When internet shopping exploded and ecommerce became the new high street, Symbol handheld scanners became an indispensable tool in our daily operations. Their reliability, ease of use, and pretty much zero downtime made them the popular choice of companies worldwide. However, like any other digital equipment, they can exhibit some hiccups. This post aims to equip you to navigate your way out when the occasional glitch occurs with your Symbol handheld scanner.

Encountering Initial Setup Difficulties?

If you're fiddling with your new Symbol scanner but can't manage to set it up properly, you're probably missing out on the manufacturer's instructions. Remember, not all devices are plug-n-play; some require configurations and setups. Please follow the manufacturer's guide, especially when setting up for the first time.

Scanner not Scanning?

The most common issue with scanning equipment is that one day it just won't read any barcodes. The beam might come up, the red light might flash, but no result.

The first step towards a solution is understanding the problem. The reason could be as basic as a dirty lens or an incorrect barcode type. Make sure to clean the lens gently with a soft cloth and ensure that your system supports the barcode type you're scanning.

In some scenarios, the 'Do Not Transmit' mode may accidentally be activated on your Symbol scanner. This mode, when enabled, stops the scanner from transmitting data to the paired device. Reference your user manual to navigate through the scanner's settings and ensure this feature isn't turned on accidentally.

Connectivity Conundrum

Series of beeps after scanning a barcode, or a refusal to communicate with your PC, often suggest connectivity issues. Your scanner communicates using a cradle or directly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

If your scanner is using Wi-Fi, check another device's connection to ensure the Internet isn't the problem. For Bluetooth, make sure it's enabled on both devices. If you are connecting using a cradle, test a different cable or power source if required. Don't forget to verify the receiver's end – sometimes, the problem lies with the point of sale system or inventory management software.

Erratic Behavior of Scanner

Is your scanner acting weirdly? If it's scanning without pressing any buttons or refuses to scan at specific angles, it might be a problem with the trigger or scan angle configuration. Symbol scanners come with adjustable settings for their triggers and scan angles. Resetting these settings to factory default can often resolve any erratic behavior.

Software and Firmware Issues

Technology is advancing rapidly, and the software driving your scanner needs regular updates to keep up. Firmware and driver issues are common culprits for seemingly complex Symbol scanner issues. Ensure to use the most recent drivers.

To maximize Symbol handheld scanner's effectiveness, performance, and life, the correct maintenance measures and operational practices need to be in place. Keeping up to date with the latest firmware and regularly overhauling for any physical damages will help ensure the device's longevity. Besides these, understanding the basic troubleshooting methods can save you significant time, effort, and resources when the scanner appears to throw a tantrum.