Camera-Based Scanner vs. Bluetooth Barcode Scanner

Summary

Using the phone's camera is a good solution for general-purpose usage such as price checking or scanning a QR code.

Pros

• Set-up - Virtually no set up if required barcodes are supported.
• Cost - No need to pay for new scanners. Purchasing multiple barcode scanners can be costly.
• Photo-ability - Take pictures and attach them directly to data for timely problem solving.
• Multitasking - Perform multiple functions such as taking a picture, passing images to applications, notating date & time and passing quantities.
• Anytime Scanning - Smartphones are carried by most people and go everywhere. Scan on the go without carrying a scanner.
• Storage - If a network is not available, you can store the barcodes into the phone to send later.

Socket Mobile's SocketCam family of camera-based scanners are more efficient than traditional built-in phone or tablet scan technology. See our extended list of SocketCam benefits.

Cons

* The SocketCam C860 overcomes some of the traditional camera-based scanners cons noted below.

• Scanning Ability* - Limited read range.
• Speed* - Slow scanning capabilities, especially in difficult lighting conditions.
• Battery Life - Powering the screen and running applications on the OS while scanning drains the phone's battery more quickly.
• Ergonomics - Smartphones/devices, although ergonomic to a certain degree, are NOT designed for the specific purpose of camera/barcode scanning.
• Weight - Phones are heavy and not designed for repetitive scanning motions and angles.
• Agility - Smartphones/devices are less agile, and more cumbersome.
• Scanning Process - Requires an element of focusing, with a viewfinder on top of the application and moving the device into range for camera.
• Security - Data scanned on a device opens the opportunity for information to be shared outside. BYOD requirement makes it even easier for confidential info to leak.
• Total Cost of Ownership - A barcode scanner has a longer lifespan. It does not rely on the latest technology to operate, therefore, won't require replacement as often as a smartphone.
• Replacement Cost - Smartphones can be easily damaged while scanning. The replacement is more costly than a dedicated barcode scanner. Even with protective cases/enterprise sleds, smartphone screens can easily crack, which is expensive to repair and can make the device unusable.
• Lost Productivity - If the smartphone breaks before transferring data, the data will need to be rescanned.
• Operating System Updates - Smartphones require regular software and OS updates; barcode scanners do not.
• Limited Scanning - Not ideal for more than 20 scans per day.

Summary

A dedicated barcode scanner is the best for large quantities of scanning, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Pros

• Performance - Barcode scanners are intended for a single purpose making them faster and more reliable than a smartphone.
• Read Range - Reading range on a scanner is greater than a phone, allowing you to scan a variety of barcode sizes and distances.
• Ergonomics - Socket Mobile hardware readers are designed to be extremely ergonomic and be comfortable in the hand for a full day's scanning.
• Weight - Scanners are lightweight, minimizing wrist movement and protecting the user from heavy repetitive motions.
• Agility- Hardware readers are agile and able to get into small spaces if needed.
• Scanning Process - Hardware readers are aim and fire, and do not require as much time to focus.
• Battery Life - Barcode scanners have sleep modes and are only "on" when pulling the trigger or reading a barcode. Battery life is considerably longer than a smartphone.
• Integration - Scanner doesn't require any drivers or specific software to use with a computer.
• Security -Since scanners are not designed to store or share data, there is minimal danger of a data breach. You cannot download data-altering apps or other software onto the scanner.
• Cost Efficiencies - Scanners are single-purpose devices, less complex and less expensive to buy and maintain.
• Total Cost of Ownership - Barcode scanners do not rely on the latest technology to perform and don't need to be replaced as often as a smartphone.
• Replacement cost - Smartphones are not designed to be scanners and can be easily damaged. A barcode scanner is less expensive to replace if broken.
• Extensive Scanning - Great for 100+ scans per day, saving substantial time and comfort.

Cons

• Photo-ability - Barcode scanners can't take pictures.
• External Device - A separate device is required to transmit the scanned data to.
• Charging - Barcode scanners must be charged separately from the host device.