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When it comes to scanning a barcode these days you have a huge range of options. So how do you pick the right scanner?
Our advice is to first look at the barcode you are trying to scan. How big is it? What data does it contain? Make sure the barcode means something to you! If the barcode scans and says “123” and your part number is “XYZ” then that isn’t of much use to you.
The first step will be to link “123” in your database (MYOB, Pronto, SAP) to your part number “XYZ”. So now whenever someone scans “123”, the details retrieved will be for “XYZ”. So you can enter in “123” or “XYZ” and they point to the same thing!
Where are you going to scan it - sitting at a desk or out in the warehouse?
How many things are you going to scan each day?
How many scanners are you going to need? What staff will be affected?
Can you get the scanned data straight into your program (MYOB, Pronto, SAP) or do you want to collect the data in something else temporarily (such as in Excel) until such time as you have sorted it out and are ready to move it into your main application.
What environment do you want to use the scanners in? Office or warehouse? How dirty/dusty/wet/hot/cold is it going to get?
For office and retail applications the Motorola range of retail scanners are perfect for the job. Not only do they look great on your counter, they are very aggressive at reading barcodes. This speeds up the throughput and when people are queuing up at a checkout this can mean the difference between a positive shopping experience or a slow and frustrating one!
If you work in extreme conditions or at a wholesale plant nursery for example the cordless Motorola LS3578 is ideal since it can take the knocks and isn’t affected by a splash of water.
Corded vs cordless? Well the answer to that is how far away from the computer do you need to go. Would removing the cable give your staff the extra freedom they need to work more efficiently?
Why use Barcodes?
Scanning a barcode is more accurate and faster than keying it in.
Barcode scanners aren’t dyslexic and they never get sick of reading barcodes.
Mobile Computers
The Motorola range of mobile computers have come a long way since the early 1990's when the Symbol PDT-3100 and LDT-3805 series were the most popular hand held wireless devices on the market. Today you have the fatest processors and vivid colour screens with the choice of Windows Mobile or Windows CE operating systems.
The combinations and options are staggering so there is bound to be a mobile computer that fits your budget and requirements. Options include:
- type of laser scanner, 1D, 2D and long range
- with mobile phone, GPRS
- GPS
- colour camera
- Bluetooth
- keyboards, alpha-numeric, numeric, or for some models a choice of keypad layouts
- Executive, light industrial or heavy duty industrial
- Palm sized, wearable, brick or pistol grip form factors
We deal with a range of different scanners manufactured by the following companies:
- Motorola (Symbol)
- Mobile Compia - Next G mobile phone version now available
- Datalogic - with built in RFID reader
- Janam
Accessories
We supply accessories for all of the above products, namely:
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