| Much has changed since the simple point and click | | | | wireless connectivity and take phone calls when |
| devices that have dominated the market the past | | | | you're on the move. Large businesses will |
| 30 years. As computer technology has become | | | | immediately see the benefits of using these |
| increasingly portable and easier to use, a handheld | | | | mobile solutions since it can be challenging to |
| barcode scanner allows businesses to store and | | | | operate efficiently in warehouses where they |
| retrieve stock information like never before from | | | | may be hundreds of thousands of different |
| a single device. | | | | products that need rigorous stock control. |
| So what is a PDA barcode scanner and how does | | | | So, when looking for a PDA barcode scanner, |
| it differ from what's already out there? In a | | | | make sure you know your requirements. If you |
| traditional inventory management operation, a | | | | are looking to change stock information on the go |
| central computer (server) would act as a central | | | | then make sure you pick a solution that |
| point for all barcode scanners to store stock | | | | integrates every aspect of the software into |
| information. These barcode scanners would then | | | | your mobile device. Or, if you decide to use |
| be used to identify stock in a given context, such | | | | different software and hardware vendors, it is |
| as a warehouse, and then report back to the | | | | very important to ensure compatibility with both |
| server's database containing inventory information | | | | of these things - you can do this by checking the |
| and stock count. | | | | requirements for each device and matching it with |
| Using the power and functionality of a PDA | | | | your desired software. |
| barcode scanner, you can effectively mobilise | | | | In the end, it all depends on your requirements |
| your whole inventory system onto a single stock | | | | and, of course, your budget. With a little planning |
| taking device. This means that you can add or | | | | and inquisition you can truly increase work flow, |
| change inventory stock or relocate existing stock | | | | minimise any inventory anomalies and focus on |
| using the PDA which in turn synchronises with the | | | | delivering to your customers. |
| server to provide up-to-date information as long | | | | Making an informed purchase with your PDA |
| as you have compatible software. | | | | Barcode Scanner is only half the battle. Check out |
| In addition, capable PDAs can do much more than | | | | Handheld Barcode Scanner Guide for the complete |
| take stock, such as photograph inventory, provide | | | | low down on PDA barcode scanners and more! |