Best Scanners For Order Picking : Review And Buying Guide
Brandon Forder Apr 25, 2024 1:01 PM
A barcode scanner is an indispensable tool for every business, whether you're just starting out or managing a massive warehouse. When customers are at checkout, barcode scanners make it simple to sort products into categories and look up prices, ensuring a smooth flow of business. They can also be used to keep track of goods with a single swipe, as well as for sending and storing information in digital documents.
In light of this, we have compiled a list of our best recommendations. You'll be able to locate a wide variety of solutions to match your requirements, no matter how big or small they may be. There is a wide variety of barcode scanners to choose from on this page, from those with guaranteed compatibility and simple instructions to those with low pricing and extended wireless ranges. You may trust that we offer a dependable barcode scanner that meets your needs and those of your company.
Find below a collection of the finest barcode scanners currently on the market.
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Types
While some RF scanners may be better suited for general use than others, it's important to remember that there are many various kinds available. Different types of RF scanners will work with different types of software, therefore it's important to know which kind of RF scanner your warehouse requires before making a purchase.
Barcode Scanner
Most likely, it will resemble older, more conventional scanners. The laser-based barcode reader can be powered by either an electrical outlet or, in the case of wireless models, a rechargeable battery. It works well with smaller, less complex codes like UPCs and EANs, but not so well with QR codes.
QR Code Scanner
These are some of the most common scanners on the market, and they were created specifically to read the code on a QR label. They may also provide barcode scanning capabilities. This RF scanner differs from others in that it typically has its own screen or display and may relay data back via wireless networks. The scanners used today are often high-tech gadgets.
RFID Scanner
Despite being relatively recent innovations, these scanners have found widespread usage in real-time inventory tracking. They are adaptable to a variety of uses in the warehouse because they can be held in the hand, mounted on a wall, or worn on a lanyard.
Durability
Think about where you'll be using your barcode scanner. What sort of weather conditions might we expect? Do you intend to transport it frequently? Examine the barcode scanner's drop testing, material strength, and resistance to shock to ensure it will last. Insight on its durability in the face of drops and other mishaps can be gained from studying these parameters.
Wireless Capability
In today's market, you may find both USB-connected and wireless barcode scanners. If you need to scan products while you're away from your workplace, a wireless barcode scanner is a terrific option. If a wireless scanner appeals to you, you should ensure that its range is sufficient for your needs.
Storage of Barcodes
Make sure your wireless barcode scanner has enough internal memory to store scanned barcodes in the event that they cannot be transferred to a computer. A barcode scanner's ability to remember scans varies from about 5,000 to about 200,000. Connect the barcode scanner to your computer if space is an issue.
Lighting Conditions
The level of illumination in your establishments is also an important consideration. In a well-lit warehouse, a barcode scanner with a backlit display may be too dim to read barcodes. So, you can read its contents quickly and efficiently.
In addition, if you plan on using your scanner outside, a model with a bright display would serve you better. Low-brightness screens can be difficult to read outdoors in the sun.
If neither of those apply to you, then all you need is a barcode scanner with a screen that can handle medium brightness.
Fixed Position or Portable
When looking for a barcode scanner, it's important to balance the benefits of a handheld device versus a stationary one. A stationary one eliminates the need for the operator to carry it about, which would be cumbersome. That makes it less likely that it will be dropped or damaged in some other way.
The mobility of a portable one, on the other hand, is an advantage. To find a specific item in your warehouse, for instance, you can grab the barcode scanner and head there. A portable one, particularly a wireless one, would be useful in this situation. If you're interested in a wireless barcode scanner, make sure to research its maximum operating range. Be sure the device's Bluetooth range will cover your entire warehouse.
Remember that the greater the device's portability, the more likely it is that you will drop it and break it.
What is an RF Scanner?
As part of a real-time inventory management system, barcode scanners use radio frequencies to scan and communicate data to a central database. Mobile units can be handheld or mounted in a vehicle, and can be as basic as a scanner in the shape of a pen or pistol connected with a tablet or laptop, or as complicated as a combination of these two. Also available are wrist-mounted devices that incorporate a scanner and a display reminiscent of a smartphone. Some modern barcode wrist readers and guns connect to a smartphone to function as a single device for scanning and making purchases.
Why Use RF Scanners?
The most inefficient parts of a warehouse are the time spent picking products and the documentation that is generated as a result. In a paperless operation, the only waste is the invoice that is included with the package. A well-oiled machine can minimize paperwork and maximize order picking at every stage, from creating orders through choosing and packing them. Customers, whether B2B or B2C, will be pleased with a speedier order turnaround time thanks to faster picking times.
Moreover, salespeople may not be the first persons who spring to mind when envisioning the potential users of RF scanners. They need to be among the first! Quicker order turnaround (turnaround = time from when the order is entered to when it arrives at the customer's door) implies more orders in less time, as any good salesperson knows.
It's not easy to choose on a single barcode scanner for use in the warehouse. Budget, business requirements, and barcode scanner features should all factor into your final pick.
Using this manual, you can select the greatest solution from several excellent possibilities.
