Many of the manufacturers, warehouse operators and retailers we’ve spoken with lately feel like they’ve hit a wall, at least when it comes to inventory management. That’s because many are limited in their barcode scanning capabilities both inside and outside the four walls – and limited exclusively to trigger-pull data capture with the scanners they have now.
Some are using legacy devices that can only scan a single barcode at a time. Others are trying to make do with devices that weren’t built for all day use in retail or industrial environments. And some don’t have the ability to read damaged, faded, wrinkled or otherwise imperfect barcodes from any distance…with any device.
On top of that, it’s challenging to find an indestructible handheld barcode scanner that features a simple-to-use keypad and display. Workers need to be able to scan a barcode, input quantity and/or location data, and move on to the next scan in seconds – without having to take days to learn how to use the device.
And though mobile computers with built-in barcode scanners, keypads and color displays technically fit the bill by allowing workers to input all data in one place, at one time, not everyone is going to have the resources or interest to write new applications for each workflow – something required with a mobile computing solution. Many would prefer an out-of-the-box software kit that can get workers up and running quickly. Plus, there’s typically less of a learning curve for workers with barcode scanners, as the functions are simplified compared to a more fully featured handheld mobile computer or tablet.
That’s why I suspect the new Zebra DS3600-KD Ultra-Rugged Scanner is going to be so well received by supply chain organizations worldwide.
Just released today, it relieves many of the pain points our customers have reported when trying to fulfill orders and optimize the customer experience in today’s high-pressure omnichannel world.
One of the new capabilities of the DS3600-KD scanner that your workers will appreciate is the ability to input item quantity and location data on the same device they’re using to capture barcode data. They no longer have to walk to the nearest host device to add that additional information or scan an item multiple times to indicate the correct quantity – both of which unnecessarily extend the time it takes to complete each task. They should be able to scan, key in data, and move on within seconds – and now they can. The DS3600-KD comes with five pre-built applications that enable them to use the built-in keypad and color display to:
Better yet, they’ll be able to do all these things quite comfortably. The ergonomic keypad is designed for easy one-handed operation, even with gloves, and the accompanying color display provides the modern and intuitive experience today’s workers expect.
Just as importantly, they’ll be able to find their rhythm knowing their devices will work reliably no matter how much they’re used or where they’re used.
Workers’ devices get dropped all the time. (We’re only human.) And depending on the environment in which they’re being used, they’re probably subjected to constant contact with dirt, dust, grease, grime, water and other things that don’t mesh well with electronics. Even high humidity and extreme temperatures can be harmful to many devices. That’s why Zebra takes great care to design barcode scanners (and other business-critical devices) that can withstand rough handling and harsh conditions – and why we specifically built the new DS3600-KD scanner to have the most indestructible design in its class.
You are most likely going to give your workers the DS3600-KD for picking, work in process, point of sale (POS) or inventory management tasks. They are going to be moving fast, and they’re going to be moving around a lot. There is also going to be a lot of movement around them – colleagues, cobots, carts and forklifts – and an accidental bump or two of the scanner is bound to happen. If they’re working near a loading dock, the climate is going to vary seasonally. And if they’re going in and out of refrigerated or frozen areas within your facility, the climate conditions are going to change fast.
So, we made sure the DS3600-KD – like all 3600 Series scanners – is ready for anything it may encounter. In fact, we’ve now reinforced all 3600 Series scanners to new ultra-rugged standards. For example, they have always been able to survive sub-zero temperatures, blazing heat, some serious 8 ft./2.4 m drops and up to 5,000 tumbles. But now they can endure multiple 10 ft/3 m drops onto concrete and up to 7,500 tumbles, too, in addition to those extreme temperature variances. They are also 100% dustproof, a bonus in any type of environment. And not that we expect anyone to go swimming with these scanners, but they can be fully submerged and handle the force of jetting water thanks to they’re enhanced IP65/IP68 rating*. Yes, even the DS3600-KD will come out swimmingly, with its built-in keypad and color display! (No pun intended.)
We didn’t stop at the device, either. The cradles are IP65-sealed, and the cables – which support IP65/IP68 sealing – are freezer ready! Nothing will stop these scanners, or your workers, from getting the job done. In fact, they’ll probably be able to get through tasks faster than ever, and far more comfortably than they would if they didn’t have the keypad and color display.
Customers want frictionless shopping experiences and fast fulfillment, and the success of your business depends on your ability to deliver both. But when you think about what it takes to increase the speed of picking, POS, work in process or inventory management actions, it all comes back to faster, more accurate data capture which, in many cases, boils down to faster barcode scans.
So, we’ve engineered all 3600 Series scanners, including the DS3600-KD, with DataCapture DNA, Zebra’s exclusive software ecosystem, and other important features to help speed up multiple business processes and minimize the risk of missteps that could slow things down. Together, these software and hardware elements simplify literally every stage of the scanning experience over the life of your scanner by…
In other words, several of the scanning-related problems you were facing yesterday are finally solvable! (And with a single indestructible scanner, no less.)
Is the DS3600-KD the Scanner That Will Help You Overcome Your Current Data Capture Challenges?
The Zebra DS3600-KD is the only ultra-rugged cordless scanner on the market that comes with a built-in keypad and color display. And the DataCapture DNA tools are exclusive to Zebra. So, it is truly a one-of-a-kind solution, and the best solution for your most scan-intense workflows in your most work extreme environments – especially if workers do need to be able to add location data or view images on the display before submitting.
Circling back to something I said earlier: there are mobile computers that have built-in barcode scanners, keypads, and color displays that might look like a comparable, or even better, option on paper. And perhaps they will ultimately be the right way to go. However, the only way to know for certain whether it’s better to give your workers handheld barcode scanners or mobile computers is to consult with a technology solution provider who can assess your individual needs within the context of current and planned applications, environmental conditions and more. If you have a Zebra representative, I encourage you to reach out to learn more about the DS3600-KD and our other ultra-rugged scanners. Or you can contact your local team here.
###
Matthew Petito is currently a Senior Product Manager at Zebra Technologies where he is responsible for Zebra’s 3600 Series Ultra-Rugged Scanners. Matthew has more than five years of experience within the Industrial Data Capture industry and has launched several products while at Zebra. Matthew holds a BS in Business from The University at Buffalo.