Need to connect your barcode reader to a controller?

Need to connect your barcode reader to a controller?

Barcode readers are a key component in the warehousing side of any material handling application. Keeping track of product within your facility is essential knowledge for more than just security or accountability reasons: You could find it helpful to know how quickly your end product is being processed or your inventory levels, which in turn may help you improve productivity or reduce waste. 

Already essential, this data is especially key right now given increased consumer demand. With increased product leaving distribution centers and a higher priority for quick shipping, quick and reliable communications are a necessity.  

Information from your bar code readers would typically make it into your controller in the automatically fully integrated manufacturing network of your dreams. Here in the real world, though, this will take a bit of work, as chances are your barcode reader uses a different protocol than your controller. Many of these serial devices communicate via Modbus® or ASCII, while EtherNet/IP™ has grown in popularity among controllers. 

With a gateway connecting Modbus or ASCII devices to EtherNet/IP, you can ensure your barcode reader’s data is making its way to your controller, giving you access to actionable data that can help you streamline your operation. (We promise you’re not dreaming.)

Learn more about solutions for automated material handling applications here.