Barcode scanner at checkout

Barcode scanner at supermarket checkout, essential tool for speeding up purchases and managing inventory.

About this subject

The barcode scanner is an optical device that decodes product information printed on labels with vertical bars. Invented in 1952 by Norman Woodland and Bernard Silver, the barcode revolutionized retail by allowing quick item identification. In Brazil, mass adoption occurred from the 1990s onward, driven by supermarket modernization and inventory control needs. Today, virtually all packaged products have a unique barcode, standardized under the EAN/UPC system.

The scanner at checkout uses a laser or LED beam to read the code, sending the number to the point-of-sale (POS) system. This reduces typing errors, speeds up service, and enables real-time sales monitoring. The technology is also used in logistics, healthcare, and libraries. Interestingly, the first product to have a barcode scanned in a supermarket was a pack of Wrigley's gum in 1974 in the USA.

In Brazil, the popularization of barcode scanners coincided with the Plano Real and economic stabilization, which demanded greater retail efficiency. Major chains like Pão de Açúcar and Carrefour pioneered checkout automation. Today, self-checkout systems and handheld scanners are becoming common, but the fixed scanner at the traditional checkout remains the standard. The technology has also evolved to read QR Codes and 2D codes, expanding its applications.

Despite digitization, linear (1D) barcodes still account for over 90% of retail scans globally. Their simplicity and low cost ensure their continued use, even with advances in RFID and other technologies. In Brazil, GS1 Brasil is the entity responsible for managing barcode standards, ensuring each product has a unique number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a barcode scanner work?

The scanner emits a beam of light (laser or LED) that reflects off the barcode bars. The reflection pattern is converted into an electrical signal, decoded by the system to identify the product.

What is the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes?

A 1D (linear) barcode stores data only horizontally, like numbers. A 2D barcode (e.g., QR Code) stores information both horizontally and vertically, allowing more data such as URLs or images.

Who invented the barcode?

The barcode was invented by Norman Woodland and Bernard Silver in 1952. The first patent was filed in 1949, but the technology only became popular in the 1970s.