Handscanner
Also: Handscanner, Hand-Scanner, Barcode-Handscanner, mobiler Scanner, Barcode-Scanner, Handlesegerät, Bluetooth-Scanner, Wireless-Scanner
AI-generated
A handheld scanner is a mobile device for contactless capture of barcodes and 2D codes such as Data Matrix or QR code. It is used in intralogistics for goods receipt, order picking, stocktaking, and shipping.
Key facts
- Handheld scanners contactlessly capture 1D barcodes and 2D codes such as Data Matrix or QR, and transmit the data wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to WMS or MDE systems.
- For harsh warehouse conditions, rugged industrial devices with protection classes such as IP65 are used, withstanding drops, dust, and moisture.
- Scan range is a critical criterion: short-range scanners are sufficient for floor-level storage, while long-range devices are needed for high-bay racking or vehicle-mounted applications.
- Mobile Device Management (MDM) is essential for larger device fleets in order to centrally manage software updates, device status, and replacements.
- The total cost of ownership (TCO) comparison should include not only the purchase price but also batteries, service contracts, spare parts supply, and downtime.
What is a handheld scanner?
A handheld scanner is a portable, hand-held reading device that contactlessly captures optical codes — primarily 1D barcodes, 2D codes such as Data Matrix and QR code — and transmits the read data to a higher-level system. In intralogistics, it is one of the most widely used tools for identifying items, load carriers, and storage locations. Transmission is either wired via USB or serial connection, but in practice predominantly wireless via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Handheld scanners are frequently integrated with mobile data entry (MDE) devices or connected directly to warehouse management systems. Some devices have their own display and keypad, while others are pure input devices without their own interface and pass data directly to a terminal or PC.
Practical applications
In day-to-day warehouse operations, handheld scanners are used in virtually every process step:
- At goods receipt, delivery note line items and item labels are checked against purchase order data.
- During order picking, the scan confirms that the correct item has been taken from the correct bin — significantly reducing picking errors.
- During stocktaking, inventory counts are captured directly at the shelf and transferred to the system.
- In shipping, packages and shipping labels are checked for completeness.
Bluetooth handheld scanners paired with a tablet or smartphone are gaining importance in flexible environments because they are lightweight and require minimal training. In harsh environments — such as cold storage or production — rugged industrial devices certified to protection classes such as IP65 or higher are preferred.
Selection criteria
Several factors play a role in selecting a handheld scanner, weighted differently depending on the use case:
- Code types: Is only 1D scanning required, or 2D codes as well? Not all devices handle both variants equally well.
- Scan range: Short-range scanning is sufficient for floor-level storage; long-range scanners are needed for high-bay racking or vehicle-mounted applications.
- Ergonomics and weight: For frequent use over several hours, the weight and grip shape are critical factors for error rates and employee satisfaction.
- Battery performance: Runtime per charge should cover at least one shift; hot-swap battery systems are advisable for multi-shift operations.
- Device management: Mobile Device Management (MDM) enables centralized software updates and device administration, which is critical for ongoing operations with larger fleets.
- TCO: In addition to the purchase price, spare parts availability, warranty terms, repair times, and service conditions are relevant to the total cost of ownership.
Forklift terminals and fixed scan tunnels should be distinguished: they are suitable for stationary or vehicle-mounted processes, but do not replace the flexibility of the handheld scanner for mobile tasks.
Related terms
- Akustische Kommissionierung
Acoustic order picking is a paperless picking method in which warehouse employees receive pick instructions via voice and confirm each step using spoken responses. Both hands remain free throughout the actual picking process.
- Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays the real environment in real time with digital information such as text, graphics, or 3D models. In intralogistics, AR primarily supports picking, maintenance, and the onboarding of new employees.
- Automatisierung
Automation refers to the use of technologies and systems to execute processes fully or partially without human intervention. In intralogistics, the spectrum ranges from simple conveyor systems to fully automated high-bay warehouses with autonomous vehicles.
- BDE-Terminals
BDE terminals are stationary or mobile devices used for operational data capture, enabling employees at workstations, machines, or warehouse areas to digitally record process, time, and quantity data directly at the point of origin.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Barcodescanner
A barcode scanner is an optical reading device that captures printed barcodes and converts them into machine-readable data. It is used in intralogistics for the seamless identification of goods, load carriers, and storage locations.
- Beleglose Kommissionierung
Paperless picking refers to the assembly of orders in the warehouse without paper pick lists, where all instructions are transmitted digitally via terminals, displays, voice, or optical signals.
- Data Matrix
Data Matrix is a two-dimensional barcode that stores significantly more information in a very small area than conventional 1D barcodes. Thanks to integrated error correction, it remains reliably readable even when partially damaged or soiled.
- Datenfunkgeräte
Data radio devices are mobile or stationary hardware components that transmit data wirelessly via radio protocols such as WLAN or cellular. In warehouse and transport environments, they form the operational interface between employees and IT systems such as WMS or ERP.
- Datenfunkterminal
A data radio terminal is a mobile device for wireless data capture and transmission in the warehouse, combining a display, input, and scanner in one unit. It typically communicates with a warehouse management system via Wi-Fi and supports processes such as goods receipt, picking, and inventory counting.