The Definite Guide to 1D & 2D Scanners in Point of Sale (POS)

For decades, the standard 1D linear barcode has served as the backbone of retail checkout. However, in the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile payments, digital coupons, and complex inventory needs, relying on old technology creates costly bottlenecks and limits growth.

If your Point-of-Sale (POS) system is still using traditional 1D laser scanners, you are losing time and money, every day.

As a specialist POS reseller, we know the future of fast, accurate checkout is the 2D Barcode Imager. Here is a detailed breakdown of the differences, common problems, and why a 2D scanner upgrade is an essential investment for any forward-thinking business.

1D (Laser) vs. 2D (Imager)

The difference between the two scanner types lies in the technology they use and, crucially, how much information they can access and how they achieve a successful scan.

1D Barcode Scanner (The Traditional Line)

• Technology: Uses a red laser beam to read the parallel lines of the barcode horizontally (one dimension).

• Data Capacity: Very limited. A standard UPC (Universal Product Code) holds only about 12 digits, functioning essentially as a simple look-up key in your POS database.

• Scanning Requirement: Requires the barcode to be perfectly aligned in a straight line with the laser. Any damage or poor print quality often results in a failed scan.

• Limitation: Cannot read digital codes (like QR codes or phone screens) and struggles with damaged or smudged labels.

2D Barcode Scanner (The Modern Imager)

• Technology: Uses an area imager (similar to a digital camera) to take a picture of the entire code, reading data horizontally and vertically (two dimensions).

• Data Capacity: Massive. A standard QR Code (a popular 2D format) can hold up to 7,089 characters, allowing you to embed URLs, tracking details, batch numbers, and expiry dates.

• Scanning Requirement: Omnidirectional. Can read the code instantly from any angle or orientation—no more struggling to align the product perfectly!

• Advantage: Reads both 1D and 2D codes (and even damaged 1D codes), future-proofing your business with one universal scanner.

5 Reasons to Upgrade to 2D

Embrace Mobile Payments and Loyalty

The modern customer uses their phone for loyalty and discounts.

• Problem: Traditional 1D laser scanners cannot reliably read barcodes displayed on phone screens due to glare, reflection, and screen lighting.

• 2D Solution: Imagers are designed to scan digital displays instantly. This allows you to accept mobile loyalty programs, digital coupons, and QR code payments, driving higher engagement and revenue.

Eliminate Checkout Bottlenecks

Time spent struggling with a scanner is lost revenue and a poor customer experience.

• 2D Solution: Because 2D scanners are omnidirectional and capture the entire code instantly, staff no longer waste seconds rotating items to find the "sweet spot." This speeds up transactions, reducing queue times and boosting customer satisfaction.

Future-Proof Your Inventory Management

Modern supply chain requirements demand more granular data than a 1D barcode can hold.

• 2D Solution: The high data capacity of 2D codes allows you to embed crucial tracking information: batch numbers, serial numbers, and expiry dates. This enables product traceability, better recall readiness, and robust FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory control, which drastically reduces waste and improves accuracy.

Significantly Reduce Errors and Manual Keying

Barcode quality is often imperfect—labels get smudged, creased, or scratched.

• 2D Solution: 2D scanners use built-in error correction algorithms. Even if a part of the code is damaged or poorly printed, the imager can reconstruct the missing data. This drastically cuts down on "no read" errors and eliminates the need for manual keying, improving inventory accuracy.

Prepare for Industry Mandates

The retail industry is globally moving toward 2D adoption. The GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative aims for pervasive readiness of all retail scanners to read 2D codes. Upgrading now ensures you are compliant and ready for the future of product identification, avoiding a rushed, costly transition later.

Sticking with outdated 1D scanners doesn't save you money; it costs you through inefficiency:

The small upfront cost of a 2D imager is quickly offset by the gains in transaction speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

As your local POS hardware expert, we can evaluate your current environment and recommend the precise 2D scanner—whether handheld, presentation, or fixed—that will deliver the fastest return on investment and seamlessly integrate with your existing POS system.

Ready to eliminate checkout frustration? Contact us today for a quote for upgrading to high-speed 2D imagers.

Our Barcode Scanner Vendors:

• Newland
• Opticon
• Socket Mobile
• Star Micronics
• Datalogic