Handheld 2D Scanners Take Data-Capture Market To New 'Dimension'

2D bar code scanners are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 25% over the next five years, according to research recently released by Venture Development Corporation (VDC). The overall market for handheld bar code scanners is expected to grow more than 7% over that time period, with 2D bar code imagers exhibiting the largest gains. The total global market for handheld bar code scanners approached $810M in 2006, with approximately 4.3 million units shipped.

Growth within the 2D market will be driven, in part, by the industrial/manufacturing sector. This sector continues to adopt 2D imager solutions, particularly for reading direct part markings of Data Matrix in the automotive and aerospace industries. 2D symbology is also being used for labeling on space-restrictive products such as pharmaceuticals and printed circuit boards (PCBs).

2D imagers are also experiencing high growth rates within rugged environments. Although overall growth of laser scanners has diminished over the past few years as the technology continues to lose share to imaging, it is still exhibiting growth rates (CAGR) in excess of 9% for rugged environments such as manufacturing, field sales/service and health care.

About VDC
Venture Development Corporation (VDC) is an independent technology market research and strategy consulting firm that specializes in a number of industrial, embedded, component, retail automation, RFID, AIDC, datacom/telecom, and defense markets. VDC has been operating since 1971, when the firm was founded by graduates of the Harvard Business School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Today, we employ a talented collection of analysts and consultants who offer a rare combination of expertise in the market research process; experience in technology product and program management; and formal training in engineering and marketing. VDC's clients include thousands of the largest and fastest-growing technology suppliers in the world and the most successful investors participating in the markets we cover.

SOURCE: Venture Development Corporation