Print in the Channel - issue #12

WAREHOUSE SCANNERS

Meeting demand How mobile scanners are keeping delivery vans moving in the face of exorbitant demand.

Now that social media giants like Meta and TikTok have launched e-commerce shops, the online shopping trend is almost certainly going to continue to grow, along with demands for ever-shorter delivery times. According to Forbes, the global e-commerce market is expected to surpass $6 trillion this year, putting pressure on the warehousing team to become increasingly efficient in its operations to get orders out faster. As a result, mobile barcode scanners are becoming an ever more appealing prospect to warehouse managers who need their staff to focus on picking products, according to David Craggs, growth product manager – EMEA at Newland ID. “Mobile computers with integrated barcode readers have enhanced the warehouse industry by increasing accuracy, steam lining operations and boosting efficiency,” he says. “These devices have become an indispensable tool for warehouse management. “The key advantage lies in their ability to expedite inventory management processes. By allowing real-time data captures and wireless transfers, mobile computers enable accurate and timely tracking of stock levels or precise picking fulfilment of customers’ orders, leading to a reduction in human error.” This admin elimination is a common trend throughout businesses. As bosses look to get the most out of employees, the repetitive tasks can often be automated as, Stefan Spendrup, VP of sales, Northern and Western

Europe at SOTI says. “In an industry that revolves around being able to provide your service faster, more efficiently and at a lower cost than your competition, mobile technology means more than just barcode scanners in workers’ hands. “It means automating and eliminating manual and paper-based processes that create bottlenecks and risks of inputting inaccurate information. These manual processes often lead to a loss of productivity that can be felt throughout business operation.” Meeting expectations While data capture and reducing paperwork will always be seen as a plus in this digital age, it may not always be the primary reason why these mobile scanners are so popular. In fact, according to Carlos Villafane, country manager for UK, Ireland and Benelux at ProGlove, there are “several factors” that go into the purchasing decision. “The choice of a barcode scanner depends on several factors, including the use case, application, user experience and ergonomics of the device,” he says. “Different scenarios may require different features and capabilities from a scanner. “For example, in a manufacturing environment, a scanner may need a short range, while in a warehouse picking environment, a scanner may need a long battery life. Both scenarios may also benefit from a feedback option to confirm a successful scan, such as a beep or vibration.

David Craggs growth product manager, EMEA

newland-id.com/en

Admin elimination is a common trend “

throughout businesses.

As bosses look to get the most out of employees, the repetitive tasks

can often be automated.

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