The right choice of barcode scanner will help you with the efficiency of picking
Growing demands on speed and accuracy of warehouse processes have led to a very intensive involvement of information technology in logistics. A modern warehouse cannot work without a scanner, a mobile terminal with a built-in sensor for reading product barcodes, serial numbers, batches or warehouse positions.
Mobile barcode readers allow operators greater mobility and efficiency at work. There is possibility to speed up the time of unloading goods and automate data collection thanks to faster scanning. The data obtained from the use of mobile terminals are an excellent help for future decision-making and optimization of storage space or work with goods. The quality of picking is preserved and the error rate is minimized because of controlling. A big advantage is also a significant reduction in time spent on inventory, as intelligent warehousing combined with a managed warehouse system provides an excellent overview and always up-to-date information.
Pickers don’t have to remember the positions of goods on individual shelves, which greatly simplifies the work of unloading seasonal goods. It is also very easy to train new employees, because even though they don’t know the warehouse position, they can pick up the goods quickly and easily.
Modern devices can read at long distance
Scanners have one of two types of barcode readers. Laser is primarily dedicated for scanning 1D codes. Second type is an imager using CCD sensor, commonly used in digital cameras. The terminal take a photo of the code and then decodes it electronically. This solution allows you to scan barcodes regardless of their orientation and at the same time it is possible to scan two-dimensional codes (QR or Datamatrix). Modern devices can scan at medium or long distances using a laser sensor (MR - Mid Range, LR - Long Range), which allows scanning codes up to a distance of about 13 m (imager about 9 m) in some special designs. This devices can be used especially when scanning codes on the higher floors of the shelving system directly from the forklift.
The scanners are powered by a lithium-ion battery. Capacity is chosen for the configuration of the device so it can supply it with power for at least eight hours (time of one workshift). The batteries are easily replaceable even during work.
Operation in a warehouse requires good mechanical resistance of the scanner. The standard resistance is several dozen falls on a hard surface from a height of about 1.8 meters. Some types of scanners are suitable for use in extremely low or high temperatures. The lifetime of mobile scanners depends on many factors and the actual usage.
Hand scanners for easy operations
Pistols scanners are the most often used for reading barcodes in warehouses. Their advantage is a low weight, so the picker is not unnecessarily burdened during his work, high readability of barcodes and easy operation. The use of a scanner can minimize the error rate when picking goods, as the picking of goods must be confirmed by the scanner. The disadvantage of pistol grip scanners is the length of time spent on confirmation and picking, as the picker practically has only one "free" hand or has to put the scanner down.
Faster picking with the glove scanner
Another popular solution is the glove scanner. This device doesn’t bother the picker at work, it’s very light and has the possibility to be put on a finger. Glove scanner can guarantee high picking efficiency. Picker can use both hands at the same time, while confirmation is much faster just by pressing the trigger on the index finger. In our M2L system solution we have an excellent experience with devices from Zebra, Proglove and Datalogic, all which offer low weight, high resistance and can also read over long distances.
The glove and scanning are activated by pressing the trigger, which allows pickers to use both hands to select the required goods and increase work productivity. Thanks to its low weight, significantly longer scanning range and reliable battery, the picker can work with the device for the duration of the entire workshift. After scanning a barcode, it emits an optical, acoustic and haptic signal. There is a possibility of connecting with the storage system in terms of quantity or additional picking points via a tablet.
The glove scanner from Proglove can communicate via radio technology, for example bluetooth. The latest type of glove scanner even has a display, which allows you to control the picking process in real time, when connected to the WMS system.
The Zebra scanner has an easily replaceable battery and the possibility of gripping it with hand-held high-strength straps. This means saving the cost of buying new gloves when they are worn out.
Datalogic scanners are characteristic by low weight, which greatly simplifies the handling of the scanner during the operation.
Does pick by voice provide complete freedom?
Voice terminals don’t have a display and can be worn either on the forearm or a belt. They communicate with the picker using voice commands via a handset and microphone, in addition to their hands, their eyes are also "free" and they can devote themselves fully to handling the goods. With this type of terminal, however, maximum focus is required for listening and at the same time picking up the goods. For some operators such a system may not be completely suitable.
To choose the right type of scanner it’s important to know what range is needed to scan codes when picking and in what environment the device will be used. Also, the right choice depends on a number of other factors that need to be known. We will be happy to help you choose the most suitable equipment for your warehouse. While choosing the best option, it’s necessary to test several types of devices for use in real warehouse. After selecting a device, we highly recommend our high standard service at the beginning, which represents an immediate replacement of the device if any fault or damage should unearth.