Things to Consider When Selecting the Best Barcode Scanners for Your Business 

Since their release in the early 1970s, barcode scanners have streamlined supply chains worldwide — allowing manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and retail businesses to expand operational mobility. From tracking inventory to capturing order information to processing sales transactions, this technology has been a game-changer — allowing teams to collect data and keep inventory moving with the pull of a trigger.  

Unfortunately, you can’t just purchase a handheld barcode scanner off the shelf and call it a day. There is an extensive market with tons of options depending on your use cases and preferences.

The good news is that SMG3 can help navigate the terrain! Here are six things you should consider before purchasing your next barcode scanner:

1. Types of Barcodes Being Scanned

Your device is obsolete if your team can’t scan the barcodes in front of them. And not all barcode labels are created equal. It’s why you need to consider the formats and paper your operation uses. For instance, are you using direct thermal labels or something more durable like thermal transfer labels?  

And how about the barcode itself? Do you have 1D, 2D, or QR codes? These questions determine the types of scanners you should pursue, such as laser scanners, 2D imagers, pen-type scanners, or camera-based readers.

2. Ruggedness and Durability

Odds are that your handheld barcode scanners will be dropped a few times throughout their lifecycle. Between user recklessness and fierce supply chain rigors, you want to ensure your device can withstand the harshest elements.

Otherwise, you’ll constantly hit bottlenecks and overpay to replace busted equipment.  

Rugged Android barcode scanners, for example, are specifically designed for maximum durability in the workplace. They’re particularly great for harsh environments such as facilities with a lot of dust, temperature fluctuations, and physical stress on devices.

3. Compatibility with IT Infrastructure and Security Needs 

Technology powers your operation: Inventory management systems, ERP software, CRMs, plus logistics and supply chain planning tools. But it’s not just the tech stack to consider. There’s also a nexus between Wi-Fi and barcode scanners. 

Do the devices meet your compatibility and Wi-Fi standards? Can they deploy the proper security protocols and protect scanning data throughout the network?

Ultimately, you need barcode scanners that seamlessly integrate with your existing systems — letting you avoid costly deployment issues, optimize scanning performance, and maximize ROI for your devices.  

4. Connectivity with Operations and Environment  

Similar to compatibility with your IT network, how will your handheld barcode scanners integrate with the operations and facility? Whether you warehouse out of a football-field-size facility or sell products as a boutique retailer, your scanners should match the environment. Some considerations include:

• Typical scanning distance and angle → Determines scanning range requirements  
• The volume of inventory managed → Determines scanning speed and capacity needs
• Mobility preferences → Determines whether you need wired or wireless scanning and lightweight options that are easy to carry around
• User duration → Determines battery life and power requirements

There’s also the general application in the operation. Are you scanning to monitor inventory, manage the point of sales, track delivery status, or all the above? Android barcode scanners, for example, are notorious for enhancing business operations for various use cases and industries.  

5. Ease of Use

A seamless experience with barcode scanners means higher adoption rates for users — leading to satisfaction and productivity. That said, your devices should offer ergonomics that make them comfortable while in use, such as lightweight design, contoured grip, balanced weight distribution, and easy-to-press buttons. There should be a minimal learning curve so teams can get the most from their devices quickly.

The best way to maximize ease of use: Talk with end users to understand their preferences and get their buy-in before purchasing.

6. Purchase Budget

Finally, we must address the reality of cost — and it’s not just the initial purchase to consider. The total cost of ownership, including maintenance, licenses, supplement software, and device replacement, can eat into your bottom line.

So set a reasonable budget for your devices considering both the hardware and the entire mobile device management (MDM) process.

Get the Best Barcode Scanners for Your Business with an Expert MDM Provider

While these purchase considerations are vital to getting your business the right barcode scanners, you can also boost mobile performance by partnering with a mobility strategy expert. The expert team at SMG3, for instance, helps you navigate the market for Android barcode scanners based on budget, use cases, and product needs. But it doesn’t stop there — SMG3 can also craft a customized-for-your-business Android strategy that maximizes your barcode scanning ROI and streamlines operations.

Schedule a Needs Assessment to learn how SMG3 EDGE can deliver budget-friendly barcode scanners that are long-lasting, easy to use, and fit seamlessly with your operations and tech stack.
And if you’re ready to get more from your Android barcode scanners, download our complete guide on building a comprehensive Android strategy for insights on deploying and managing mobile devices running on Android operating systems.