Modern ERP systems are able to control the entire material flow in a warehouse with virtually no errors. The scanning of barcodes plays an important role in the allocation of items. Choosing the right technology is therefore a key factor for efficient warehouse management. But which solution is the best? Barcode scanner, Bluetooth reader or perhaps a smartphone camera will do? The answer depends on the size of the warehouse and the specific requirements.
In many warehouses, especially when implementing a warehouse management system, the question arises as to which hardware setup meets the needs of the employees without breaking the budget. For smaller warehouses with only a few orders a day, a smartphone camera can often be sufficient. But as soon as turnover increases, other solutions such as Bluetooth readers or specialized MDE devices prove to be much more efficient. Let’s explore the options together.
1. Smartphone camera - the affordable scanning solution for smaller trading companies
Nowadays, the smartphone has become a constant companion in everyday life: Whether it’s making an appointment, planning the way to the office or booking an overnight stay for a summer vacation, it facilitates the flow of communication and supports us in almost every situation. It can also be a reliable companion for barcode scanning in the warehouse. In fact, the smartphone camera is a cost-effective solution for smaller companies with a manageable inventory. In the age of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), this seems practical, as warehouse management only requires the installation of an app for scanning barcodes.
Unfortunately, however, the camera on a smartphone is not designed for continuous use. As soon as several employees are working in the warehouse and the number of scanned items increases, the limits are quickly reached – whether due to battery life or scanning speed.
2. Bluetooth Readers - the in-between alternative
If you need more efficiency but don’t yet want to take the step of procuring MDE devices, Bluetooth scanners offer an excellent interim solution. These devices can be easily paired with smartphones or tablets, thereby expanding their range of functions. They offer more flexibility than standalone hardware, as they are wireless and lightweight, but at the same time more robust and faster to scan than a smartphone.
Bluetooth readers are ideal if you need to process several hundred orders a day and your system relies on mobility. They are a sensible investment as they speed up the scanning process while saving the cost of more expensive hardware solutions.
3 MDE devices (barcode scanners) - the professional choice
In larger warehouses, where several people work at the same time, accuracy and speed are particularly important. Specialized barcode scanners are a must here. These devices have been developed for demanding environments and therefore offer clear advantages:
- They capture all types of barcodes – from printed to digital codes – at lightning speed and reliably.
- Their batteries often last the entire working day, something a smartphone cannot match.
- They offer IT security: barcode scanners fulfill a very specific purpose; compared to a smartphone, no additional applications are installed on a scanner. In addition, barcode scanners are generally not connected to the internet. This minimizes the risk of hacker attacks or data leaks. In sensitive environments, such as in the pharmaceutical industry or healthcare, such security precautions are of the utmost importance.
- The hygiene aspect also plays an important role: barcode scanners are made from special, disinfectant-resistant materials. This makes cleaning easier – a clear advantage in environments where the scanners are operated all day and by several employees.
The benefits of combining barcode scanning with ERP systems
In retail, countless products are moved through warehouse and production lines every day. Barcode scanners integrated with the ERP system enable seamless tracking of these movements in real time. By automatically capturing items and assigning them to orders, human error is minimized and the efficiency of the entire supply chain is increased. In addition, the integration of barcode scanners enables direct synchronization with the ERP system, which leads to more precise inventory management and prevents bottlenecks.
One example of this is our project with EBERO, a leading system provider in the supply and waste management sector with over 10 warehouse locations. Before switching to mobile data capture, EBERO’s warehouse management was heavily dependent on manual processes, which often led to errors and delays. After integrating the barcode scanners into the warehouse management system, employees were able to track inventory in real time, process orders efficiently and significantly reduce errors. The digitization of the entire process not only enabled better inventory control, but also led to a significant acceleration of processes in all warehouse locations. Would you like to find out more about how we supported EBERO in the digital transformation of their warehouse? Read the full case study here.
Do you have questions about the most suitable scanner hardware? Or are you looking for an ERP solution with an integrated barcode scanners? Our team of experts will be happy to help you. Arrange a free consultation and let us work together to develop the right solution for your warehouse management.