Global Barcode Scanners Market, 2023-2028

Market Overview

The global barcode scanners market size is projected to grow by USD 0.9 billion from 2023 to 2028, registering a CAGR of 6.1 percent, according to the latest market data. Barcodes are optical machine-readable representations of data that encode information in the widths and spacings of parallel lines. They are used to identify retail products, prices, stock levels, and other data that can then be recorded and tracked in centralized computer systems.

The main benefits of barcodes are their fast readability, high data accuracy, and ability to automate the collection of product data. This allows businesses to streamline inventory management, purchasing, sales transactions, distribution logistics, and many other processes.

To read the information encoded in barcodes, devices called barcode readers or barcode scanners are used. These scanners use red laser lights or LEDs to illuminate the barcode pattern, which consists of a series of varying width black lines on a white background. The reflection from this pattern is detected by an image sensor and digitally analyzed to identify the sequence of lines and spaces.

This raw barcode pattern is then decoded into the original data through software algorithms. The resultant barcode data is converted into digital information that can be instantly sent to the host system such as a point-of-sale terminal or inventory management database. This enables seamless, automated capture of product information for retailers and other businesses using barcodes.

The report presents statistical information, including market size, market share within various market segments, growth rate, and forecasts specifically tailored to the barcode scanners industry. This data-driven analysis equips industry professionals with essential information to assess the current market landscape, make informed decisions, and identify growth opportunities within the sector.

Research Coverage

This report presents an in-depth analysis and segmentation of the barcode scanners market, with market size forecasts extending until 2028. The market has been categorized based on product type, end user, and region. Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation of key industry players has been conducted to provide valuable insights into their business profiles, product offerings, strategic approaches, partnerships, expansions, and acquisitions pertaining to the barcode scanners market.

The report provides a detailed analysis of the following segments within the barcode scanners market:
Product type: handheld, and stationary
End user: government, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, transportation and logistics, and others
Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA (Middle East and Africa), and Latin America

Barcode scanning is a key technology in automatic data capture (ADC) and is used to help maintain data accuracy and inventory management. The barcode scanners market is divided into handheld and stationary scanners. Globally, the handheld segment made up the largest share of the barcode scanners market, accounting for more than 72.3% of the total market. Handheld scanners are mainly used in transportation, logistics, and manufacturing industries, while the stationary scanners are mainly used in the retail industry. The growth in the global barcode scanners market is driven by increased adoption of 2D barcodes, the need for accuracy in data capture and storage, and emerging demand for handheld and rugged industrial barcode scanners.

Within the handheld barcode scanner market, downstream companies are increasingly favoring cordless devices. The trend toward cutting the cord is evident across the broader barcoding industry, with wireless barcode scanner adoption poised for expansion in 2023 and beyond. A growing number of enterprises and organizations plan to migrate to wireless barcode scanners in the near future. As with many other current business applications, wireless barcode scanning presents an attractive model for companies across most industries.

Users cite multiple benefits driving the shift to wireless handheld scanners. Without a cord, the scanners are “quicker and simpler to use” according to users. The cordless mobility aligns with efforts by companies worldwide to upgrade warehouse and distribution center facilities to incorporate greater flexibility, movement, and new processes. Overall, users associate wireless scanners with improved efficiency, productivity, convenience, response time, and inventory control and tracking.

The automated and instant data capture capabilities of wireless barcode scanners allow workers to complete tasks faster. The lack of a cord also allows fuller movement and access across warehouse environments. Companies upgrading facilities see wireless scanners as integral to creating adaptive, connected warehouses. With real-time inventory visibility, wireless scanning enables greater coordination and control. The combination of mobility and real-time data is expected to drive leaner, more agile supply chain operations.

The global barcode scanners market can be segmented by end-user industry. The major end-user segments include government, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, transportation and logistics, and other sectors.

Of these, the retail industry represents the largest end-user, accounting for over 34.4% of total market value as of 2022. Barcode scanning is deeply ingrained in retail, with origins tracing back to the 1960s. While the technology has evolved, it remains an essential part of most retail operations.

Specifically, barcode scanners are used across retail sub-sectors including food, consumer packaged goods, clothing, electronics, home improvement, and more. Grocery and food retailers were early pioneers of barcoding. Today, barcode scanning facilitates everything from inventory management, pricing, cross-docking, sorting, tracking assets, and point-of-sale checkout.

Advanced area-imaging and multi-plane 2D scanners enable omnichannel retail capabilities like buy online, pick up in store. Retailers are also experimenting with emerging technologies like RFID tagging and computer vision cameras to augment traditional barcoding. However, barcode scanning provides an accurate, cost-effective solution for core retail processes. The retail industry’s large established base of barcode scanning equipment, mission-critical use in supply chains, and steady upgrade cycles for new capabilities together ensure this sector will remain the primary end-user.

The global barcode scanners market can be further analyzed geographically by the key regions of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. North America has been the highest contributing region to the overall global barcode scanners market in recent years. The early adoption of barcode technology by major North American retail, manufacturing, and transportation companies provided a strong installed base of scanning equipment. The presence of top barcode scanner vendors like Zebra, Honeywell and Cognex based in North America has also driven market dominance.

