How Can Your Warehouse Keep Up With Customer Demands?

Did you know the priority investment areas for warehouses are sophisticated technologies such as barcode scanning devices and interconnected solutions?

Here are five reasons why investing in extended range scanning technology can help reduce costs. As well as save time across your fulfilment operations.

Adaptability in barcode scanning devices

Customer demands are constantly influencing warehouse operations. As expectations rise for fast, efficient delivery of goods, the warehouse is seeking accurate, resilient, fast technology that can cope with whatever is thrown at it.

Warehouses are utilising every conceivable shelf space to increase inventory capacity and reduce the overall cost of storage. Using vacant vertical space means boxes are stacked higher. Thus, putting barcodes out of reach or in awkward nooks and crannies for a short-range scanner. It’s no surprise that research has revealed that a priority investment area for warehouse managers is more sophisticated forms of technology. Such as mobile devices, barcode scanning devices and interconnected solutions. In order to reach these elusive barcodes and keep up with rising supply chain demands.

As the pressure created by consumer demand continues, the onus is on warehouse operations to be innovative and efficient in the use of space and identification of stock. Efficiency, accuracy and resilience are the name of the game.

Extended range scanning

Standard short-range barcode scanners simply aren’t going to acquire the data with the ease, precision and convenience required in modern warehouses. As a result, extended range barcode scanning solutions are becoming an essential requirement. They give warehouse operators the ability to acquire product information at any point with minimal effort. Which saves time and, in turn, reduces the overall cost of operations.

Advantages to extended range scanning:

1. SpeedRapid scanning means increased productivity and overall efficiency. Seeing as most operations need to be done ASAP, extended range barcode scanners are vital time savers. A forklift driver, for example, can scan quickly and safely from the cab. If he or she can shave 12 seconds off every scan by staying seated, that’s an hour saved per 300 scans. In addition, extended range scanners scan sequentially, meaning that the operator can hold down the trigger to identify multiple items.
2. Intuitive OperationExtended-range scanners generally utilise omnidirectional scanning technology, meaning that aligning the scanner and barcode is unnecessary. This is essential for a vertically stacked warehouse and reduces the time taken to acquire information. Combining omnidirectional support with long-range capability means the operator no longer wastes time pacing the warehouse floor continuously to scan goods.
3. Unwavering PerformanceIn an operating environment that’s typically dimly lit, dusty and dirty, long-range barcode scanning technology will continually provide ‘first time capture’ from afar. Whether scanning 1D / 2D barcodes, optical character recognition (OCR), photos or documents with the grubbiest barcode stuck under numerous layers of shrink-wrap, the accuracy and precision of the best ones will not falter.
4. ResilienceAny scanner used in a warehouse environment should be able to withstand the most punishing conditions. For instance, extreme temperatures, liquid and chemical spills, being dropped at ladder height or dropped in water. They should also boast an extreme level of shock tolerance and continue to function superbly even after repeated drops onto concrete. Or even being driven over (it happens). Fortunately, ultra-rugged scanners will meet these requirements – and more.
5. Short-Range CapabilityA common misconception is that extended-range scanning technology is only applicable for barcodes that are out of reach. On the contrary, extended-range scanners offer excellent capability at short range as well. A barcode a few centimetres away is just as attainable as one that is 21m away – straight up, across or diagonally. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple devices, improving return on investment (ROI) whilst securing rugged, accurate scanning equipment for all your warehouse needs.

Conclusion

A word of caution, though: consistent accuracy can still be a ‘long shot’ with some long-range (and even extended range) scanners. Before you make a scanner selection, put it to the (extreme) test. See if it can capture a target barcode 21 metres away. Confirm that it can handle the volume of scans that are demanded during a typical ‘peak season’ day. The scanner should be accurate every time, whether it’s the first or 1000th scan of the day.

Renovotec works with an ecosystem of trusted partners, ensuring that our tailored technology solutions offer reliable best-of-breed devices. All of which you can trial extensively for yourself at our Innovation Centre. To find out more about what extended range scanners would best meet your business needs, contact one of our specialists today.

This blog post was originally posted on www.skywire.com.au. The post has been edited for clarity and relevance before publication on www.renovotec.com. You can also learn more about our solutions, services and support for the APAC Region.