Equipment

Now let's look at the minimum set of equipment required to work in a warehouse. Here are the key devices that ensure accuracy, speed and control in the warehouse:

1. Computers

Warehouse control center. It has a warehouse system (WMS) installed, through which acceptance, shipment, assembly and printing of documents are processed, so computers will be needed in various places of the warehouse and for various employees. A stationary PC or laptop is usually used. There are no special requirements. Sometimes it makes sense to install computers or a monoblock with a touch screen. For example, on packaging tables. It is often more convenient to poke the screen once than to look for a mouse and keyboard that can get in the way.

2. Data collection terminals (TCD)

TCDs are mobile devices similar to a smartphone with buttons or a touch screen that allow you to scan barcodes, check tasks and exchange data with WMS. They are especially convenient for receiving, assembling and inventory.

In its simplest form, the terminal will look like this:

You can buy a phone and a USB->typeC cable at any mobile phone store in your city, and a scanner at any store selling commercial equipment.

However, this combination does not always work, for it to work, the smartphone must support OTG (USB OTG (from English On-The-Go) is a USB function that is designed to easily connect USB devices to each other without the need for a computer). Check the phone before buying.

But if you want to use smartphones as TSD, then this combination will be ideal:

In this case, a scanner connected to the phone via Bluetooth is used. This can be either a regular, inexpensive scanner or specialized small scanners (for example, attached to a phone or worn on the hand in the form of a ring).

In addition, using such a scanner together with a special phone case attached to the hand will free both hands for work, which, sometimes, can be extremely useful!

And of course, classic TSDs are approximately like this:

3. Barcode scanners

Scanners are used in warehouses for quick and accurate identification of goods by barcodes, especially at the stages of acceptance, assembly and shipment. They speed up the process, reduce the number of errors and integrate with the accounting system.

Scanners are divided into several key types:

1. By connection type

   • Wired scanners
     Connect to a computer or TSD via USB or COM port. Suitable for stationary workplaces (e.g., acceptance area). Reliable, do not require recharging, but are limited by the length of the cable.
   • Wireless scanners
     Work via Bluetooth or radio channel. Provide freedom of movement - convenient when assembling orders or marking pallets. Require charging and are sometimes more expensive.

2. By type of codes read

   • 1D scanners (linear)
     Read standard linear barcodes (EAN, UPC, Code128, etc.). Suitable for most tasks in small warehouses.
   • 2D scanners
     They can read two-dimensional codes, such as QR, DataMatrix and PDF417. They are mandatory when working with the “Honest Sign” marking and other modern systems that use DataMatrix.
   • 3D scanners
     This is already professional equipment, often used in logistics and production. They read the shape and size of an object, can be combined with cameras and sensors. They are almost never used in a standard warehouse.

3. By design

   • Pistol type
     The most common format - comfortable to hold, comfortable to scan. There are models with a trigger (button) or automatic reading when hovering.
   • Desktop/built-in
     Are installed stationary