Summary: The use of tablets is on the rise in AIDC environments, and thus organizations have to do a proper analysis of their barcode scanning requirements. Integrated scanners are found in some tablets, but for the applications that require continuous scanning or long-range scanning, external USB or Bluetooth scanners are more advantageous. The combination of rugged tablets with specially designed scanners plus mobile device management results in an increase in productivity, flexibility, and safe data gathering.
As the tablet market continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly common for end users to examine how they can incorporate tablets into their current data collection solutions. Solutions that utilize barcode scanning and RFID technology have been particularly active in adapting to the tablet trend. Although rugged tablets are the future of AIDC technology, due to the productivity that can be achieved with the larger form factor, we believe many considerations must be made when implementing a barcode scanning application within a tablet solution.
Barcode is the most common form of data collection. A barcode is a group of patterned bars and spaces that are designed to be scanned and read in order to obtain information about the object that the barcode is placed on. When considering 1D vs 2D scanner technology, different barcode formats require different scanning capabilities. A variety of manufacturers offer tablets that have a barcode scanner directly integrated into the tablet. However, depending on whether a 1D vs 2D scanner is used, performance and usability may vary. Due to the size and form factor of a tablet computer, it may be difficult to target the scan engine to scan a large number of barcode labels at a quick rate, which decreases the productivity of the tablet operator.
When an application is going to be scan-intensive and/or requires reading barcodes from a long distance, integrated scanning solutions may not be ideal. Luckily, traditional handheld scanners can have direct communication with a tablet computer via USB or Bluetooth.
USB scanning solutions refer to the process of utilizing a USB cord that attaches a barcode scanner to a tablet and allows for the scanned information to be transmitted to the tablet directly. Bluetooth scanning solutions allow the handheld barcode scanner and the tablet to communicate via Bluetooth. Many end users prefer this method for scan-intensive applications because it does not require an additional cord to be connected to the tablet. Also, with this type of solution, the end user can walk away from the tablet to scan an item and still be able to have real-time communication with the barcode scanner. When combined with mobile device management solutions, these scanning options can be efficiently monitored, managed, and secured, ensuring seamless operation across all devices in an enterprise environment.
Many traditional barcode scanning vendors are creating new scanning products that are smaller in size and weight and easily pair with tablets running the Android, iOS, or Microsoft Windows operating systems. The fact that these newer scanning technologies are emerging on the market demonstrates the need to pair the two products together in scan-intensive applications.
To learn if your tablet/scanning workflow would require an external scanner, contact your AIDC systems integrator and walk through your workflow or ask for recommendations on what solutions setup would provide the most productivity.
Frequently asked questions
Tablets are the happiest of all because they offer larger screens, better user-friendliness, and versatile usage, and so they are now the favorite for modern data generation and workflow applications.
Not at all! There are situations where integrated scanners might not be able to deliver the required performance in terms of speed, precision, and range, which occurs in environments with intensive scanning.
When a lot of scanning goes on, the scanner has to work over a long distance, or if the workflow needs faster and more comfortable scanning, then the external scanner comes into play.
That USB scanners are now directly connected through cable is old information. On the other hand, Bluetooth scanners have the advantage of wireless mobility so that users can scan while away from the tablet.
Organizations can tap the power of mobile device management (MDM) solutions to keep tabs on, protect, and manage not just tablets but also the paired scanners all over the corporate landscape.
A Horizons Talent Alumnus and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), the author brings a proven track record of success in senior shared-services leadership roles within large, complex multinational organizations, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
With deep experience at Senior Manager level, they have led strategic customer relationships by understanding core business imperatives, shaping service and solution propositions, and delivering measurable business outcomes.
