As businesses in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and supply chain turn to technological solutions and automation, the need for better barcode and RFID scanners is proliferating. We offer fixed RFID readers that can be integrated with RFID gate systems, as well as handheld RFID SLEDs that are portable and facilitate inventory audits and item finding. However, a portable, small, lightweight scanner is also required by many warehouse and retail workers to quickly scan items on shelves, shipping packages, and for item finding. Wearable scanners are a perfect solution for that.
One kind of wearable scanner that enables hands-free barcode scanning for speedy and effective data collection is the wrist-mounted scanner. A finger or thumb can be used to activate the scanner on a wrist-mounted scanner, which is usually worn on the wrist. These wrist-mounted scanners are transforming workflows in healthcare, field service, and warehousing, and simplifying frontline operations to a great extent.
Manufacturers have combined ergonomic design and portable barcode scanning technology to enhance worker mobility, accuracy, and efficiency. In order to show how wrist-mounted scanners benefit businesses and organisations both now and in the future, we describe in this blog post how these scanners operate, how they stack up against other AIDC technologies, how much they cost, and which wrist-mounted scanner is the best.
How a Wrist-Mounted Scanner Works?
Like any other scanner, a wrist-mounted scanner has cameras for imaging and barcode scanning and a built-in RFID engine for RFID scanning, like the Zebra WS50 wrist scanner. These scanners also support a small Android screen and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options, which help with connecting other devices and systems where data sharing is required.
Usually triggered by voice command or thumb switch, these scanner record data and send it wirelessly (through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) to a system that is connected, like an electronic health record (EHR) or warehouse management system (WMS). Rechargeable batteries that are intended to last a full work shift power these devices, guaranteeing continuous operation.
For example, the Zebra WS50 RFID comes with an 800mAh standard battery, which is extendable up to 1300 mAh.
Which Wearable Wrist Scanners Should You Buy?
When it comes to selecting a wrist-mounted scanner, either for barcoding use cases or RFID or both, select the one that meets your needs. Focus on weight, design, screen size, connectivity options, and cost.
There are several good quality portable wrist-mounted scanners that you can purchase from EnCstore.com, including:
a. The Zebra WS50 RFID Wearable Scanner
b. Chainway R5 Wearable Wrist Scanner
c. Zebra RS2100 Wearable Barcode Scanner
The Zebra RS2100 1D/2D Wearable Barcode Scanner is a popular barcode-only wrist-mounted scanner used by warehouses and retailers. It is the best due to its extensive feature set, durability, and versatility. It costs between $700 $800. The RS2100 scanner is a modular device that has both a display and a scanner that is worn on the wrist.
The Chainway R5 wearable RFID reader is also a great choice when it comes to RFID scanning. With a 900 tags per second read rate and up to 14m read range, this RFID wearable scanner is a powerful beast with a small form factor and lightweight design. The R5 UHF RFID reader supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and comes with an Impinj E710-based UHF RFID module and a 2000mAh battery for all-day scanning.
The WS50, WS50 RFID, and WS501 wearable scanners by Zebra Technologies are also quite efficient when it comes to scanning RFID and Barcode labels on the go. These are efficiently designed, rugged, and high-performing wearable scanners with the latest Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, and BLE connectivity options.
Applications of Wearable Scanners in the Warehousing Industry
Order picking, inventory audits, and shipment preparation are just a few of the warehousing tasks that are increasingly being completed by hands-free scanners. Wearing these wrist-mounted scanners allows workers to scan a barcode/ RFID tag on a package or shelving unit with their hands free to pick up and move objects.
In order to minimise human error, minimise process delays, and give a real-time update on inventory status, wrist-mounted scanners are synchronised with warehouse management systems (WMS).
Advantages of Data Capturing Without Hands
Employees can scan a barcode on an item without pausing to pick up a handheld device when they require data capturing hands-free. Time is saved significantly because each scanning step saves a few seconds across all picks. Labour costs are directly correlated with time, and order fulfilment rates do rise in tandem with speed.
