Slot Card Bar Code Scanners

Slot card bar code scanners are used to read imprinted bar code cards that are passed through the aperture on the reader.  They are often fixed or mounted in a given area, and are generally used for scanning barcodes on identification cards, employee badges, tickets, or forms with a high degree of accuracy and simplicity.  They are commonly used in health clubs, video stores, trade shows, and classroom settings. Slot card bar code scanners are primarily used for access control and time and attendance applications. Typically, the front or back of a paper or plastic card is “barcoded” with the appropriate symbology. If paper is used, the card is often laminated with a plastic coating to protect the card. Bar slot technology is generally chosen over magnetic stripe readers when cards must be produced in-house. Barcodes are easier to print and less expensive to maintain than using magnetic encoders.

Slot card bar code scanners are designed so that the user slides their card through the slot allowing the reader to automatically scans the barcode. Most styles are equipped with either an auditory device that produces a “beep” or a color changing LED to signal a successful read or “swipe” of the card.

Slot card bar code scanners are used in the world of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) to read all common barcode symbologies including Codablock, Codabar, Code 1, Code 11, Code 128, Code 16K, Code 39, Code 49, Code 93, Data Matrix (Data Code), EAN, Interleaved 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5, MaxiCode, MSI / Plessey, NW-7 Code, PLANET, POSTNET, Telepen, UPC, VeriCode.  However, not all slot card bar code scanners can read all types of symbologies.  It is suggested that you check with the manufacturer to determine the best symbology for your application.

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