Handhelds are suitable for a variety of applications: In retail, for example, they support employees with inventory management and purchasing advice. However, more and more stores are also enabling their customers to scan selected items themselves. In warehouses, handhelds are used for goods receiving, order picking and inventory management. Mobile scanners are particularly common in transportation and logistics for documenting deliveries or invoicing, but also as navigation devices and route planners. Other areas of application include healthcare, maintenance and service, ticketing for rail companies, local public transport, parking space management and public services. In addition, innovative devices now offer the option of using them to make phone calls for brief queries.

In the transport and logistics sector, the range of scanning devices extends from extremely robust devices with touchscreen and keyboard plus pistol grip in large logistics centers to robust but smaller touch devices for drivers who have to sign for the delivery at the end customer's premises. Stefan Gerats, Business Development Manager DACH at Cipherlab, solution provider in the field of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC), comments: "Smartphones are repeatedly tested as an inexpensive alternative to handheld scanners. But they are too fragile. Instead, companies should opt for professional and feature-rich devices that address their needs precisely and support them reliably and securely on their digital journey."

Companies should pay more attention to these five points when purchasing a barcode scanner:

Robust design and stable handling

Whether in the warehouse, in the store or on the production floor: in order for a barcode scanner to provide reliable performance in the various application scenarios, it is important to ensure a robust design and stable handling. For example, the device should be able to withstand drops without any problems. If you are looking for a reliable smartphone-like device that can be used flexibly in different areas, you need a particularly robust device. It should be able to withstand falls from a height of at least 1.20 meters, preferably 1.50 meters or even 1.80 meters onto concrete, depending on the application environment.

A solid construction also prevents damage caused by occasional knocks or drops of water from frozen items. One example is the Cipherlab RK25. This computer combines the design advantages of a touch computer and handheld terminal, it has a large screen and a physical keyboard.

Battery and scanning speeds

When purchasing, it is also important to ensure that the battery performance meets the requirements. Replacement batteries are recommended. If the device indicates at regular intervals how the battery power and other performance parameters are doing, this can prevent downtime, business or production delays.

Fast scanning speeds and the ability to accurately read even small, hard-to-read barcodes improve accuracy and minimize reading errors. A thin laser beam is particularly helpful when barcodes are very close together.

Simple and ergonomic application

For a barcode scanner to perform its task as efficiently and comprehensively as possible, it is important that users enjoy using it and can use it without any problems. For example, the device must fit comfortably in the hand, must not be too heavy and must also be easy and self-explanatory to use. Ideally, the user should be able to solve any problems on their own. The 2200 series presentation scanner from Cipherlab offers a scan rate of 60 scans per second and reads all 1D and 2D standard formats, RFID UHF (up to 20 centimetres) and can deactivate EAS labels. Thanks to the omnidirectional and particularly fast scanning functions, users can read barcodes immediately within the detection angles.

Permanent connectivity

It should not be forgotten that the device can always and reliably be connected to the connected systems and solutions. For example, with Cipherlab presentation scanners, various software tools support users in configuring the device, interfaces such as USB, RS232 and keyboard wedge connections are automatically recognized, and the accessories for fixing the holder provide added user-friendliness.

Multifunctional application possibilities

An ergonomic and powerful multifunctional scanner should be able to capture barcodes as well as graphics and documents. It is therefore important to determine exactly in which areas and business departments the scanner is to be used, which requirements the respective users have and also which long-term goals are to be achieved before selecting the device. as