The supply chain management industry has been witnessing silent technological development within a very short span of time. As the work pressure is increasing day by day, the supply chain industry is becoming quite flexible to adapt to any kind of technical innovation that raises the overall productivity of a company.
One of the most important tools that increases the efficiency of supply chain management processes is a Barcode scanner.
A barcode reader offers a wide range of functionalities that meet industry-specific needs. From enhancing accuracy to maintaining stocks, scanners have become an essential part of multiple industries. Supply chain associates should be well aware of their warehouse scanner application needs.
In this blog, we will explore the role of scanner in seamless operations and the application of various types of scanners in multiple sectors.
To know more about it – stay tuned!
Role of Barcode Scanners in Supply Chain Management
A Barcode scanner is a device that converts hidden information into texts that are understandable by computer systems. It has three important things: a red light is required to reflect on the barcode, an automatic sensor to detect the light bouncing back, and a decoder to translate the useful information encoded into it.
Some of its roles in warehouse management are –
1. Increase In Efficiency
Barcode Scanners help in accurately reading the product information encoded in a barcode quickly and efficiently. This helps in improving the efficiency of business operations.
2. Efficient Inventory Management
Barcode scanners provide updated real-time data on the inventory movement and its levels which helps make business decisions quickly related to stock loading.
3. Maintaining Accuracy
Barcode scanner facilitates avoiding manual errors by automating processes. This improves the level of customer satisfaction. So far we have covered the importance of Scanner in seamless operations, but knowing about their types and application is equally important. To know about it in brief read below-
Types of Scanners and Its Applications in Seamless Operations
A barcode scanner is also considered to be a Price Scanner. There are mainly four main types of barcode scanner which have varied application. You can read about it below-
Industrial Laser Scanner
A laser scanner is a tool that helps move or control a laser beam in a specific direction. It scans systematically over a surface, similar to scanning through a page with your eyes while reading.
- There are multiple laser scanners out there. Some barcode readers scan one line, like when you scan a barcode at a store. Other laser scanners can move their laser beams in two directions like creating images or patterns on a screen.
- Some of its applications include laser printers and laser material processing.
- A laser printer contains polygon scanners which look like a rotating wheel. It moves the laser beam made by the laser device known as a laser diode to different spots on a special image drum. This drum has been electrically charged before but when the laser beam hits it, the charge vanishes from those parts. Later, it spots areas where the laser didn’t hit.
Industrial Handheld Scanner
A Handheld Scanner is an electronic gadget that turns documents like papers and receipts into digital format. Once the scanning part is done, the user may save documents in the computer systems. The user may then edit and send it to others or share it online.
- A handle scanner does the job of capturing the information from the barcode. It mainly has two parts- a part that reads a barcode and another part which decodes the gathered information.
- Handheld Scanners are frequently used in retail stores for inventory management. Also, these scanners are available at warehouses and distribution stores for tracking the inventory and managing multiple shipments. In the healthcare industry, it plays a vital role in patient identification and asset tracking.
Industrial Wireless Scanner
A wireless Barcode scanner uses wireless technology to decode barcodes. Barcodes are like secret codes which contain information related to identifying the products to pricing details.
- You will often see that traditional barcode scanners have a chord attached to them but in the case of wireless scanners, they mostly use technology like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. These technologies turn wireless scanners into a convenient one where the data is easily scanned without any limitations.
- Wireless Barcode scanners are mostly used in electronic devices and cell phones. When it comes to heavy, wireless scanners are ideal for heavy items as they are difficult to scan. Also, wireless barcode scanners make inventory management an easy process.
2D Barcode Scanner
Industries like retail, healthcare and logistics rely heavily on the 2D Barcodes. As a result of which 2D barcode readers play an important role in scanning barcodes.
- These scanners are like image barcode readers. They mostly record any kind of image and process algorithms to detect mainly Linear barcodes or 2D barcodes.
- It can use information even if the device has no connection to the system.
- 2D codes are like QR codes which can be read with simple smartphones. One may use 2D Scanners for supply chain purposes. The pharmaceutical industry also uses it, where companies need to manage assets, track product information and check the authentication of medicines.
Now that you have learned various types and application of scanner, it’s necessary to know the factors to consider while choosing a scanner.
Factors to Consider While Choosing a Scanner
In this fast-paced world, it is important to have the right technology in hand to improve productivity and accuracy. Warehouse scanner automates various operations processes so considering the factors below while choosing a scanner would be helpful,
- Determining the Barcode type. Example – Linear or 2D barcode
- Connectivity options are available at a warehouse.
- Scanning speed and volume.
- Battery-life of scanners.
These are some of the basic factors one must consider while investing in barcode readers. Remember, only the best choice sustains in the long run.
FAQ: Exploring Scanner Application for Seamless Operations: A Comprehensive Guide
What are the common barcode scanning technologies available in warehouses?
Laser scanning and image-based scanning are two common types of technologies available in warehouses.
Are barcode scanners harmful?
Many barcode readers use Class 1 lasers which are the safest type used in warehouses. There’s no denying the fact that some scanners use harmful lasers but it’s rarely found in the industry.
What makes a Barcode Reader efficient?
When a scanner quickly captures the images, decodes the data and transfers it quickly into computer systems without any disturbances, then one can consider it good.
Can 2D Barcode Scanner read Linear Codes?
Yes, image barcode scanners easily read 1D codes as well.
Conclusion
Barcode Scanners help businesses optimize their operations sector. By choosing the correct barcode scanner one may improve the efficiency, overall productivity and profitability. This ensures timely delivery of products at the right place. With Qodenext capturing data becomes easy and it is a one-stop solution for your warehouse needs. It has the best and the most reliable portfolio of scanners and printers. So, choose your scanners wisely.
