Improve efficiency using RF scanning in a warehouse against paper and pen
RF scanners are one name used to capture or read barcodes as well as capture additional information such as location, bin #, qty and view product information. Other names they are called are RF barcode scanners, RF guns, PDA barcode scanners & handheld mobile computers.
RF (radio frequency) scanners are generally configured to transmit data into the WMS (warehouse management system) via the wireless networking. Though this is not always the case. The RF scanners can also be batch. Which means data can also be captured on the scanners and uploaded later through communication cradles.
By using RF barcode scanners in your warehouse, you have the ability to easily and immediately track items from when they are received until they are shipped to the customer.
The Benefits Are:
Speed Up Receiving Process – Scanning all items received. RF scanners update system automatically on what locations the items are stored.
Pick Pack & Ship – The scanner screen can display the order information including storage location, description, item code and quantity for each item to be picked.
Stocktakes – The time saved using RF scanners to do annual and cycle stocktake of your inventory is much more quicker but also more accurate than use of paper and pen. RF scanning eliminates writing down product numbers and counts and then manually entering count information in computer.
Tips When Choosing An RF Barcode Scanner.
Its always best to confer with your WMS software vendor first before choosing any RF scanner. Hopefully your WMS has the capabilities of working with a RF barcode scanner. If it does, you will need to find out if there is a certain brand it has been designed to work with. If any brand will work with it, then what operating system on the RF scanner does it it works with.
There are three main operating systems on RF scanners to consider. They are Android and Windows Embedded Handheld. (WEH). The other OS is Windows CE. Most popular OS now is Android as Microsoft will stop supporting WEH and Win CE around 2020.
The other factor to consider is form factor of your RF scanners. The RF barcode scanners will vary in robustness, size and price. A great starting point would be to look at the Cipherlab RK25. High in robustness and low in cost. We have written another blog discussing this that you might find useful.
