In logistics operations management, efficiency and speed have never been more critical than now. Having minimal margins of error and real-time insight is crucial to ensure growth and competitiveness. But how to achieve effective and smooth operations? By using the right tools in the right place. 

One of these tools is the barcode scanner. Whether they are employed in a warehouse, a port, or elsewhere in the supply chain, barcode readers are essential when dealing with inventory and shipment processing. They can be used to scan or read barcodes, container codes, container numbers, and more. 

Here is a guide on choosing the right one for your operations. 

Barcode scanners for logistics

If you do not mind carrying two devices, there is an alternative option. Barcode scanners specially designed for supply chain operations have a few characteristics that distinguish them from the consumer market: 

• Robustness (meets MIL810 standard) to prevent internal and external damages. 
• Availability in the same version for at least 4-5 years. 
• Preference for interchangeable batteries for full continuous use. 
• Special and robust accessories without connectors but with wireless or pogo-pin connections. 

Until recently, these devices were mostly developed to run on Windows platforms, but now, most of them are based on the Android system. This can make it easier to implement apps like Cargosnap to gather photos and information during visual cargo inspections. This way, it can easily integrate different operations, such as taking photos and scanning codes, into the same device. 

You need to choose an Android-based device if you intend to install extra apps like Cargosnap on your scanner. Generally, at least three factors should be considered when selecting the suitable scanner for your inspections.

1. Environment

Dusty, wet, and extremely cold or warm environments can affect the device's performance. Aside from robustness, the scanner’s battery and the screen should perform well in extreme conditions. Most wrist wearable computers and handheld terminals are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. 

Moreover, scanning devices with a display should have several nits sufficiently high to ensure the screen's readability in different lighting. This applies especially to the environments where the scanner is used in the sun.

2. Use 

When managing supply chain operations, the scanner can be used in different ways: standing, walking, on a reach truck, or in a forklift. Based on this, the distance from the scanner to the barcode can vary greatly. Here are the ranges and definitions to be considered when choosing a scanner: 

• High Definition 2D imager: very close. 
• Standard range imager: average distance up to approx. 90 cm. 
• Mid-range imager: distance up to approx. 150-350 cm. 
• Extended or long-range: distance up to 15-21 meters. 
• 1D standard or mid-range laser. 
  
  

Moreover, handheld terminals can be a good option if no other manual actions are performed during the scanning. However, a compact wearable scanner is ideal if your hands need to be accessible during operations.

Depending on the intensity of use, it is also important to consider the capacity of the battery and the possibility of adding an extra battery to the device during intense and extended use. For example, a hot-swappable battery is essential in this case. It allows the scanner to keep all processes active in the background during the battery change.

3. Connectivity 

To have a good connection and data manageability, a barcode scanner needs to be integrated into a stable and well-covering network. For example, this network can be based on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 4G/5G. Or all of them together. 

Warehouses with outdoor areas that Wi-Fi does not fully cover are more likely to need a combination of Wi-Fi and 4G/5G. 

The advantage is that one of the connections can be used as a backup if the other does not do well enough. In this sense, handheld scanners or terminals are usually equipped with a 4G/5G connection.

Manageability of data

Evaluating all these aspects can come in handy when looking for a reliable and suitable barcode scanner for logistics. The right scanner can be a valuable tool to increase the efficiency of your inspections and the workflow and manageability of data altogether. 

In most situations, your current mobile phone is all you need. A smartphone will work if you want to scan a container number, barcode, or document with OCR. But if you have special requirements like robustness, changeable batteries, or wearability, it might be worth checking out an industrial device. Depending on your location, we can direct you to a distributor near you.

Curious to know how Neele-Vat innovated seven steps in its inbound logistics using smartphones?