These advanced wearable scanners offer high-quality imaging sensors and an RFID engine, which helps with efficient, error-free scanning across channels and allows for streamlined retail and inventory management.
Improvements in Worker Safety and Productivity
Because they enable workers to handle products and scan at the same time, wrist-mounted scanners have been demonstrated to increase productivity. Safety features like proximity sensors and voice prompts on the scanners also lessen the risk of injury to workers. When wrist-mounted scanners were used in warehouses instead of handheld scanning devices, employers observed a decrease in workplace accidents.
Wearable Scanner Applications in Field Services
When wearable scanners are used in field service, they will be mounted on the wrist and used by field service technicians or delivery agents for tasks such as logging equipment maintenance history, verifying deliveries, and tracking assets. A field service technician or delivery agent will wear the wrist-mounted scanner to complete a service history log or verify a delivery, often in extremely challenging outdoor conditions, while the data transfer will occur through the field service technician's or delivery agent's mobile device or uploaded to the cloud for immediate access and real-time updates.
These wearable scanners come with a robust, rugged design that can withstand harsh field service conditions and offer a seamless scanning experience, thanks to waterproof sealing and a quality imager.
Benefits of Hands-Free Data Capture with Wearable Scanners
Hands-free data capture through wrist-mounted scanners allows field service technicians and delivery agents to carry tools, packages, or parcels in one hand while functionality permits a scan with the other. This unique capability enhances operational efficiency by creating a faster end-to-end workflow. Scanning without interruption, including completing the accuracy and quality of documented service history, improves both productivity and accuracy.
Enhancements in Worker Productivity and Safety
With faster scanning, the productivity of field service technicians increases because they are completing scans and tasks faster, and with real-time access to relevant data, the downtime is minimised. Wrist-mounted scanners are ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue during an extended work or shift, rugged and purpose-built to perform in inclement weather, and reduce equipment failure.
Applications of Wearable Scanners in Healthcare
In healthcare, wrist-mounted scanners are used for patient identification, medication administration, and inventory management. Nurses and clinicians wear wrist-mounted scanners to scan patient RFID wristbands or medication barcodes, which enables accurate and efficient record keeping and reduces the risk of errors.
Benefits of Hands-free Data Capture in Healthcare
With hands-free scanning, clinicians can care for their patients when scanning wristbands or medications, not spending valuable time on an administrative task. Wrist-mounted scanners automatically and in real-time integrate within EHR systems, ensuring accurate documentation. Productivity in healthcare also improves because clinicians are able to scan and administer medications without picking up a separate device (scanner). This allows for improved workflows as well.
Furthermore, wrist-mounted wearable scanners are ergonomically designed and help minimise physical strain over long 12-hour shifts. Common evidence and studies confirm the benefits of ergonomics in worker safety, which is why the specially-designed materials are disinfectant-ready, so workers do not have to be concerned about cross-contamination and also meet the safety protocols for infection prevention, not only for patients but for staff as well.
To summarize, wrist-mounted barcode and RFID scanners are revolutionising processes in warehousing, field service, and healthcare by providing hands-free data capture, increasing productivity, and improving safety.
There are several good-quality wearable scanners from Zebra and Chainway that we offer to our clients at competitive prices. If you’re looking for a premium quality wearable scanner in India, feel free to ask for a quotation here.
Frequently Asked Questions on Wearable Scanners
1. Can wrist-mounted scanners be used with current systems?
Yes. Using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the wrist-mounted scanner easily connects to service management, EHR, or WMS systems. Also, these devices support the Android platform and SDK, which can easily integrate with existing WMS/ERP systems.
2. When used in a harsh industrial environment, how long-lasting are the scanners?
Rugged models, like the Zebra RS2100 and WS50, are designed to withstand drops, harsh weather, and challenging conditions.
3. Can barcodes of any kind be read by wrist-mounted scanners?
The majority of contemporary scanners are compatible with both 1-D and 2-D barcodes, including QR codes.
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