By Jay Palter | October 24, 2024
When it comes to choosing the right barcode scanner for warehouses, the focus usually falls on features like scanning speed, durability, range, and price. Models like the Honeywell Granit 1910i, Zebra DS3600 series, and NADAMOO wireless scanners have earned their places among the top devices for their specialized capabilities in rugged environments, fast scanning, or long-range performance.
However, buyers often overlook a critical aspect: how to manage, track, and charge these scanners effectively across the entire lifecycle of their use. Poor device management can lead to inefficiencies, downtime, and hidden costs, even with the most advanced scanners.
This article will explore the top scanners in 2024 and explain why device management should be a central part of every purchase decision
The Top Barcode Scanners in 2024
Here’s a curated list of some of the most popular barcode scanners, categorized by their specialties:
High-Performance Scanners for Rugged Environments:
Honeywell Granit 1910i – Optimized for harsh industrial settings, resistant to drops, and capable of reading damaged barcodes (Business.org).
Zebra DS3600 Series – Offers wireless and wired versions with extended range and rapid data capture capabilities (Tasklet Factory).
Honeywell CT60XP – Rugged, all-purpose scanner with IP68 rating, excellent for long shifts in tough environments (Tasklet Factory).
Budget-Friendly or Lightweight Solutions:
NADAMOO Wireless Scanner – Long-range wireless capability with offline storage, making it ideal for large warehouses on a budget (Shopify).
Zebra TC21 – Lightweight and compact, perfect for smaller warehouses or retail environments with limited scanning needs (Tasklet Factory).
TaoTronics TT-BS030 – Affordable option with Bluetooth and wired modes, optimized for connectivity-challenged warehouses (Business.org).
Fixed and Specialized Devices:
Datalogic Gryphon GFS4400 – Ideal for OEM applications like kiosks and automated equipment (Barcodes, Inc.).
Symcode Omnidirectional Scanner – Designed for retail checkout and quick-service environments (Shopify).
This list reflects just a portion of the most effective models available today. For a more comprehensive lineup, devices like the Zebra TC52x, Honeywell EDA52, and Datalogic Magellan 9800i offer additional specialized solutions for various industries (Tasklet Factory & www.smallbizgenius.net)
Discover:
2024 Trends in Warehouse Operations Management
The Real Challenge: Managing, Tracking, and Charging Scanners
While it’s essential to select scanners with the right features, most warehouses fail to consider how they’ll manage barcode scanners once deployed. Without an effective system, even the most advanced scanners can become sources of frustration, leading to lost productivity. Here are three critical areas to focus on:
1. Inventory and Tracking Systems
With multiple employees using barcode scanners throughout large facilities, it’s easy to lose track of devices. Solutions like smart lockers or mobile device management (MDM) software allow companies to monitor scanner locations, usage patterns, and battery levels. This prevents equipment loss and ensures that scanners are available when needed.
2. Charging Infrastructure
Many buyers overlook the importance of proper charging infrastructure. While some models, like the Honeywell CT60XP, offer all-day battery life, others require frequent charging (Tasklet Factory).
Implementing centralized charging stations or smart lockers helps keep devices organized and ensures that batteries are charged between shifts, preventing delays and downtime.
3. Maintenance and Updates
Scanners must be kept updated with the latest software to ensure compatibility and security. Automated systems that track firmware updates and notify managers of maintenance schedules can significantly reduce downtime. Devices like the Zebra DS3600 also offer remote configuration options, making it easier to maintain optimal performance across multiple locations (Barcodes, Inc.).
Why Device Management Impacts the Bottom Line
Without efficient management practices, warehouses risk:
Lost productivity
Uncharged or misplaced scanners can slow down workflows.
Higher maintenance costs
Poorly tracked devices may go without necessary updates, resulting in unexpected failures.
Increased equipment loss
A lack of tracking leads to misplaced devices, forcing companies to purchase replacements.
Investing in device management solutions at the outset can save warehouses significant time and money in the long run. Whether through smart lockers, automated software, or centralized charging stations, an effective strategy ensures that scanners are always ready when needed.
Learn More: How to Manage Toolkits Efficiently in Warehouses & Distribution Centers
Conclusion
Choosing the right barcode scanner involves more than just comparing features and prices. Models like the Honeywell Granit 1910i, Zebra DS3600 series, and NADAMOO Wireless Scanner offer excellent performance tailored to specific warehouse needs. However, to get the most out of these devices, companies must also focus on how they manage, track, and charge them.
Integrating a robust management system ensures that scanners are available, functional, and charged when needed, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency. By making device management part of the purchasing decision, companies can unlock the full potential of their scanners, driving better productivity and cost savings in the long run.
In the end, the question isn’t just which scanner to buy—it’s how you’ll manage them effectively once they arrive. This shift in focus can turn a good investment into a great one.
Best Practices for Managing Warehouse Scanners
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