Please browse the links to the right to see a range of products from each of the manufacturers, alternatively email us with your requirements and we'll be happy to source your hardware for you.
Choosing Which Type Of Handheld Scanning Device Is Best For You
The broad spectrum of handheld devices has certainly increased the choices available, and choosing a device will come down to a number of factors.
You have some primary considerations to make, and then the choices are broken down further as you will see below.
Primary Considerations
Rugged vs consumer - Total cost of ownership - How long are the units to be deployed and supported.
The question of rugged vs consumer isn't solely based upon the rugged device being more durable.
Rugged devices also have a far greater production commitment from the manufacturers, typically spanning several years with a further 3 years support after end of life.
What maintenance support options might be required?
The top-tier brands have manufacturer based contracts with strong offerings for turnaround and inclusive repair options.
Selecting A Handheld Data Terminal Device
First of all, we would loosely categorise handheld terminals into two groups:
(i) In-premise (i.e. warehouses, factories, hospitals - typically working in a Wi-Fi environment).
(ii) Mobile worker (i.e. users out in the field - such as delivery drivers, engineers, utility workers/meter reading, healthcare providers).
Devices typically require GPRS/3G communications.
1. In -premise handheld devices - Selection criteria, is usually key-dominant style i.e. larger keypad area
(i) Scan engine - short range or near/far (will read close up and long range) -1D and/or 2D barcodes
(ii) Keyboard - Numeric or alpha-numeric (also, are large keys required for gloved hand use)
(iii) Pistol grip or 'brick' style
(iv) Environment/conditions - temperature/dusty/indoors and outdoors (LXE for instance have freezer-rated devices. Others are IP67 rated)
(v) Is a camera required e.g. to capture damaged goods or oversized deliveries
(vi) Handheld or fork tuck use
(vii) Software - most Wi-Fi devices use a terminal emulation client
(viii) Wireless coverage - RF site survey recommended to ensure performance
2. Mobile devices - Selection criteria - Usually a PDA form factor
(i) Scan engine - usual choice in a PDA unit is 1D and/or 2D
(ii) Keyboard - Numeric or alpha-numeric
(iii) Vehicle use or is the unit to be carried for long periods? Considerations are:
Battery life required
Weight/size (some units are lighter and smaller than others)
(iv) Is GPS required - for Sat nav (although this is becoming more standard on PDA devices)
(v) Software - consider applications required - introduce an ISV (we are able to recommend several)
(vi) What installation considerations are there - in-vehicle cradle installation/power from cigarette lighter or vehicle battery
Other considerations:
(i) Is there a portable printing requirement - either receipts or labels
(ii) Maintenance contract options
Choosing Which Type Of Thermal Printing Device Is Best For You
If you are contemplating the purchase of a dedicated variable data printer, in order to select the correct type please consider these questions.
What type of print technology would suit you best? Direct thermal or thermal transfer.
What are the intended uses and sizes of the labels/ tags you need to print?
How frequently do label/ tag specifications change and what is your expected daily label output?
What resolution, speed and anticipated duty cycles are required?
Will the printers be connected to a network or stand-alone machines?
How fast do you need your printer to be and where does it need to be located?
In what kind of environment will the labels/ printer(s) operate (temperature fluctuation, vibration, high humidity, exposure to chemicals etc.)?
We trust that the above information will be helpful to you when you are considering your handheld and printer hardware needs.
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