Barcode scanners are now essential to many businesses. And it's easy to take maintenance for granted because these handy gadgets are quite durable, arent they? But what happens if they fail and you have shut down your business for hours?

Well, this ASP Guide will help you learn how to keep your barcode scanners in good condition. Luckily, it's not rocket science and when practiced daily, you can keep your barcode scanner operational for a long time:

Barcode Scanners Maintenance Guidelines

1. Clean The Scanning Window

It's not until your barcode scanners start malfunctioning that you remember to clean the reading window. Well, you better get into a habit of cleaning this small window to make sure the scanner is getting full optical capacity. This is particularly important in warehouses are other businesses where the scanners are susceptible to dust, fingerprints, humidity, and abrasion.

When the window is made of glass, use the following procedure:

• Use a soft cloth and mild cleaning solutions
• Avoid using cleaning products that produce more abrasion (e.g. powder).
• Avoid using cleaning motions that can damage or abrade the reading window.

For plastic windows:

• Use a moist towel to clean the reading window.
• Use powder-free, gentle cleaning products. Avoid using powerful cleaning solutions like acetone.
• Avoid using cleaning motions that can damage or abrade the reading window.

2. Use Anti-static Cleaners to Get Rid of Electrostatic Charges

The reading window may be prone to dust even when clean because of some electrostatic charges. When this happens, avoid rubbing the window because that only increases the effect. Instead, use an anti-static synthetic cleanser and a lens cloth. These are inexpensive and are available online.

3. Store in Favorable Conditions

Barcode scanners must be stored properly, just like other electronic equipment like phones. Avoid intense heat and sunlight. These are clear triggers that can impair performance and reduce your scanner's lifespan. That said, don't leave your scanner on the dashboard of a car on hot days.

Additionally, keep your scanner away from areas that are moist, extremely dusty, or exposed to direct water. That goes without saying. Avoid doing so unless you purchased a scanner specifically for that purpose since some tough barcode scanners can operate while exposed to heat, water, or dust.

4. Avoid Dropping Them At All Costs

Don't let your barcode scanners fall. Luckily, most barcode scanners come with a wrist strap to prevent dropping while in use. Remember that barcode scanners are made up of numerous essential components that are easily broken or misaligned if dropped.

If you need to throw your scanner or exchange hands with different people, look for a tough barcode scanner that can withstand drops from a given height without suffering damage.

5. Seek Professional Help if It's Malfunctioning

Barcode scanners can break down or stop working, despite their robustness and workplace design. You can decide whether it's time for repair services by figuring out why your scanner is no longer performing as it should.

The screen is the basic source of fault when smudged by dirt. If you clean the window and reboot the system and it still fails, look for professional help. It can mean that the laser that reads the barcode labels is being interfered with by breaks or severe scratches. If so, repair services are the best option.

ASP: A Good Wired or Wireless Barcode Scanner Is Your Best Bet.

Poor-quality barcode scanners are more likely to regularly give up on you than good ones. That said, make sure you conduct a lot of research before buying scanners for your company.

For the best barcode scanners in Australia, a reputable manufacturer like ASP is your best best. We have superior quality products and offer impeccable after-sales services for all our products. Contact us today!