All-purpose barcode reader powered by AI
High-resolution, AI-powered barcode reader
Rugged handheld scanner for industrial environments
Reliable decoding technology in an ultra-compact form factor
Reliable decoding technology in a compact form factor
Compact barcode readers for high-speed manufacturing
Simplify barcode scanning operations with a single reader
Fixed-mount barcode reader for high-speed logistics applications
See Why Leading Brands Choose Cognex
DICK’S Sporting Goods Distribution Productivity Levels Soar with Cognex
Scan tunnels and barcode readers help DICK'S Sporting Goods speed fulfillment and hit same-day shipping targets across 5 DCs.
Olympus Picks DataMan Barcode Readers to Help Achieve 100% Read Rates at Heinz
DataMan readers achieve 100% read rates on round, reflective, round cans running at 97 per minute.
Flensburger Brewery Enables Barcode Reading Under Difficult Conditions
Forklift-mounted DataMan readers replace handhelds at Flensburger brewery, cutting time and eliminating no-read costs.
PanPass Technology Digitally Transforms Yunmen Wine Group’s Product Lifecycle Management
Cognex AI vision gives Yunmen Wine 99.9% product traceability and end-to-end lifecycle visibility from bottle to consumer.
How Guangdong Lyric Robot Automation is Paving the Way to Affordable, Safe EVs
Lyric Robot cuts EV battery deployment time by 30% and achieves 99% accuracy on component inspection with Cognex vision.
What is an industrial barcode scanner?
What‘s the difference between image-based readers and laser-based scanners?
Laser-based scanners use a single-point laser beam, limiting them to reading one-dimensional (1D) barcodes.
Image-based readers, like the ones sold by Cognex, use advanced camera technology and image processing algorithms to decode both 1D and 2D barcodes with remarkable speed and accuracy.
When you select an image-based barcode reader, you unlock a number of advantages, including:
- Enhanced code versatility: Image-based readers handle a broader range of code types and orientations, including damaged or poorly printed codes.
- Advanced traceability: Image-based scanners are best for applications that demand traceability, as they can capture and store images of scanned codes for comprehensive quality control and meticulous record-keeping.
Though laser scanners still have uses in retail, image-based readers offer greater adaptability and functionality, making them the ideal choice in modern industrial automation.
Fixed-Mount Barcode Readers
Cognex fixed-mount barcode readers deliver the speed and accuracy required for high-volume scanning in manufacturing and logistics. These hands-free scanners are rugged, compact, and easily integrated with automation and warehouse management systems to provide reliable, high-speed decoding for a wide range of applications.
Handheld Barcode Readers
Cognex handheld barcode readers provide powerful decoding in settings where mobility is essential. Ergonomically designed and built to withstand harsh factory environments, these readers offer rugged, easy-to-use solutions for applications ranging from the production floor to the warehouse.
Barcode Verifiers
Cognex barcode verifiers grade 1D, 2D, and direct part mark codes to ISO standards, providing audit-ready compliance and detailed quality reporting. Available for inline and offline applications, verifiers fit seamlessly into manufacturing and logistics operations for instant feedback and improved process control.
Benefits of Cognex DataMan barcode readers
Cognex DataMan barcode readers are equipped with patented technology, durable housings, and versatile connectivity options, delivering advantages like:
- Superior read performance: Advanced algorithms excel at decoding damaged, distorted, low-contrast, and omnidirectional 1D and 2D codes – outperforming traditional laser scanners.
- Enhanced durability: With a solid-state design and no moving parts, DataMan readers resist shock and vibration, ensuring a longer product lifespan.
- Unmatched application flexibility: These image-based scanners can read multiple codes in a single image, capture data-rich images for analysis, and handle complex tasks beyond simple code decoding.
- Future-ready technology: Cognex DataMan scanners are built to decode modern 2D symbologies, like Data Matrix and QR codes, with newer models incorporating AI to enhance decoding accuracy, making them essential for modern traceability needs.
Benefits of Cognex barcode verifiers
Barcode verifiers play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, readability, and compliance of barcodes across various industries. By integrating barcode verification into your workflows, you get:
- Improved quality assurance: Make sure all printed barcodes meet rigorous quality standards for size, contrast, and data accuracy.
- Regulatory compliance: Verify that barcodes conform to industry-specific standards such as ISO/IEC, GS1, and other regulatory requirements.
- Reduced disruptions: Find and correct poorly printed or damaged barcodes before they lead to scanning failures in production or distribution.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction: Avoid delays and errors in supply chains or at point-of-sale systems by ensuring reliable and scannable barcodes.
- Cost savings: Prevent costly reprints, fines, or disruptions caused by unreadable barcodes, reducing waste and maximizing efficiency.
With Cognex barcode verifiers, organizations can maintain a proactive approach to barcode quality, ensuring seamless operations while meeting compliance demands.
Reliable Traceability and Verification Across Industries
Component Traceability
Achieve end-to-end traceability of critical components across automotive, electronics, and medical device manufacturing by accurately reading and verifying direct part marks (DPM) and printed labels.
High-Speed Logistics & Fulfillment
Maximize throughput and accuracy in high-speed logistics and fulfillment operations, including automated sortation, package identification, and inventory management, with robust scanning capabilities.
Label Quality & Compliance
Guarantee adherence to global industry standards by precisely verifying the quality and readability of barcodes on packaging and products, mitigating risks and ensuring supply chain integrity.
