In today’s fast paced warehouse environment, efficiency is key to success. A well optimized barcode scanning system streamlines operations, enhances accuracy, reduces errors, and boosts productivity. But how many scanners and mobile devices does your warehouse actually need? In this blog, we’ll walk through the key factors to consider so you can maximize efficiency while keeping costs under control.
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Why Scanners and Mobile Devices Are Essential for Warehouse Efficiency
Gone are the days of using pen and paper for tracking inventory. Today, modern warehouses depend on warehouse management systems, barcode scanners, and mobile devices to maintain accurate, real-time inventory records. These tools help warehouse managers monitor goods from receiving to shipping, reducing human error, and improving overall efficiency.
With real time visibility, warehouse staff can quickly locate stock, prevent order delays, and ensure that every item is accounted for at all times. This is key to running a high performing, customer-focused warehouse.
The Impact of Efficient Scanning on Productivity
Barcode scanning isn’t just about tracking inventory. It directly impacts productivity.
Manual data entry and searching for misplaced items slow down operations. With barcode scanners and other mobile devices, workers can instantly update inventory records. This speeds up receiving, putaway, and order fulfillment while reducing errors. Faster processing means fewer shipping mistakes and improved customer satisfaction.
Additionally, optimized scanning helps balance inventory levels, preventing stockouts or overstocking, reducing carrying costs and ensuring a smoother supply chain.
Choosing the Right Type of Scanners for Your Warehouse
Selecting the right scanners is crucial for maximizing efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and when to use them:
- Handheld Scanners: These portable devices are flexible and easy to use. They are good for many tasks like receiving, storing, picking, and shipping items.
- Wearable Scanners: Unlike traditional handheld barcode scanners, wearable scanners are attached to the user’s finger, wrist, or glove, allowing them to scan barcodes while keeping their hands free to handle materials or operate equipment. These scanners are ideal in a high volume, high SKU count, fast- paced environment.
- RFID Readers: These use radio waves to send data. They can scan many tags at the same time, making them great for tracking a lot of inventory and managing assets.
Choosing the best type of scanner depends on your warehouse layout and environment, type and volume of inventory, usage, and speed requirements, plus your budget.
Assess Your Warehouse’s Needs
Before determining what type of scanners and how many you need, analyze your warehouse’s specific requirements.
- How big is your warehouse? Is it in a harsh environment? (e.g., dusty, cold storage, outdoors)
- What type of inventory do you handle and how much inventory do you process and move daily?
- How many employees in each area (e.g., receiving, shipping, production) handle materials?
- How many employees on the floor will be picking and moving materials with forklifts?
These factors will have a direct impact on the number of devices required.
Analyze Your Warehouse Environment
Consider your warehouse size and environment. How big is your warehouse? How is it set up? In large warehouses, giving each worker their own device can work better than having a few devices shared among many.
The way your warehouse is arranged is also important. If you store inventory on multiple levels, have narrow hallways or use separate areas for receiving and shipping, you may need a variety of devices. Smaller, handheld models or wearables might be better suited for tight or confined spaces. Long-range scanners are essential for scanning inventory from forklifts or across racks at greater distances.
If your warehouse is in a harsh environment that is dusty, has cold storage, or is outdoors, you may need industrial scanners with rugged designs that can withstand drops, spills, or extreme temperatures.
Look at Inventory Volume and Scanner Demand
Next, figure out how many items need to be scanned each day or hour to meet your operational needs. If you have a busy warehouse and goods are always coming in or you process a large number of orders per day, you will need more devices with a longer battery life. How many employees in each area of the warehouse (e.g., shipping, receiving, production) are handling materials? How long do you need scanner batteries to last per shift before they require recharging?
Look at the type of inventory you have. Do you manage a high volume of small items that are scanned at close range, or do you manage a high volume of larger items that are stored on upper racks and scanned at a greater distance from the floor or a forklift?
The main goal is to make it easy to use tools and help workers move around smoothly. This way, you can save time and increase efficiency.
Consider Your Workforce Requirements
Your workforce also plays a key role in deciding the type and number of scanners you need. Think carefully about how your workers perform their jobs and how they will utilize scanners.
