Overhead Hands-free Barcode Reading

In logistics operations, achieving optimal productivity and efficiency are often the two main performance metrics. Increased demand has put pressure on retail and e-commerce fulfillment facilities to maintain scalable performance and throughput. One way to achieve this is through overhead hands-free barcode reading systems which offer a varitey of advantages:

– Station flexibility: Ability to handle a variety of box sizes and operator heights thanks to dynamic focus length and high resolution sensor. Ability to read a variety of code sizes and types at once
– Operator well-being: Scanning motion that allows’operators to use both hands allowing them to work switly and safely. This has proven to be ergonomically safer and reduces the risk of parcels being dropped or damaged. In addition, ‘always on” lights reduce operator fatigue.
– Clear visual indicators for read or unread codes.
– Decreased maintenance or replacement cost: no moving parts or accessories that could get damaged or lost.

Cognex fixed-mount image-based barcode readers mounted in an overhead configuration read barcodes quickly and accurately, even if they are damaged or torn, using advanced algorithms and decoding technology. Rugged solid-state construction delivers consistent results in the toughest environments. Enter for a chance to win an overhead barcode reading station, including one DataMan 374 barcode reader with mounting bracket, power supply, torch light, cables and set-up onsite.

HandScanner: Smallest, Lightest Wearable Scanner

Datalogic, a global leader in the automatic data capture and factory automation markets, is pleased to announce the launch of the new HandScanner™, the smallest and lightest non-intrusive hands-free scanner designed to streamline workers’ daily operations. This wearable allows workers to use both hands to pick items or packages faster and increase their productivity dramatically

The HandScanner allows workers to be faster, more efficient and improve the quality of their work, saving 4 seconds per scan and cutting reading errors by up to 33%.

The ergonomic design of the HandScanner delivers higher 1D and 2D barcode scanning accuracy, faster scanning times and drastically reduces errors. Workers can easily interact with objects while wearing the HandScanner, as it comfortably adapts to the operators’ natural movement. In addition, users are notified for each successful scan with optical, acoustic, and haptic technology feedback, so they can quickly proceed to the next step.

Compared to ring scanners, the HandScanner is thinner and has the unique advantage of being positioned on the back of the hand. Unlike a ring scanner that is held on the fingers of the worker, the HandScanner is not intrusive, more resistant, and is not exposed to bumps at every movement. Any kind of environment benefits from the HandScanner. Markets such as Transportation and Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail, and Healthcare will benefit from its flexibility and versatility. Workers can perform, among other applications, picking, packing, palletizing, receiving, sorting, shipping, store inventory, price checking, assembly, replenishment, finished product verification, pharmaceutical and laboratory warehouse management.

Customers can optimize the HandScanner’s capabilities by choosing the model that best suits their business requirements. The HandScanner is available in two versions: the “Standard range” is designed for close range scanning, between 10 to 80 cm / 3.9 to 31.4 inch, and fits well for Manufacturing, Retail and Healthcare applications. The ‘Mid-range’ model has a 30 to 150 cm / 11.8 to 59 inch scanning range and is the perfect solution for Transportation & Logistics environments like warehouses, plant floors, docks, and stock yards.

Workers can use a charged device for much longer than a full working shift. The HandScanner is designed to be always up and running. The battery runs up to 15 hours and 10,000 scans and is fully recharged in only 2 hours with its 2-slot charging station.

When staff are scanning while at static, semi-static or dynamic workstations, the data transfers automatically to a connected smartphone, mobile or industrial computer or tablet through Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity.

Paired with Datalogic mobile computers the HandScanner helps streamline processes to eliminate wasted time and steps. The HandScanner is easily coupled with Datalogic handheld (i.e. Memor™ 10 and Memor 20) and vehicle mount computers (i.e. Rhino™ II), providing workers with a complete and top performing solution for data collection.

Advantages to Andoid over Windows CE, say Denso

Windows CE is due to be discontinued in 2022. Denso Wave Europe, mobile data collection expert, believes the Android operating systems is advantageous.

There is an increased risk of software viruses for Windows CE users. Also, the functional guarantee will expire from March 2022,” explains Dirk Gelbrich, General Manager Technical Department at Denso Wave Europe. “We know this problem. We help our customers, for example in retail and logistics, switch from Windows CE to Android as the new operating system.”

