A barcode reader (or barcode scanner) is an optical scanner that can read printed barcodes, decode the data contained in the barcode and send the data to a computer.
It is a hand-held or stationary input device used to capture and read information contained in a barcode.
A barcode scan is fast and reliable, and takes infinitely less time than entering data by hand. Warehouse adopted barcodes as a way to track their fixed assets.