As stated previously, barcodes have been the backbone of many supply chains and retail processes for many years. Because of this, one challenge with barcodes is that there are many different formats (1D and 2D) and many standard varieties. Having the ability in a retail setting to scan every barcode type from every vendor is essential. There are a wide variety of barcode scanners (or readers) ranging from $100 for a basic 1D to over $400 for many 2D capable barcodes. Traditionally accuracy and speed of read have kept 1D barcode technology relevant, but 2D scanner technology is quickly approaching these abilities.
If you need the ability to edit the system data of the products (to change quantity on a shelf for example), and the cost increases dramatically to as much as $4,000 per scanner.
When you consider of the number of scanners that are necessary in a large retail establishment, this can become a significant investment. Scanners must be in place at all checkout stations, shelves must be scanned by associates for missing items, and backroom storage must be scanned to keep inventory accurate. Technological advances must have a direct and significant affect on the success of the business for changes to be adopted. This is a major reason why 1D technology, first used commercially in 1966, is still common today. (http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbar_code.htm)
It will be interesting to see if the natural progression of this technology from 1 Dimention, to 2 Dimentions, will continue to 3D. As 3D technology is becoming common in TV's, camera's, and even on greeting cards, the possibility of even greater data storage in 3D could be a natural next step.
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