Denso’s latest mobile data collection devices such as the BHT-1700 and BHT-1800, are equipped with Android as the operating system, thus offer stability for the future.

Windows CE has long been the standard operating system for mobile data collection devices. However, there has been a noticeable change in the past five years towards devices based on Android.  

Why have so many Windows CE users already switched to Android? Denso Wave sees one of the reasons in the possibility of adding to existing Windows systems without any problems. Other important factors are the extended security features of the Android operating system and the rapidly growing number of innovative devices with Android.

Gelbrich explains another strong advantage of Android: “With Android as the operating system, updates are continuously possible, which means that companies can plan with a stable system for the future.” In addition to stability and consistency, the flexibility of and with Android is an important factor for numerous companies, for example from the logistics or retail sector. “The compatibility with other devices and software is ideal with Android, so that the device management in a company can be carried out very easily. Employees save time, money and effort,” Gelbrich continues.

The Android operating system is an open source platform, meaning that the Android OS enables a quick reaction to new functionalities. Thus, the software can be adapted to the needs of a company. For example, a retailer uses an Android device in different areas than a logistician. With the BHT-1700 handheld terminal or BHT-1800 handheld terminal, equipped with Android, users remain flexible in the long term.

Overall, it is crucial to take the development – away from Windows CE to Android – into account in all planning processes. “When choosing a new operating system, the focus should be on the performance and security of the respective operating system,” recommends Gelbrich. Together with their European partner network, Denso helps migrate existing applications for customers in the logistics or retail sector. For new projects, users could benefit from Denso’s Android devices such as the BHT-1700 or BHT-1800.

The BHT-1700 handheld terminal combines the advantages of an extra-large, shatter-proof screen with the usual input via keyboard. The BHT-1800 handheld terminal offers an extra-large 5-inch display, but without a keyboard. The angled scan head and several quick access keys ensure easy operation. Users can always keep track of things with these mobile computers equipped with Android.

 

 

Advantages to Andoid over Windows CE, say Denso

Windows CE is due to be discontinued in 2022. Denso Wave Europe, mobile data collection expert, believes the Android operating systems is advantageous.

There is an increased risk of software viruses for Windows CE users. Also, the functional guarantee will expire from March 2022,” explains Dirk Gelbrich, General Manager Technical Department at Denso Wave Europe. “We know this problem. We help our customers, for example in retail and logistics, switch from Windows CE to Android as the new operating system.”

Denso’s latest mobile data collection devices such as the BHT-1700 and BHT-1800, are equipped with Android as the operating system, thus offer stability for the future.

Windows CE has long been the standard operating system for mobile data collection devices. However, there has been a noticeable change in the past five years towards devices based on Android.  

Why have so many Windows CE users already switched to Android? Denso Wave sees one of the reasons in the possibility of adding to existing Windows systems without any problems. Other important factors are the extended security features of the Android operating system and the rapidly growing number of innovative devices with Android.

Gelbrich explains another strong advantage of Android: “With Android as the operating system, updates are continuously possible, which means that companies can plan with a stable system for the future.” In addition to stability and consistency, the flexibility of and with Android is an important factor for numerous companies, for example from the logistics or retail sector. “The compatibility with other devices and software is ideal with Android, so that the device management in a company can be carried out very easily. Employees save time, money and effort,” Gelbrich continues.

The Android operating system is an open source platform, meaning that the Android OS enables a quick reaction to new functionalities. Thus, the software can be adapted to the needs of a company. For example, a retailer uses an Android device in different areas than a logistician. With the BHT-1700 handheld terminal or BHT-1800 handheld terminal, equipped with Android, users remain flexible in the long term.

Overall, it is crucial to take the development – away from Windows CE to Android – into account in all planning processes. “When choosing a new operating system, the focus should be on the performance and security of the respective operating system,” recommends Gelbrich. Together with their European partner network, Denso helps migrate existing applications for customers in the logistics or retail sector. For new projects, users could benefit from Denso’s Android devices such as the BHT-1700 or BHT-1800.

The BHT-1700 handheld terminal combines the advantages of an extra-large, shatter-proof screen with the usual input via keyboard. The BHT-1800 handheld terminal offers an extra-large 5-inch display, but without a keyboard. The angled scan head and several quick access keys ensure easy operation. Users can always keep track of things with these mobile computers equipped with Android.

 

 

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