Traditional Barcode Scan Guns vs New Era Handheld RF Devices for SAP Warehouse Management

You are likely familiar with the traditional barcode scan guns, like Zebra’s MC9400, that have served warehouses well for many years.  The new generation of mobile computers for RF scanning, like Zebra’s TC73, have an ergonomic mobile phone/PDA design, which makes it more intuitive to use while offering a wide range of scanning functionalities. Even though both styles of mobile RF barcode scanning devices work well in the mobile SAP/S4 HANA Warehouse Management and Inventory landscapes, there are many features to consider when choosing the right product for your business and workforce.  Let’s take a look at their similarities and then compare each style’s benefits and drawbacks. Here, we’ll explore the differences between fixed SAP barcode scanners, scanning guns, and phone-style/PDA designs. We’ll also talk about how any industry can transform its mobile barcode scanning with SAP through phone-style/PDA scanners, as well as the best mobile scanning solutions for inventory management barcode scanning.

 

Fixed SAP Barcode Scanner vs. Scanning Guns vs. Phone-Style Scanners

So, what are the obvious and lesser-known differences between fixed SAP barcode scanners, barcode scan guns, and phone-style/PDA scanners? When your operational efficiency rests in knowing the difference and deciding on which ones to use, knowing the answer is critical to success!

 

Fixed SAP Barcode Scanners

Zebra RF Barcode Scanner

Fixed SAP barcode scanners are traditional stationary scanners where employees need to bring the items to the scanner for it to process the barcode. While these types of scanners are sufficient for places like consumer stores, they’ll likely cause lagtime in fast-paced inventory spaces because. Fixed SAP barcode scanners can’t be used to scan and manage inventory in mobile teams.

 

Traditional Barcode Scanning Guns

Let’s review some of the advantages of the traditional barcode scan guns, such as the Zebra MC9400 models. This type of scanner is simple to use and has a scan range from 3 in. to as far as 70 ft. The operating temperatures range from -4oF to 122oF (standard) and -22oF to 122oF (Freezer) making the scanner effective in virtually any environment including freezers, coolers, and in the presence of hazardous materials. The drop specification is 10 ft. at room temperature and the tumble specification meets and exceeds IEC tumble specs at 6,000 from 3.3 ft. 

The biggest drawbacks of the gun-style barcode scanner are the weight and display screen size.  Weighing over 26 oz., the device can become cumbersome for your employees by the end of their shift.  The screen size is approximately 4 in., so either there will be less information per screen, or the font will be smaller, making it harder to read. 

 

Phone/PDA Mobile Scanners

Zebra TC73 Mobile RF Scanner

In contrast, the mobile phone/PDA style barcode scanners, like Zebra’s TC73, weigh less than barcode scan guns, with the TC73 weighing in at only 12.3 oz., half the weight of the gun-style scanner. It also has a 6 in. display allowing for more data and information to be shown at one time. The mobile phone/PDA style scanner is ergonomically designed for the comfort and handling of the workforce, which can improve productivity.  With more processing power, this type of device can run simultaneous applications with virtually instant response times. The mobile phone/PDA style barcode scanners can stream video, perform video calls, and run multimedia-rich and augmented reality apps, thus enabling new more effective workflows. 

When compared with the gun-style barcode scanners, the mobile phone/PDA-style barcode scanners do have a couple of downsides. The scan distance of the mobile phone/PDA-style scanner is approximately 40 ft. making it 30 ft. shorter than gun-style scanners. Also, the mobile phone/PDA scanners are not for use in temperatures below -4o making them inadequate for SAP/S4 HANA warehouse and inventory management freezer applications. 

 

What’s the Best for Inventory Management Barcode Scanning?

With the pros and cons of the different scanning methods mentioned above, what’s the best for inventory management barcode scanning?

In short, it depends on your team, company, operations, and demand. Each company and various teams within a company require different scanning features. For example, one more consideration in making a barcode scanner choice is your workforce.  Many of your current employees will find the pistol-style grip of the traditional mobile barcode scanner easier to use and will be more comfortable with the known device style.  On the other hand, a younger workforce is more than likely to be knowledgeable and comfortable with the mobile phone/PDA style scanner with its ergonomic design and multi-application features similar to the mobile phone in their pocket.  

Both barcode scan guns and phone/PDA scanners make mobile barcode scanning with SAP a possibility in any inventory management workflow. Let’s take a brief look at mobile barcode scanning with SAP by BCC Distribution.

 

Mobile Barcode Scanning With SAP by BCC Distribution

SAP HANA is a powerful software for facilitating mobile barcode scanning with SAP. While teams can acquire this system on their own, having a trusted source for both SAP software and SAP-integrated hardware is necessary for successful implementation. At BCC Distribution, our experts are your team’s liaisons for everything SAP, from fine-tuning your instance of SAP software to ensuring that your team successfully integrates its SAP-enabled hardware. BCC Distribution will be there every step of the way.

At BCC Distribution, our team is ready to help your workforce find the most suitable scanning solution for its operations. With experts at the ready, your company can ask any question and we’ll answer. After all, your scanning capabilities are a major factor in success!

 

Bring Your RF Scanning into the Future With BCC Distribution

With so many barcode scanner options and features available, let us make your decision process easier, contact BCC Distribution today. Our team of experts is ready to help your company transform its inventory management barcode scanning with any of our tailored solutions.

www.BCCDistribution.com

BCC Distribution, Inc

Phone: +1(877)770-7226

Email: info@bccdistribution.com