As announced in my last article, when we compared terminals dedicated to forklifts available on the market, today we will present the topic of hand-held barcode scanners. When developing the topic of forklift terminals, it is impossible to ignore handheld scanners, which are an inseparable element in the daily work of a forklift operator. Important features that such scanners should have are increased resistance to falls and the availability of a head with an extended range, which will allow the employee to read codes from higher floors of shelves without having to get off the trolley. Thanks to built-in wired interfaces such as USB, RS232 and wireless Bluetooth communication, we can consider both wired and wireless models.
Below I present in more detail the specifications of several selected models that will prove useful in the daily work of a forklift operator.
Zebra LI3600/ DS3600
Zebra LI3600 and DS3600 scanners are ultra-rugged scanners that are up to any task. The LI3600 models are equipped with 1D heads, while the DS3600 series is equipped with 2D heads. Both models have a choice of standard and long-range heads (up to 21 meters). In addition to the standard heads, the DS3600 series of scanners also has configurations with a High Performance head with increased efficiency, High Destiny head adapted to read high-density codes, and a Direct Part Marking head adapted to read codes burned by a laser, carved or engraved directly on the product. Both models have both wired and wireless versions. The scanners are resistant to falls from over 2 meters and meet IP65/IP67 standards. Versions with a built-in LCD screen and keyboard are also available to help the user navigate the system.
Honeywell Granit 1990i/ 1991i
The Granit 1990i/1991i models are the most durable series of scanners from Honeywell. You will also find both wired and wireless versions here. Both models have standard and long-range 2D scanning heads available. Additionally, the Granit 1991i series has the most advanced XLR head available - a short- and long-range scanner that adjusts to the distance. This head can read the code even from 24 meters. The scanners are resistant to falls from nearly 3 meters and meet the IP67 standard.
Datalogic PM9501
The PM9501 series of scanners is a rugged family offered by Datalogic. There are both wired and wireless versions. Both models have standard and long-range 2D scanning heads available. In addition to the standard heads, there are also configurations with a High Performance head with increased efficiency and a Direct Part Marking head adapted to read laser-burned, carved or engraved codes directly on the product. The scanners are resistant to falls from nearly 3 meters and meet the IP67 standard. Versions with a built-in LCD screen and keyboard are also available to help the user navigate the system.
Choosing the right handheld barcode scanner can significantly increase the efficiency of forklift operators, speed up warehouse processes and improve overall company efficiency. Scanners such as the Zebra LI3600/DS3600, Honeywell Granit 1990i/1991i and Datalogic PM9501 offer a variety of features, fault tolerance and advanced read heads to meet even the most demanding tasks. Thanks to modern technologies, wireless communication capabilities and intuitive interfaces, these scanners are an invaluable ally in everyday work, increasing the level of efficiency and precision of material handling in the warehouse.