Barcode scanners and product labels compared

At checkout, compare the code on the product, the device that reads it and the POS device that receives the scan. Scanner models differ in connection and device compatibility; Square and Shopify also use different label-printing workflows.

Test real stock before choosing. Scan each item, check the product and price returned, then print and scan a sample label to verify the complete checkout path.

Examine the codes on stock

GS1 Australia defines a GTIN as a number that uniquely identifies a trade item. GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13 and GTIN-14 are valid lengths; each product variation, such as a different size or colour, needs its own GTIN.

For the National Product Catalogue, enter a GTIN as 14 digits, adding leading zeroes to shorter values, and check that its check digit is correct. An internal SKU has a different catalogue role: printing it as a barcode does not make it a GS1-issued identifier.

Test a small label, a curved package, two sizes of one product, an item without a barcode and any troublesome label. Check the item and price the POS returns; a scanner beep alone does not confirm that the correct product record was found.

Compare scanning methods

A POS device camera can suit occasional scans when the device is already at hand. Shopify POS can scan product barcodes in 1D and 2D with a device camera, but camera access must be enabled; to scan into search, staff must first tap the barcode icon.

A wired scanner can suit a fixed till; check the exact model, supported port or hub and cable reach. A cordless scanner can suit bulky items or scanning away from the counter; check pairing, charging and working area. Shopify says cordless scanners can be used up to 100 metres from an iPad or iPhone.

UPC is a 1D example; QR and DataMatrix are 2D examples. Check that the exact scanner and checkout workflow support the code type in use: a 1D scanner is for supported linear codes, while workflows using 2D codes need a suitable 2D reader.

For Shopify POS, the Socket Mobile S700 and CHS 7Ci are named 1D scanners. The Socket Mobile S740, CHS 7Qi, Zebra DS2208 and Zebra DS2278 are named 2D scanners that can scan both 1D and 2D codes; confirm the exact model’s Australian availability and connection before buying.

Square’s Australian compatibility information lists barcode scanner models, including the Zebra DS2208, Socket Mobile S720 and Honeywell Voyager 1470g, together with connection type and the Square hardware or iOS or Android device each is shown against. The listed combinations are not uniform, so check the exact model and connection type against the hardware at the till before choosing a scanner.

In Shopify POS, scanning a variant barcode or SKU can show the master product in search, so staff must select the specific variant. Demonstrate the actual checkout path, including how staff correct a wrong item, before settling on a scanner.

Scanner Compatibility: Shopify vs Square (Australia)

Compare label production

Square for Retail Plus and Premium can create labels from Square Dashboard, a compatible iOS device using Square Retail POS, or Square Register. Square Terminal cannot create or print labels, and a compatible barcode label printer is required.

Square supports price-embedded barcodes and lets staff choose SKU or GTIN as the barcode type. The POS workflow lets staff choose a label size to suit the product and a template that can include price, item name or variation name; Dashboard previews labels, and a test print can check formatting.

Shopify requires a supported label printer connected to a desktop computer with the appropriate software, even when printing is started from a POS device. Named options include the DYMO LabelWriter 550, Zebra ZD220, Zebra ZD420 and ZD421, and Bixolon XD5-40dK/BEG; the stated availability is for North America and Europe, so confirm Australian model support and supply before ordering.

Before printing a batch, check the printer, software, label size and stock are compatible, then scan sample labels at checkout. Verify the printed item name or variation is readable and the POS finds the intended record. Keep the scanner model and connection, POS device, label printer, software and label stock together in the setup record.

End-to-End Label Printing and Scanning Workflow