Quick, plain-English definitions for the terms that come up most often when shopping for barcode scanners, rugged mobile computers, and label printers.
IP rating (IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68)
A two-digit rating for dust and water resistance — the first digit covers dust (6 is fully sealed), the second covers water (5 is water jets, 6 is powerful water jets, 7/8 cover full submersion). IP65 and IP66 are common on rugged mobile computers and tablets; higher numbers mean more protection.
1D vs 2D barcode
1D (linear) barcodes store data in a single line of bars, like a UPC. 2D barcodes (like QR codes or Data Matrix) store data in a grid and hold far more information in the same space. See our full 1D vs 2D guide.
Direct thermal vs thermal transfer
Direct thermal printing uses heat-sensitive label media directly (no ribbon), and fades over time with heat/sunlight exposure. Thermal transfer uses a ribbon to print more durable, long-lasting labels. See our full direct thermal vs thermal transfer guide.
DPM (Direct Part Marking)
A barcode etched, stamped, or laser-marked directly onto a part (metal, plastic) rather than printed on a label — common in manufacturing where a label would fall off or degrade. Reading DPM codes typically requires a scanner engine specifically rated for it.
WMS (Warehouse Management System)
Software that tracks inventory location, movement, and fulfillment inside a warehouse or distribution center. Barcode scanners and mobile computers feed real-time scan data into a WMS as items are received, picked, and shipped. See our barcode scanners for WMS, SAP & POS integration guide.
WLAN vs WWAN
WLAN means Wi-Fi only — the device connects to your local wireless network. WWAN adds cellular connectivity (4G/5G), letting a device stay connected outside the four walls of a building, which matters for field service, delivery, or multi-site work.
Symbology
The specific barcode format/standard a scanner can read — examples include UPC, Code 128, Code 39, QR Code, and Data Matrix. Most modern 2D imagers read a wide range of symbologies out of the box; older 1D-only scanners are limited to linear formats.
MDM (Mobile Device Management)
Software used by IT teams to remotely configure, monitor, update, and lock down a fleet of mobile computers or tablets, rather than managing each device by hand.
Cold chain
The practice of keeping temperature-sensitive goods (food, pharmaceuticals) within a controlled temperature range throughout storage and transport. Devices used in freezers or refrigerated environments need specific cold-rated hardware — see our rugged tablet guide for an example (the ET65's heated touchscreen option).
Keyboard wedge (HID mode)
A scanner mode that makes the device act like a keyboard, "typing" the scanned barcode into whatever field is active on screen. This is what lets a scanner work with almost any software, including POS systems, without dedicated drivers.