The system has the bar code pattern (2) formed on the surface of an object such as a work storage system with multiple compartments. The bar code when decoded gives the identification and location of the object to position the system relative to the object. The scanner has the light source (6) focussed (7) onto a rotating polygonal mirror (9) to cause the beam to scan the surface. The reflected beam has the amplitude modulation features of the code pattern. It is reflected back onto the mirror to be received by a unit (4) having a photo diode (11) and amplifier (12) coupled to a processing unit (5) that identifies the code. The scanning system is installed on a mobile loading appts. positioned on rails at a certain distance from the storage units.
