Brian Graves
VP Sales
ScanOnline has 23 years of experience helping our customers choose the right warehouse management process, systems, and technologies to drive their warehousing and manufacturing business. During that time, vehicle-mounted devices have evolved and changed – but still remain a very important part of most companies’ production and warehouse solutions. We have discovered that selecting the right vehicle-mounted rugged device for warehouse operations requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and compatibility with your specific needs. Here are 13 key considerations to keep in mind:
Durability and Ruggedness: Warehouse environments can be harsh, with exposure to dust, moisture, vibrations, extreme temperature ranges, and potential drops. Ensure that the device is rugged and built to withstand such conditions. Look for rugged enterprise-level devices with MIL-STD-810G or IP65/67/68 ratings for the best dust and water resistance protection.
- Screen Size and Visibility: The device should have a screen size that allows for clear visibility and ease of use, even in varying lighting conditions. Consider factors like screen brightness, outdoor visibility, and anti-glare properties.
- Ergonomics and Mounting Options: The device should be ergonomically designed and easy to mount on forklifts or other warehouse vehicles. Check for compatibility with standard mounting solutions to avoid additional customization costs. Rugged barcode scanners can provide additional flexibility with the device you choose, as it allows end users to use multiple sources (handheld computer and scanner) for scanning without the need to always unmount the receiving handheld device.
- Operating System and Software Compatibility: Choose a device that supports the operating system (OS) you prefer and is compatible with the warehouse management software you use. Common options include Android, Windows, and specialized warehouse management system (WMS) software.
- Connectivity and Communication: Ensure the device supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other necessary connectivity options for seamless communication with the warehouse management system, inventory databases, and other devices.
- Barcode Scanning and RFID Capabilities: If your warehouse heavily relies on barcode scanning or RFID technology, ensure that the device has a built-in scanner or RFID reader that meets your requirements. Fixed industrial scanners are also an option for forklifts.
- Battery Life and Charging Option: Long battery life is crucial to avoid frequent interruptions for charging. Look for devices with hot-swappable batteries or fast charging capabilities.
- Processing Power and Memory: Depending on the complexity of the applications and tasks, consider the processing power and memory capacity of the device to ensure smooth performance. Continued expansion of cloud-based systems makes the onboard memory and processing power less of a key issue.
- Data Capture and Expansion Ports: Check for added ports and slots for expandable storage, accessories, or future technology upgrades.
Integration with Existing Systems: The chosen device should seamlessly integrate with your existing warehouse infrastructure and software to minimize disruptions during implementation. If there is going to be a complete change of process and systems, this obviously leads to a lot more flexibility in the technology choices.
- Training and Support: Consider the availability of training resources and end-user support from the device manufacturer and local integrator to help smooth adoption and address any issues that may arise. ScanOnline, for one, can provide this as-a-service.
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the overall TCO, including maintenance, repair costs, and device lifespan. Ongoing managed support of both software and device hardware is a key and critical element when choosing both devices and partners.
- Scalability: If you plan to expand or upgrade your warehouse operations in the future, choose a device that can scale along with your needs and will be supported for the entire technology cycle of your enterprise.
Taking these considerations into account will help you make an informed decision and select the most suitable vehicle-mounted rugged device for your warehouse operations. Remember to involve key stakeholders and conduct thorough testing or pilot programs before making a final commitment.