Logistics and Fulfillment
Achieve industry-leading read rates for high-speed sortation, tote scanning, and pallet identification in warehouse and distribution environments.
DataMan General FAQs
Wireless range depends on the connection type. Bluetooth is rated between Class 1 and Class 2 power. Cognex readers operate around +7dBm, which gives devices a conservative estimated range of 10 meters (33 feet). Wi-Fi is 802.11 b/g compliant with a range of up to 30 meters (100 feet). Actual range varies with the environment and RF noise in the facility.
It depends on the reader's form factor:
- Fixed-mount barcode readers connect over Ethernet and don't offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Handheld barcode readers vary by series, so check the specific series datasheet to confirm.
For handheld barcode readers, the DataMan 8700 series offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth alongside corded USB, RS-232, and Ethernet. The DataMan 8050 is corded-only (USB, Ethernet, RS-232), with no wireless option.
If your reader is wireless-capable, Wi-Fi connects it to your facility's network for roaming across a wide area, while Bluetooth pairs it directly to a phone, PC, tablet, or a wireless base station.
No. Cables are sold separately because the cable depends on your connection type (USB, RS-232, Ethernet) and DataMan barcode reader model. Check your specific reader's reference manual or datasheet to confirm which cable you need to order.
Yes. On barcode readers with a Web UI, you can set a password in the Password Protection tab of Settings. Enabling this and locking the Web UI prevents users from modifying the barcode reader's configuration without entering the password.
Via the Setup Tool, you go to Communication > Advanced > Network Settings > Authentication, set your password (the username is fixed), and enable the Authentication flag. If the password is lost, it can be cleared by manually resetting the reader's network settings to factory defaults.
Yes. There is a “Disable Buttons” function for trigger and tune button control, which can be applied by scanning a specific configuration code. This cannot be done using the Setup Tool. Please review the DataMan Configuration Codes manual on the Cognex Support site for more information on configuring and managing DataMan barcode scanners.
The DataMan 80 fixed-mount series is not recommended for new applications. For new deployments, Cognex recommends the DataMan 290 because of its easier setup, better decoding performance, and embedded AI functionality.
The DataMan 280 fixed-mount series is a legacy product and is not recommended for new applications. We recommend the DataMan 290 because it offers an easier setup, greater decoding performance, and embedded AI functionality.
Our DataMan 260 fixed-mount barcode reader is a legacy product that has been replaced by the more advanced, AI-powered DataMan 290, however we do still have a page with information about the legacy DataMan 260. Learn more about the DataMan 260 series.
We continuously innovate to bring faster, more capable technologies to market. If your DataMan model isn't listed on our primary site, it has likely been retired and replaced by a newer generation. However, you can still access manuals and documentation for legacy models on our Support Portal.
Cognex organizes DataMan barcode readers into three categories: fixed-mount, handheld, and verifiers.
For a side-by-side spec comparison, our Product Comparison Tool enables you to compare up to three products at a time. Results can easily be shared with your team by copying a link or printing.
Yes, DataMan barcode reader speed and connection types both vary by model, so the right reader depends on your specific application.
Speed differences between DataMan models
For logistics applications, the DataMan 380 and DataMan 580 barcode readers are used in Modular Vision Tunnels (MVTs) and built to read multiple codes at once, even on fast-moving lines. The DataMan 290 barcode reader is designed as an all-purpose solution for high-speed manufacturing, handling everything from simple to complex applications rather than being optimized purely for maximum speed. Since read rates depend on lighting conditions and code quality, check the datasheet for your specific model to confirm exact performance numbers.
Communication protocols and connection types by model
- DataMan 280: 1-gigabit Ethernet, built for fast image transfer and multi-reader syncing
- DataMan 290: Ethernet connectivity; the DataMan 390 adds a second Ethernet port for expanded data handling
- DataMan 80: USB or Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- DataMan 8700 and 8600 (handheld): Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus USB, RS-232, and Ethernet
- DataMan 8050 (handheld): Corded only; USB, RS-232, and Ethernet, no wireless
Check the datasheet for your specific barcode reader or use the Product Comparison Tool to compare specs side by side.
DataMan barcode readers use two file types of communication protocols to connect with your PLC:
- EDS files for EtherNet/IP
- GSD files for PROFINET (used to set up Siemens PLCs)
Both install automatically with the DataMan Setup Tool, so no separate download is needed. Replace [X.X.X] with your installed Setup Tool version (e.g. v26.2.0)
- EDS: C:\Program Files (x86)\Cognex\DataMan\DataMan Software vX.X.X\Tools\EtherNetIP\EDS
- GSD: C:\Program Files (x86)\Cognex\DataMan\DataMan Software vX.X.X\Tools\Profinet
Need files for just one barcode reader model? Cognex also offers individual EDS/GSD downloads on our Support site, so you don't have to install the full Setup Tool.
Each Cognex firmware update comes with a matching set of GSD files. Always install both together. Using an old GSD file with newer firmware will break your PROFINET connection. You can find the correct GSD files in the release notes for your Setup Tool version.
Open the DataMan Setup Tool, connect to your reader, then go to System > Update Firmware (or press F9). Select the Cognex firmware file and click Update Firmware to start the update. Upload the firmware file in its original compressed (zipped) form.
Do not unzip it first. Don't disconnect power or reset the reader during the update, as interrupting it can damage the device. Once finished, the reader restarts and reconnects to the Setup Tool automatically.
Smarter Traceability Starts Here
Compare solutions, explore key features, and find the right barcode reader to increase throughput and ensure compliance in your operation.