Barcode
systems use a network of hardware and software, and barcode systems make use of
mobile computers, handheld scanners, printers and supporting hardware. Barcode
systems are extremely useful for automated data collection and where hand
recoding is neither time nor cost effective. Barcode systems are not radio
frequency identification systems; however the companies which provide barcode
systems, will often provide radio frequency equipment and most companies make
use of both technologies. There is a wide range of equipment available for use
in barcode systems, and the one most commonly seen is the handheld scanner,
which is widely used for stock taking, in supermarkets and retail stores. The
scanner is used to read a series of bars usually printed on the packaging or
label, and the information is processed by computer software.