How barcode scanners transform an ordinary warehouse into a peak operation

They are no longer the privilege of large warehouses. Thanks to available mobile applications with scanner functions, even small companies can now use barcode readers. And the benefits? Faster order processing, almost zero error rates, and inventory that takes hours, not days. You can learn how readers work, what types exist, and what they can do in conjunction with a warehouse system in the article.

Basic principles of code reading in the warehouse

Barcode scanners are handheld devices that warehouse workers carry with them at all times. Just point and beep – they read the code of the goods, packaging or material within a second. The display immediately displays the necessary information from the warehouse system. The warehouse worker can then immediately take the following steps:

• to store goods,
• stock the order,
• or perhaps print shipping labels.

Barcode scanners come in many varieties, from simple solutions to professional devices. The three types you will most often encounter in warehouses are:

• Mobile phones – The cheapest option, ideal for smaller warehouses with dozens of orders per day. The reader function is replaced by the camera on the phone. It is also great for seasonal part-time workers. However, it has its limitations – it does not read some codes, the battery does not last all day, and the warehouse system must have its own mobile application.
• Bluetooth reader – It connects to a mobile phone as an extension and is used only to scan codes, while the application itself continues to run on the mobile phone. Its reading quality is close to professional readers, so it can also withstand operations with fewer than hundreds of orders per day. However, the phone's battery life remains the limit.
• Barcode Scanners – The most powerful solution for demanding warehouses. Reads codes instantly even from a greater distance, lasts up to 72 hours on a single charge and can handle thousands of orders per day. Ideal for larger or busy operations where every second counts.

The main advantages of barcode scanners in the warehouse

Companies purchase barcode readers primarily to speed up and make all warehouse processes from receipt to issue more accurate. Thanks to the readers, they have a better overview of inventory movements and significantly reduce the error rate that naturally occurs in manual work. As soon as the warehouse starts to grow, the transition to readers is practically inevitable. Paper processes can no longer keep up with the onslaught of orders and warehouse movements.

The main advantages of readers include:

• Faster picking – Warehouse workers simply scan the code on the goods or shelf and then confirm their picking.
• Clearer receipt – Warehouse workers will beep codes on received goods to verify whether everything you expected has arrived.
• Almost zero error rate – When processing orders, warehouse workers can scan the code to see if they are actually picking the correct item from the order. This is especially crucial when picking items with different color or size options, such as t-shirts.
• Greater inventory visibility – Thanks to readers, people in the company can monitor the movement of goods in the warehouse in real time. This makes inventory organization and planning easier.
• Easier inventory – You don't have to go around the warehouse with a paper list and count pieces, but just read the codes on the shelves one by one.
• Faster returns processing – The warehouse worker simply scans the barcode on the returned shipment and confirms which items of goods have been returned.
• Faster employee training – Teaching new warehouse workers and temporary workers to work with readers is significantly easier than explaining to them how a warehouse operates without readers.

Practical example: Connecting barcode readers to WMS (warehouse management system)

Readers only work if you connect them to your warehouse records. You can connect them to the warehouse module in your accounting program or ERP system, but you will achieve the greatest efficiency in conjunction with a managed warehouse, or WMS.

While warehouse modules in ERP systems are mainly used for recording goods, WMS (Warehouse Management System) goes much further. It automates and speeds up entire warehouse processes – from receipt to issue to returns. It can track the exact warehouse positions of each item, suggests optimal storage strategies and makes the work easier for warehouse workers and logistics managers. We will now show how WMS works in practice using the example of our LOKiA WMS solution.

Implementation of readers in the warehouse

The implementation of barcode readers with the LOKiA WMS system takes place in several steps. The readers and printers are provided through our certified hardware suppliers and we install the WMS in them. Then, together, we create a uniform label format for your products and logistics units - for example, cartons or foils.

Labels are used to identify all products in stock , and future items are marked by warehouse workers upon receipt or during production (if not previously marked by the manufacturer). The label can contain not only basic product identification, but also important information such as batch, quantity or best before date. This makes inventory tracking and management much easier and more accurate.

Receipt of goods

After receiving an order, LOKiA automatically reserves the necessary warehouse space according to the selected storage strategy. Once the goods arrive, warehouse workers simply load them - either individually or as a whole pallet using the SSCC code.

The system confirms that everything has arrived, and you also have an overview of the received goods and their warehouse positions. After loading, the goods are automatically put into stock - not only in the warehouse, but also in the e-shop. The warehouse workers then physically place the goods in the positions assigned to them by the WMS.

Goods issue

Picking is even easier. The warehouse worker opens the order on the reader and the system automatically guides him to the correct items according to the set picking strategy. LOKiA also plans the route so that the warehouse worker takes as few steps as possible and allows him to pick multiple orders at once. This speeds up the entire process even more.

Once the warehouse worker loads the item, the system verifies that it is the correct product and confirms its removal. Finally, the WMS compares the picked shipment with the original order to check that everything matches. This means that there is almost no risk of errors.

Goods and process records

LOKiA provides a detailed history of every item in the warehouse – from its receipt to its dispatch. The logistics manager knows exactly who delivered the goods, which warehouse worker put them in storage, where they are now, who moved them or to whom they were sent. Thanks to this record, it is easy to trace back every step . For example, if the number of complaints increases, managers can quickly find out where the error occurred. A defective batch of products can be traced just as easily – LOKiA immediately shows which customers it was sent to, and you can notify them in time.

We will help you with the implementation of readers

If you are also looking to introduce barcode readers to your warehouse, contact us . We will discuss with you how to introduce readers to your warehouse in a way that makes your processes as efficient as possible.