Mobile Device Management, or “MDM,” is a general term that refers the collection of processes, software and hardware that are necessary to transfer information safely and reliably between an array of devices.  The wide variety of devices in reference are smartphones, tablet computers, handheld barcode scanners and printers, rugged mobile computers, as well as many other POS (point of sale) devices.  As mobile technology has advanced it has become the backbone of the logistics, manufacturing and warehousing industries.  It is due to this widespread use of mobile technologies that companies look to “Mobile Data Management” to ensure that operations not only run smoothly and efficiently but also securely.  

With the vast array of barcode scanners on the market the questions arises, which on is the best choice for me?  This depends on the capabilities that you need and the environment you plan on using it in.  

Capabilities:

In the past there were only so many types of barcodes that you would need your scanner to read such as UPC, Code 128, and Code 39.  In the present day, with the introduction of 2D barcodes such as QR codes, Data Matrix, etc., there are many more symbologies (languages) that you may need to have the capabilities to read.  Therefore, the first step towards finding the perfect barcode scanner is to decide which types of codes will be utilized in your business.  While it may go against conventional wisdom to purchase a scanner that has more bells and whistles than you need, the new 2D barcode readers may be the best solution.  In addition to reading 2D codes, many of these devices will also read the traditional linear barcodes.

In recent years the marriage of wireless technology and the barcode printer has created competitive advantages for retailers from the front of the store aspect to that of the warehouse.  The ability to print current information from a handheld device has become a critical technology for increasing overall efficiency in retail operations.  Employees can conduct price checks, update pricing for promotions and sales, and verify pricing at the shelf with handheld printers and barcode scanners.  Overall increases in ROI (return on investment) can be realized from higher labor productivity, lower printing costs, and increased customer satisfaction.  For custom items, such as fabric by the foot, a handheld barcode printer allows store associates to print on demand price tags.  With returned items, retailers can print new labels for unused items, as well as print special pricing for opened or slightly damaged items without having to send it back to the warehouse.

Based off of recent media attention given to QR codes as well as RFID technology, one would think that these technologies are the cornerstone of logistics.  Nevertheless, both of these technologies still lag behind the supply chain management stalwart, the barcode.  While barcode technology seems commonplace, it is important to keep in mind that the quality of the barcode itself is essential to its very being.  Given the differences in quality of barcode scanners from one warehouse to the next, ensuring the print quality of the barcode, can offset many of the issues that could arise out of a misread or unreadable barcode.  The way to attack this problem head on is by going to the source, the barcode printers.

Manufacturing industry is undergoing a major Blue Ocean^TM shift in data collection strategy with Enterprise Mobility Solutions plunging into the market. The most established areas of mobile barcode scanners deployed in the manufacturing industry are the supply chain division with results that have been realized. Key areas are and remain: the warehouse (inventory management) & logistics (shipping and delivery).

Making the right business decision requires data from collaborative reporting. Every Warehouse Management Solution (WMS) utilizes a different strategy when considering how to generate reports, as well as what mobile barcode scanners & barcode label printers to use throughout their application.   The Microsoft technology stack includes utilization of Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) for generating real-time reports, hardcopy reports, process documents and barcode labeling to meet your requirements, all within a Warehouse Management Solution.   This provides numerous benefits for customers including:

Home Hardware Stores Limited (HHSL) has more than 1,070 retail locations across Canada and is an independent retailer for hardware, lumber, building materials and furniture.  Relying on precise management of its inventory, HHSL was faced with a dilemma when the company was outgrowing their current rugged mobile devices.  They needed to explore options in which a solution could be found for increasing productivity, easing operations and maximizing inventory control. 

As the bar code industry continues to rapidly grow and change.  Who’s who in the bar code industry?  Here is a quick review of the industry’s top players. 

Information, news and updates about data collection and barcoding technologies.