Solved: Handsfree barcode scanner? - The Square Community

Nicole;

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Since you are just starting out to get the information you need to do this correctly the first time, let me ask you a few questions.

Which Square product are you using currently?  Square POS or Square for retail (free version)

What type of hardware are you using for your POS system? (Android, Apple tablet etc, Square Stand, Square Register......etc)

You previously said you have a Mac (Apple) computer is it on site of your business?

To figure out barcodes please read this information because there are a lot of barcodes with different rules.

Guide to Barcodes 

After reading that you can figure out what type of barcode you are using.  Keep in mind Square lets you use up to 40 characters for a barcode.   With 1D barcodes the more character you use the longer the barcode.  If you use Libreoffice Calc, Google Sheets or Excel type in 3 different cells 5, 10, 15 characters in a cell and choose the same barcode font for these and you will see they are different lengths.  So if you use a 1D barcode all your SKU's will have to be the same length so the barcodes are the same length to fit the label you choose.  I got around this by using a QR code as my 'Barcode' to start.  I have switched to an Aztec code.  This can hold more information than a QR code and is actually a little smaller in size.... which means a smaller price label.

So now you figured out the type of Barcode you would prefer, but does your scanner read that barcode? 

Figure out which Barcodes your current scanner reads and they may limit your choice also.  I found out using the screen side camera on my Square Stand using Square for Retail free... the camera will read barcodes and QR codes.... but does not read m Aztec code.  Think of a Barcode scanner as a multilingual interpreter.... first it needs to work with your hardware ( Android, Apple, Square Register....etc) and with Squares Software!  I bought a cheap wireless 2D scanner, worked great on my PC but not with my Square Stand.   So what the Scanner does is it reads the barcode sends that data to your Hardware then to Square.  So the scanner you buy Interprets for your hardware the barcode to input it to square.  The data in the barcode is just text the scanner reads to fill into Square the SKU to look up to find your price.  For a free online barcode generator you can go to Free Barcode Generator .  Just remember that Square only reads Lowercase letters and numbers, I tried the '&' sign in my barcodes and got "7" in my SKU when my scanner read it on Square, Ipad read it as & and my PC read it as &.... but Square read it as 7.

As for a label printer you could use a regular printer with Avery type labels but this will get expensive as your business grows with cost of ink and label sheets.  The other option is to buy a Direct Thermal Label printer.  The Zebra 420D I bought is a direct thermal printer which does not use ink but uses special labels that the text is basically burnt onto the labels.  These printers cost more, but use no ink.  There are multiple brands of direct thermal printers for labels.  Zebra, Dymo, Brother etc.  You can look on Amazon for your scanner and printer like I did and get used or refurbished ones at savings.  Now since you wanted to use the Square for Retail FREE version you would need these Direct Thermal printers to be compatible with your computer (PC or Mac), because Square for Retail Free will not directly print barcode labels.

Now you will be asking what I use.

I have Square for Retail Free

Square Stand with Ipad

Zebra DS (2D Scanner)   this is USB to a cradle then wireless from scanner to cradle also Bluetooth capable .... have not tried Bluetooth yet.  NOT SQUARE APPROVED  in their approved list of Scanners but works for me and reads other 1D barcodes

and I have the Zebra GX420 D - Direct Thermal and GK420t - Thermal Transfer label printers.  The 420D prints onto white Direct Thermal labels and the 420T prints on to my labels with Aztec code.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Handsfree Barcode Scanner.

Below are pictures of my hardware and printed labels that I use to track inventory in Square

The Aztec code from the 420D on the white label is roughly 3/8" in size and always works.

The Aztec code on the preprinted label from the 420T is roughly 1/4" in size and mostly works but scanner has to be at the correct angel and the correct distance (ie A Lot closer) because of how small it is and how many characters are in the 2D code.  My longest text for the Aztec code is 34 characters I believe, and at 1/4" square is a lot of data.  The fewer character 1/4" Aztec codes work the best.

Hope all this helps!

As the demand for efficiency grows in industries like warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics, wearable glove barcode scanners are transforming how businesses operate. These scanners enhance productivity by allowing workers to scan items hands-free, reducing errors and improving workflow. When paired with rugged tablets and other rugged devices, they offer a powerful, mobile scanning solution.

Choosing the right wearable barcode scanner depends on your work environment, scanning needs, and how well the device integrates with your rugged handhelds or enterprise systems. Below is a comparison of the top five wearable glove barcode scanners on the market today.

What to Consider When Choosing a Wearable Scanner

Scanning Environment

Different scanners are optimized for different conditions. For instance, long-range scanning in high racks may require a device like the CONKER BG2L. In contrast, a compact setting may only need short-range laser scanning, where devices like the BG1 or RS60 are sufficient.

Integration and Compatibility

It’s crucial to ensure that your chosen scanner can easily connect with your existing rugged tablets and warehouse systems. Bluetooth and USB-C compatibility can streamline integration and avoid additional setup costs. Devices that work well with rugged handhelds tend to offer more flexibility in the long term.

Durability and Build Quality

Wearable scanners must be tough enough to withstand the rigors of industrial use. Options like the Honeywell i and the CONKER BG Series are built to endure dust, drops, and even exposure to moisture. Combined with rugged devices, they create a complete ecosystem for field or warehouse operations.

Benefits of Wearable Glove Barcode Scanners

The main advantage of wearable glove barcode scanners lies in their ability to keep workers’ hands free while scanning, resulting in faster task execution. These scanners reduce downtime, improve ergonomics, and minimize scanning errors. When used with rugged tablets, they provide an integrated system for data collection, tracking, and communication.

By incorporating wearable scanners into workflows, businesses can reduce operational bottlenecks. The ability to scan without handling bulky equipment significantly improves worker comfort and productivity. The CONKER BG Series, for instance, brings an ergonomic solution to industrial settings that already rely on rugged handhelds for mobile data access.

Top Wearable Glove Barcode Scanners

CONKER BG Series

The CONKER BG Series includes the BG1 (Laser), BG2 (2D), and BG2L (Long Range), each designed for specific barcode scanning scenarios. These glove scanners are lightweight, reliable, and work seamlessly with rugged devices. They suit businesses requiring accurate barcode capture in high-paced environments such as warehouses or assembly lines. With connectivity options that support integration with rugged tablets and Android-based systems, the BG Series helps teams achieve faster throughput without sacrificing comfort or durability.

ProGlove MARK Display

ProGlove’s MARK Display combines intelligent barcode scanning with a small, integrated screen to provide workers instant visual feedback. It’s an excellent choice for businesses focused on improving picking and packing accuracy. With ergonomic design and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, it complements rugged handhelds used across industrial operations.

Zebra WS50

Zebra’s WS50 stands out for its modular design. It’s more than just a scanner—it functions like a wearable computer. The device supports Android applications and offers voice and data communication, making it ideal for advanced warehouse systems. The WS50 fits easily into workflows that already use rugged tablets or mobile computers, offering flexibility and productivity in tight working spaces.

Honeywell i

Built for durability and comfort, the Honeywell i provides fast scanning with the ability to capture poorly printed or damaged barcodes. It features hot-swappable batteries and an IP65 rating, making it a solid option for rugged environments. When paired with rugged handhelds, it ensures efficient and uninterrupted workflows even in demanding conditions.

Unitech RS60

The Unitech RS60 offers a compact solution with powerful scanning capabilities. Its adjustable glove mount and Bluetooth connectivity make it well-suited for high-volume retail or warehouse tasks. This scanner is compatible with rugged devices, allowing for consistent performance during shift-long usage.

The company is the world’s best Cheap 2d Barcode Scanner Module supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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