However, going forward the Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Expanding retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, and logistics sectors in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia as their economies continue to develop. This is increasing the need for barcode scanning automation. Asia-Pacific’s rising growth will be driven by:
▸ Booming retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, and logistics sectors in China, India, and Southeast Asia as their economies continue rapid development. This is fueling demand for barcode scanning automation.
▸ Government initiatives like Made in China 2025 which aim to upgrade manufacturing through increased automation and technology adoption. Barcode scanning supports improved quality control, inventory management, and production coordination.
▸ Investments into advanced transportation systems and smart warehouse infrastructure in APAC. Barcode scanning enables efficient tracking, sorting, and distribution of goods through these modern supply chain facilities.
▸ Global corporations establishing production facilities and distribution hubs across APAC to serve growing regional demand. These companies’ familiarity with barcode scanning in their operations contributes to broader adoption.

While North America will maintain its standing as the top individual region by overall market size, Asia-Pacific is poised to achieve the fastest growth rates throughout the next decade as barcode scanning penetrates its rapidly growing economies.

Competitive Landscape

The global barcode scanners market is highly competitive with numerous players. However, Datalogic S.p.A., Honeywell International Inc., and Zebra Technologies Corporation have emerged as dominant leaders within the industry.

Other competitors in the barcode scanner market include Bematech Hardware Ltda. (Elgin S.A.), Bluebird Inc., Cipherlab Co. Ltd., Code Corporation, Cognex Corporation, DENSO Wave Inc. (DENSO ADC), Extronics Ltd., IDTECH Inc., Keyence Corporation, Logic Controls Inc., NCR Corporation, Newland Technology Group Co. Ltd., Omron Microscan Systems Inc., Opticon Inc., RIOTEC Co. Ltd., SATO Holdings Corporation (Argox Information Co. Ltd.), Shenzhen Minde Electronics Technology Ltd., SICK AG, Socket Mobile Inc., SUNLUX IOT Technology (Guangdong) Inc., Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation, Unitech Electronics Co. Ltd., Zebex Industries Inc., and more. These companies play a significant role in driving market growth through their active contributions in innovation and product development within the barcode scanners industry.

Key Questions Answered

What is the projected global market size of barcode scanners by 2028?
Among the various product type segments, which segment has taken the leading position?
Which end user segment exhibits dominant control and influence?
Which region segment possesses the largest market share?
Who are the key players with the largest market share in the barcode scanners market?
What is the estimated global market size for the barcode scanners market in 2023?
What are the main factors driving the growth of the barcode scanners market?
What is the expected incremental growth of the barcode scanners market during the forecast period?

Table of Contents

1. Scope and Methodology
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Report Scope
1.3 Research Methodology
2. Executive Summary
3. Market Overview
4. Global Barcode Scanners Market – Product Type Analysis
4.1 Handheld
4.2 Stationary
5. Global Barcode Scanners Market – End User Analysis
5.1 Government
5.2 Healthcare
5.3 Manufacturing
5.4 Retail
5.5 Transportation and logistics
5.6 Others
6. Global Barcode Scanners Market – Region Analysis
6.1 North America
6.2 Europe
6.3 Asia-Pacific
6.4 MEA (Middle East and Africa)
6.5 Latin America
7. Patents Analysis
8. Competitive Landscape
8.1 Competitive Scenario
8.2 Market Positioning/Share Analysis
8.3 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
9. Company Profiles
9.1 Bematech Hardware Ltda. (Elgin S.A.)
9.2 Bluebird Inc.
9.3 Cipherlab Co., Ltd.
9.4 Code Corporation
9.5 Cognex Corporation
9.6 Datalogic S.p.A.
9.7 DENSO Wave Inc. (DENSO ADC)
9.8 Extronics Ltd.
9.9 Honeywell Imaging and Mobility, Inc.
9.10 IDTECH, Inc.
9.11 Keyence Corporation
9.12 Logic Controls, Inc.
9.13 NCR Corporation
9.14 Newland Technology Group Co., Ltd.
9.15 Omron Microscan Systems, Inc.
9.16 Opticon, Inc.
9.17 RIOTEC Co., Ltd.
9.18 SATO Holdings Corporation (Argox Information Co., Ltd.)
9.19 Shenzhen Minde Electronics Technology Ltd.
9.20 SICK AG
9.21 Socket Mobile, Inc.
9.22 SUNLUX IOT Technology (Guangdong) Inc.
9.23 Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation
9.24 Unitech Electronics Co., Ltd.
9.25 Zebex Industries, Inc.
9.26 Zebra Technologies Corporation
APPENDIX
DISCLAIMER

Companies Mentioned

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes:
Bematech Hardware Ltda. (Elgin S.A.)
Bluebird Inc.
Cipherlab Co., Ltd.
Code Corporation
Cognex Corporation
Datalogic S.p.A.
DENSO Wave Inc. (DENSO ADC)
Extronics Ltd.
Honeywell International Inc.
IDTECH, Inc.
Keyence Corporation
Logic Controls, Inc.
NCR Corporation
Newland Technology Group Co., Ltd.
Omron Microscan Systems, Inc.
Opticon, Inc.
RIOTEC Co., Ltd.
SATO Holdings Corporation (Argox Information Co., Ltd.)
Shenzhen Minde Electronics Technology Ltd.
SICK AG
Socket Mobile, Inc.
SUNLUX IOT Technology (Guangdong) Inc.
Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation
Unitech Electronics Co., Ltd.
Zebex Industries, Inc.
Zebra Technologies Corporation