When implementing WMS warehouse management, you need to purchase hardware for warehouse workers to scan barcodes. However, in order to avoid unnecessary spending, it is not necessary to always buy full-fledged (and relatively expensive) readers for everyone. Smaller warehouses with a few dozen orders per day often need mobile phones, while medium-sized warehouses with a few hundred orders require Bluetooth phone adapters for a few thousand.
Mobile phones for the smallest warehouses
Mobile phones with WMS applications are the cheapest and simplest solution - an average mobile phone for a few thousand is enough. The reader function is replaced by a camera. We recommend this option for warehouses where you process dozens of orders a day . Mobile phones are also great for part-time or seasonal workers.
Compared to readers, lightweight and compact phones are particularly suitable for use in the field and in small or atypical warehouses . They are also ideal for simple asset registration and inventory , for example, for filing cabinets, for tool rental companies, and the like.
However, phones can only read some types of barcodes (typically only QR and GTIN codes). In addition, warehouse workers need to place the camera very close to the label. Also, be aware that poor lighting in the warehouse or dusty environments can limit the functionality of the reader. The water resistance and battery life of the mobile phone are also limits, so ideally choose more durable phones with a higher capacity that can last at least one shift without charging.
Bluetooth reader – mobile phone attachment
The intermediate step between a mobile phone and a reader is a Bluetooth reader that you attach to your mobile phone. These are attachments that connect to your mobile phone via Bluetooth and act as readers while the WMS application runs on the phone. Bluetooth readers cost in the low thousands and are therefore more affordable than readers, even with a phone.
Bluetooth readers are very close to full-fledged readers in terms of code reading quality. They can also read specific commodity codes , can do it from a greater distance and do not mind poor light or dust in the room. Bluetooth technology is now widespread even in the lowest ranges of smartphones, so you can pair them with almost any mobile phone on the market.
We recommend these reading devices especially for medium-sized warehouses that ship a few hundred orders per day. They are also suitable for more demanding records or asset inventory . The only objective disadvantage of the entire set remains the limits of the mobile phone described above - battery life or lower durability.
Barcode readers
Barcode readers are the most advanced reading devices that we recommend for larger warehouses with hundreds of orders per day or for operations with high demands.
They function as code readers and a platform for running a WMS application. They are durable, last about 12 hours on a single charge, and you can work with them even with gloves on. Of course, they can quickly read all commodity codes even at a greater distance, including in areas with little light, high dust levels, or low temperatures. The price for these benefits is a higher price, which usually exceeds CZK 10,000.
You can combine individual variants
In our experience, many companies provide the same type of reader for all warehouse or logistics workers. For some people, the device may be insufficient, while for others, it may be unnecessarily luxurious.
Therefore, we recommend that you map out the demands and needs of individual positions and activities before purchasing. This may vary across warehouses and positions - you may need a different type of reader for receiving than for issuing.
We will of course be happy to help you choose the right equipment. We will consider the type of operation, how intensive the work is in the warehouse, and we will also consider the ergonomics of the work (whether both hands are needed during work). We simply look for the optimal option for each work position or operation.
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