Data capture remains as one of the central pieces of an efficient and smooth supply chain. By eliminating paper-based and manual data processing, businesses also eliminate repetitive and error-prone tasks that generally lead to…

  • Inaccurate information passed down the supply chain
  • Reduced staff productivity as they waste time with cyclic tasks
  • Escalating operational costs spent to correct errors
  • Lack of inventory and asset visibility
  • Delayed order fulfillment that leads to negative customer experiences

To prevent these issues from entering operations, enterprise barcode scanners can automate data capture; however, not every handheld scanner is suitable for high volume order fulfillment. On the other hand, ultra-rugged scanners tend to be costlier than their general-purpose counterparts. Therefore, before selecting your new scanner, consider the different benefits each one brings. General-purpose scanners are best applicable for:

  • Rapid data capture – With retail storefronts reopening to new capacity levels, barcode scanners should be able to quickly adapt to longer work hours both indoors and outdoors for longer shifts and curbside pickup.
  • Point-of-sale – Conventional scanners are a perfect pathway to modernize point-of-sale with loyalty card data capture and complete ease-of-use that facilitates utilization by customers in self-checkout lanes.
  • In-store product tracking – Cycle counts can proactively mitigate surprise out-of-stocks, yet manual cycle counting leaves room for error. Cordless handheld scanners serve as a viable solution to this issue by automating data capture anywhere in your workflow.
  • Counterfeit prevention – In 2019, reports showed around 71% of younger shoppers purchased a counterfeit product, further contributing to lost revenue. Automated data capture of 1D and 2D codes can help mitigate counterfeits from making their way into supply chains by ensuring accurate order verification.

On the other hand, ultra-rugged scanners such as Zebra’s DS3600 Series can deliver the same and more.

  • Durability for low temperatures – Whether in the heat or cold, expect maximum performance that’s unaffected by condensation and humidity.
  • Long-range scanning power – Add an extra layer of functionality to your printer with long-range data capture to scan barcodes as far as 70ft.
  • Long lasting battery power – Zebra’s ultra-rugged barcode scanners are built with 50% more battery capacity than competing models to ensure more uptime for your workforce.
  • Faster processing – Thanks to DataCapture DNA applications, ultra-rugged barcode scanners can be formatted to scan up to 20 barcodes at once with a single trigger pull to accelerate throughput.

To see which durability standard would best benefit your operations, contact SSE Technologies for a free barcode scanner evaluation.