diagnostics.

Here are the details.

1) For regular handheld barcode scanners you’ll need at least a translation device or if you might need to run a PC with some scripting software to handle unique parsing of data. That would be a more complicated installation as opposed to just plugging your Ethernet barcode reader directly into any hub on the network. PCs have to be mounted off the factory floor, and there’s cabling, and space requirements and USB cable limitations—even more complexity. So system complexity is a clear advantage to an Ethernet setup.

2) Installation costs exist, of course. PCs have maintenance costs and updates are required and cabling can become faulty and need replacement. This is in contrast with an Ethernet barcode reader where you have no need for the translation device and so there’s no additional IT support required. All of the maintenance or changes or updates can be done remotely as opposed to locally.

3) You also get diagnostics with Ethernet readers. All USB barcode readers or RS-232 handheld barcode scanners only have local access as opposed to an Ethernet-based handheld where you can access it remotely from any terminal on the network.

So in terms of system complexity, maintenance, cost, and communicating, integrating Ethernet barcode scanners is definitely superior to integrating traditional communication handheld barcode readers. Don’t you agree?