Intermec (News - Alert), Inc., a supplier of automated identification and data capture equipment, launched its new general duty barcode scanner, the SG20 family of handheld scanners, which are designed to speed up the bar code scanning process in retail, healthcare and general countertop scanning applications.

The company claims that the new scanner features the industry’s fastest 2D imaging technology for highly responsive omnidirectional scanning. The SG20 scanner minimizes the time and effort required to read a bar code by providing more than 50 times the motion tolerance of competitive scanners.

“With true omnidirectional scanning of both 1D and 2D bar codes, combined with best-in-class motion tolerance, the SG20 series enables users to scan bar codes at record speed at any orientation,” David Downey, general manager of Data Capture, Intermec said in a press release.

“The SG20 family further enhances Intermec’s complete channel-focused handheld scanner product portfolio by delivering the highest level of productivity, device reliability and uptime for customers in scan-intensive environments,” Downey added.

The newly launched SG20 series is noted to project a stylish and ergonomic design that sets it apart from traditional gun-shaped handheld scanners. Optimized for user comfort, the SG20 features a natural smooth grip and trigger location ideal for constant, everyday use. SG20 models are available with 1D linear or 2D high performance imagers and either Bluetooth cordless or corded connectivity. These models are noted to integrate seamlessly with point of sale systems, personal computers, healthcare information and warehouse management systems.

Designed to provide highly responsive and accurate scanning during the checkout process, the reliable SG20 scanner ensures all common 1D and 2D bar codes are scanned easily and consistently so customers can be served quickly. With its ergonomic design, the SG20 is perfect for retail where user comfort and counter space is at a premium, and the large multi-color LED provides a bright visual cue to confirm a successful scan.

Mentioning about the SG20 healthcare model, a company statement revealed that the models minimizes the time and effort to read a bar code, whether at the admitting desk, nurses’ station, patient bedside, lab or pharmacy. The innovation improves productivity while ensuring the completion of important verification processes.

“Intermec’s SG20 barcode scanner addresses the industry demand for sophisticated scanning technology in retail and healthcare environments,” said Richa Gupta, Barcode Analyst, VDC Research Group (News - Alert).

Gupta is also of the opinion that the new scanner reinforces Intermec’s position as a key player in the market for high performance scanners.

The 1D linear models are made available for a price starting at $170 USD, while the SG20 healthcare model pricing starts at $470 USD. Both are made available globally through Intermec’s distribution channels. The will also be on display in the Intermec booth #12852

Intermec also said it will showcase its new SG20 healthcare models at the HIMSS Healthcare Show to be held in Las Vegas, from Feb. 20-24, 2012.

In related news, Intermec announced the award winners from its global Intermec Partner Summit (IPS) events, acknowledging companies for their innovation and the outstanding results they helped customers achieve using Intermec's diverse portfolio of solutions.