4 Fixes for a Broken Barcode Scanner

A broken barcode scanner can range from minor annoyance to major disruption. However, there are four troubleshooting questions you can ask yourself to resolve the problem as painlessly as possible.

Are you using the barcode scanner in ideal conditions?

Factors such as lighting, power levels, and distance from the targeted bar code symbol can affect your results. For example, a pen wand scanner can be fickle if not held at the right angle. As barcode scanners age, they may have greater trouble capturing a bar code image. Wear and tear is particularly difficult on handheld or portable bar code readers because of their greater risk of getting dropped accidentally, so see if there are steps you can take to make it easier for the bar code reader to scan the code.

Is it a software problem?

You might be able to fix the problem simply by rebooting the barcode scanner. The manufacturer's website may also list known issues with your scanner. Online tech support groups can offer additional solutions, even if they are not endorsed by the original manufacturer. Sometimes there is a patch or upgrade to the scanner's software that you can download to get the bar code reader working again.

Is it repairable?

Sometimes, the solution is as simple as replacing the bar code scanner battery. Other times, a specific part of the barcode scanner is failing and needs to be replaced. You may be able to diagnose and repair the broken part on your own, but some cases require a professional. Most manufacturers, like Zebra or Intermec, offer customer support either online or over the phone, so you can check with them before paying someone. For serious cases, like board-level component repair, the barcode scanner may have to be shipped somewhere to be fixed.

Do you need to completely replace your barcode scanner?

Sometimes you just have to replace a broken barcode scanner. You need to figure out what the broken scanner is costing you in terms of lost productivity so you can decide whether you are willing to spend the time and money necessary to have your old scanner repaired. That's when you need to decide if you want to stay with the same model—and risk having the new one break in the same way—or if you want to switch to something different.

A broken scanner is unpleasant and inconvenient, but these four questions can help you cope.





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