Yesterday we provided information about bar code imagers and the applications they’re best suited for.  As promised, today we’re taking a closer look at laser bar code scanners.

Laser bar code scanners read bar codes with a laser beam that is moved back and forth across a code by oscillating mirrors.  Laser bar code scanners can only read 1D bar codes and not 2D symbols like imagers.  One of the major advantages that laser scanners have over linear imagers is their read range.  Laser scanners are capable of reading up to 36 feet away and their narrow beam can support a wide variety of depths of field.  Fixed position laser scanners also boast a snappy scan speed of about 600-1800 scans per second.  The benefits that laser scanners offer make these devices perfect for applications such as:

• Long-range scanning in warehouses or distribution centers
• Stationary scanners for conveyor belts

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cordless laser bar code scanners designed for use in extreme environments.

It’s time for a little data capture 101.  Today we’re going to take a closer look at bar code imagers and tomorrow we’ll provide more information about laser bar code scanners and make some comparisons.

Unlike a typical laser scanner, linear imagers use CCD (Charged Coupled Device) technology to capture the bars and spaces in a bar code and convert them into a video signal.  Rather than using oscillating mirrors to capture the data of a bar code, linear imagers utilize LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and a lens to focus the image of the bar code onto the CCD component.  This solid state design with no moving parts is the main reason that linear imagers are considered more reliable than standard laser scanners.

The lack of moving parts also provides a fast scan rate of 200-500 scans per second.  Linear imagers can read 1D and 2D codes and are also capable of reading a thicker portion of a bar code, so they provide better reads of damaged or poorly printed codes.  But even with all of these benefits, linear imagers are best suited for specific types of applications.  The major drawback to linear imagers is their inability to scan at long ranges.  Because of this, linear imagers are best suited for applications such as:

• Retail POS
• Inventory management
• Order picking
• Production line replenishment

If your application doesn’t require a long scan range than you may want to take advantage of the numerous benefits offered by linear imagers.  Check back tomorrow to learn more about laser bar code scanners and their capabilities.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cordless linear imagers built for extreme environments.

Mobile solutions can be deployed for core warehouse processes and will transform your warehouse by reducing errors and increasing productivity.  Here is a brief list of some of the processes that can be improved with mobility solutions.

Receiving- automatic data capture eliminates paperwork, reduces errors and incoming shipments are automatically identified and reconciled.

Put-away- electronic put-away orders are sent directly to mobile devices to ensure items are put-away in the right location in the least amount of time.

Sorting- wearable mobile computers improve productivity by allowing automatic access to the order database so errors are reduced and workers can sort more packages per hour.

Picking- real-time access to inventory systems enables the delivery of electronic picking tickets to mobile devices that include the pick list, fastest route to items and with automatic data capture you can verify the right item has been picked instantly.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about warehouse mobility solutions.

In our Dec. 12th post we introduced the topic of wearable mobile terminals and described the ways that hands-free mobile computing can increase efficiency in warehouse and distribution environments.  Motorola recently announced the release of the new WT4090 VOW – Voice Only Wearable Terminal, which is designed to increase productivity with hands-free voice-directed mobile computing.  The WT4090 VOW features include:

• Rugged design for use in extreme environments
• Wide temperature range, making it ideal for coolers and freezers
• Support for voice-recognition and text-to-speech engines
• Compatibility with Motorola wearable scanners

You can learn more about the specific features of the WT4090 Here.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about Warehouse and Distribution Solutions and the hardware designed to increase productivity in these environments.