The warehouse sector is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand, driven by the relentless growth of e-commerce and the global supply chain industry. As more and more consumers turn to online shopping, businesses are faced with the challenge of efficiently managing inventory, fulfilment, and delivery processes. This surge in demand has created a competitive landscape where companies strive to stay ahead by adopting cutting-edge technologies and streamlining their operations.
The ability to seamlessly track inventory, optimise workflows, and streamline operations can make all the difference between success and stagnation. Thankfully, technology continues to evolve, offering game-changing solutions to enhance productivity and eliminate costly errors.
One innovation that has transformed the industry is the fixed industrial scanner. In this blog, we will explore the potential of fixed industrial scanners and how they can revolutionise the warehouse and 3PL landscape, unlocking a new era of productivity, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.
Fixed industrial scanners, also known as stationary scanners, are stationary barcode scanners that are permanently installed in specific locations throughout the warehouse. Unlike handheld scanners that require human operators to physically scan items, fixed scanners are mounted on walls, conveyor belts, or other strategic positions. They are designed to automatically scan barcodes, RFID tags, or other types of identification markers on products, packages, or pallets as they pass through a designated scanning zone. These stationary scanners have become the backbone of inventory management, order fulfilment, and tracking systems, providing an array of benefits that significantly impact operational efficiency
One of the main benefits of fixed industrial scanners is the substantial increase in operational efficiency they bring to warehouses. By automating the scanning process, these scanners eliminate the need for manual intervention, allowing for faster and seamless product handling. Fixed scanners can capture barcode information in a fraction of a second, even in high-speed conveyor systems. This efficiency boost leads to a significant reduction in processing time and enables warehouses to handle higher volumes of goods.
By eliminating human errors and inconsistencies that can occur during manual scanning, fixed scanners ensure high levels of accuracy and data integrity. They can reliably read and capture barcode information, minimising the risk of misidentified or miscounted items.
Fixed industrial scanners play a pivotal role in revolutionising inventory management processes in warehouses. By providing real-time updates and accurate data, these scanners enable efficient inventory tracking and reconciliation. Warehouse staff can easily identify discrepancies between physical stock and recorded inventory, leading to prompt corrective actions and reducing the risk of stockouts or overstock situations.
Fixed industrial scanners seamlessly integrate with warehouse management systems, resulting in streamlined workflows and reduced labour costs. By automatically capturing barcode information and updating inventory records in real-time, these scanners eliminate manual data entry tasks. Warehouse staff can focus on more value-added activities, such as order fulfilment, quality control, or process optimisation.
Choosing the right fixed industrial scanning solution for your business needs can be a daunting task. It is important to consider the different types of scanners available, their features, and how they will fit into your specific business processes. With the right scanner, you can ensure that you are getting accurate and reliable data capture for all of your industrial applications.
Easily track and trace items as they move through the warehouse and distribution centre with Zebra’s FS10. This compact device easily fits wherever you need scanning. Zebra Aurora software brings groundbreaking simplicity to device management — the FS10 couldn’t be easier to set up, deploy and run. And you get the flexibility to support more symbologies and increased scanning speed with the simple purchase of a software license.
With a slim profile, the FS10 easily fits everywhere you need scanning. Just plug the FS10 into the USB port of a workstation, laptop, tablet or any other host device to dependably capture barcode data, from assembly to storage and fulfilment.
Empower your enterprise with real-time track-and-trace of every item with the Zebra FS20. Multiple connectivity options easily integrate into your PLC or Host network, enabling your primary scanning applications to feed all the processes that drive your business. Zebra’s powerful Aurora software platform provides a highly intuitive and elegant interface that makes the FS20 easy to set up, deploy and run.
Scan barcodes on components moving through your assembly line to ensure the right part is used at the right time — and enable rapid targeted recalls of products that contain defective parts. Scan barcodes on items as they are placed on warehouse shelves to provide visibility into real time inventory. And scan barcodes when fulfilling orders to ensure the right items are sent to the right customer.
With Honeywell’s state-of-the-art technology in encoding and decoding, HF811 Fixed-mount 2D Industrial Scanner offers powerful performance, including DPM capabilities, in a compact form factor that can be networked to build a complete manufacturing or warehouse management solution for end users.
With Honeywell’s state-of-the-art technology in encoding and decoding, the HF800 fixed-mount 2D industrial scanner enables a wide array of high-performance scanning applications.
Powerful barcode reading algorithm and industrial hardware design contribute to the high decoding efficiency of the HF800. Quick and easy configuration enables optimised reading with one click. Flexible accessory options and software configurations enable high-performance scanning in a wide array of settings and environments in a more economic way.
Implementing fixed industrial scanners in a warehouse requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a successful integration. Warehouse managers should consider several key factors when introducing fixed industrial scanners to their facility.
A crucial aspect to consider is the warehouse layout and infrastructure requirements. Assess the size, configuration, and flow of goods within the warehouse to determine optimal locations for installing the scanners. Analyse product movement patterns, congested areas, and chokepoints to ensure maximum coverage and efficiency. Additionally, evaluate the availability of suitable mounting surfaces, power outlets, network connectivity, and adequate lighting conditions in the desired scanner locations.
Integration with existing warehouse management systems (WMS) and software is another critical consideration. Collaborate with the IT team or technology provider to ensure seamless compatibility and data exchange between the fixed scanners and the WMS. Real-time updates of inventory information and automated workflows are essential for accurate inventory management and efficient decision-making.
Providing comprehensive training and familiarisation to warehouse staff is vital for a smooth implementation. Ensure employees understand how the scanners operate, how to handle exceptions or errors, and how to troubleshoot common issues. Training should cover proper positioning of items for scanning, interpreting scanner feedback, and utilising captured data effectively. Consider organising training sessions or workshops conducted by experts or technology vendors to build employee competence and confidence.
Budgetary considerations and return on investment (ROI) analysis are essential in the implementation process. Evaluate upfront costs for purchasing the scanners, installation, and potential infrastructure modifications. Consider ongoing costs such as maintenance, software updates, and potential repairs. Conduct a thorough ROI analysis to assess cost savings and benefits, including labour cost reductions, improved accuracy, increased productivity, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Quantify the potential return on investment over a defined period to make an informed decision about implementing fixed industrial scanners.
It's important to partner with experts who can guide you through the process. At Pen Mobile, we understand the intricacies of warehouse operations and the transformative impact that fixed scanners can have on your business. We can assist you in assessing your specific requirements, designing an optimised scanning solution, and providing ongoing support throughout the implementation process and beyond.