Assess Usage and Workflow
Will your workers scan inventory at a fixed workstation with high scanning volumes? A fixed position scanner may be the way to go. If your workers are on the go and need scanners with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi that connect to tablets or mobile computers, cordless scanners improve mobility but may require charging stations. If your workers need to scan items hands-free, then wearable scanners could help improve productivity.
Don’t forget to consider device ergonomics and scanning volume. Staff who will perform rapid, continuous scanning for extended periods need lightweight, easy-to-use models that help reduce fatigue and lower the chances of repetitive strain injuries.
Skill Levels and Training Needs for Device Operation
When you get new scanners or mobile devices, consider their ergonomic design, ease of use, your workers’ skill levels, and provide proper training focused on their skill levels so that they feel good using the devices correctly. By investing in good training and ergonomic design, you boost employee productivity and reduce mistakes.
Integrating Scanners with Your Warehouse Management System (WMS)
When you connect scanners with your warehouse management system (WMS), think about the return on investment. A smooth link between your barcode scanners and WMS can boost efficiency and accuracy in inventory management, particularly with order picking and managing stock levels. While ease of use and ergonomics are important, their ability to work in real-time is crucial. This integration helps warehouse managers and operators keep accurate inventory levels, plus improve warehouse visibility and operations.
Compatibility and Connectivity Issues
Before you buy any devices, make sure they work with your warehouse management system (WMS). Check if they can use the required communication protocols. Also, see if you need any extra software to connect them. A warehouse management system uses mobile technology and needs real-time data to function well.
Problems with connectivity can cause big issues. So, it is important to have strong Wi-Fi in your warehouse to prevent any drops in connection. Look for scanners and mobile devices that have good connectivity options like dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This way, your data can flow without interruption.
Automating Workflow Processes
Use scanners and mobile devices to make your warehouse work easier. For example, you can add warehouse scanning to your receiving process. This helps update inventory automatically when items come in. Mobile devices can also help workers get the latest order information and improve their picking paths.
Make your shipping process easier with mobile printing tools. These tools let workers print labels and packing slips wherever they are. By automating these steps, you can cut down on extra work and lower the chances of making mistakes.
Calculate the Optimal Number of Devices
To determine the best number of devices, evaluate the costs and benefits while considering your budget. Think about how much you will spend compared to the money you will save due to better accuracy, lower labor costs, and greater efficiency.
Also, think about the long-term benefits of using scanners and mobile devices. These can help you see your inventory better and make smarter choices.
Determine the Number of Operators
Think about how many warehouse workers will use scanners at the same time. If you have multiple shifts or a big team, you need enough devices to cover them. This way, everyone can use a scanner when they need it. It helps avoid delays and issues from sharing.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Scanner Acquisition
Before buying a scanner, make sure to do a full cost-benefit analysis. Think about how much you will spend on the devices. This means looking at the prices for hardware, software, and any fees for getting everything set up.
After that, determine how much money you will save from lower labor costs because the work gets done faster with fewer mistakes, less waste, no duplicate data entry, and happier customers. Also, keep in mind the long-term advantages of using scanners and mobile devices.
Using scanners and warehouse management software like riteSCAN Mobile Warehouse for SYSPRO, provide real-time visibility while being durable enough to handle the demands of warehouse operations, ensuring your investment pays off in the long run.
Conclusion
Determining how many scanners and mobile devices you need in your warehouse comes down to understanding your space, inventory, workforce, and technological integration. By analyzing these factors, you can identify the optimal number of devices to improve your warehouse’s efficiency and productivity. With the right scanners and smart, simple warehouse management and time tracking solutions like riteSCAN Mobile Warehouse for SYSPRO and riteTIME, you can streamline workflows, enhance inventory accuracy, and improve overall operations in your warehouse.
With nearly 20 years of experience and thousands of users worldwide, we’re committed to helping manufacturers and distributors optimize their operations and stay ahead of the curve. Ready to experience the riteSOFT difference? Contact us for a demo or free trial today and take the first step towards more efficient and profitable warehouse operations.