Which aspect can affect the accuracy of a barcode reader?

The accuracy of a barcode reader can be significantly influenced by lighting conditions. Barcode scanners rely on light to read the reflective patterns of the barcode. Insufficient or overly bright lights can lead to misreads or an inability to read a barcode at all, as the scanner may struggle to differentiate between the dark and light areas of the barcode.

While scanning speed can indeed be a factor in the overall performance of a system, it is the interaction between the light conditions and the barcode that directly affects the accuracy of the read. Therefore, for ensuring optimal performance of a barcode reader, controlling the lighting environment is crucial.