You might have seen a frontline worker in supply chain and order fulfillment scanning QR Codes using a rugged mobile-like device. It looks like your typical smartphone, and for all intents and purposes, it is, but it is more than that. It is an enterprise barcode scanner, built for harsh environments, a rugged device that can withstand drops and tumbles, also known as a mobile computer.
Enterprise Mobile Computers, such as the TC22 and TC57x by Zebra Technologies, and the C66 and MC51 5G mobile computers by Chainway, are designed to offer a lightweight, durable smartphone-like scanner for scanning QR code labels, barcode labels, and RFID labels.
These rugged devices are equipped with a large screen display that shows you all the information and industry-best barcode scan engines, NFC tap-to-scan, UHF RFID scanner, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity options.
Let’s explore these devices in detail, understanding their key applications and benefits.
Mobile Computer: Definition
What is a mobile computer? By definition, a mobile computer is a portable, battery-powered device with integrated scanning and data processing capabilities. A mobile computer is designed for real-time information capture and management in mobile environments like warehouses and retail stores.
Being portable and lightweight in design, mobile computers offer easy and consistent use over long hours, allowing frontline workers to scan barcode and RFID labels in retail.
Mobile Barcode Scanners
Also known as Mobile Barcode scanner or mobile QR Code scanner, these mobile computers are the new gen, trendy barcode scanners with features to quickly scan 1D/2D (QR Codes) barcode labels on delivery packages, apparel and shoes, access cards, ID cards, raw materials, finished goods, and crucial machine parts in a manufacturing set up, WIP, inventory items, etc.
UHF RFID Reader in a Smartphone
For years, RFID reader manufacturers have strived to create a slim, small, smartphone-like scanner that can also scan UHF RFID (RAIN RFID) labels on the go. Finally, Qualcomm has developed such a processor, the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ Q-6690, that can easily read RAIN RFID labels.
“The Dragonwing Q-6690 combines integrated RFID, AI, and next-gen wireless capabilities in a single, scalable platform, designed to accelerate innovation across industries including retail, logistics, and manufacturing,”
- Art Miller, vice president and head of retail, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
The Dragonwing Q-6690 is a first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated UHF RFID capabilities. It includes built-in 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and ultra-wideband, supporting proximity-aware experiences and superior global connectivity.
Zebra EM45 RFID- Enterprise Mobile Computer with UHF Capabilities
The Zebra EM45 RFID mobile computer is a RAIN RFID Scanner developed by Zebra Technologies that can scan UHF RFID labels at short distances, typically 1.2 m, and reads 20 RFID tags per second.
The EM45 RFID is a perfect solution for those looking for a pocket RFID reader, for applications like baggage tracking at airports, medicine and vaccine scanning in healthcare, retail and POS scanning, and inventory tracking.
The EM45 RFID features the Qualcomm® 5430 Octa-core, 2.2 GHz processor, and apart from UHF RFID capabilities, it can quickly scan 1D and 2D barcodes as well. It also features the Android OS platform and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, dual SIM cards, and NFC.
Core Features of Enterprise Mobile Computers
1.Rugged Design- Withstands dust, moisture, drops, and extreme temperatures.
2. Integrated Data Capture- Barcode scanners (1D/2D), RFID readers, and image capture for accurate data entry.
3. Connectivity- Supports Wi-Fi 6, 4G/5G, NFC, and Bluetooth for real-time data transmission.
4. Operating Systems- Android Enterprise with enterprise mobility management support.
5. Battery Efficiency- Hot-swappable or extended batteries for 8–16 hours of uninterrupted use.
6. Security- Enhanced data encryption, secure boot, and compliance with enterprise IT policies.
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Applications and Benefits of Mobile Computers
Unlike consumer-grade smartphones, enterprise mobile computers are designed for mission-critical operations, offering higher durability, integrated barcode/RFID scanning, extended battery life, enterprise security, and seamless integration with back-end systems such as WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), ERP, and CRM platforms.
When it comes to using mobile computers, there are various applications in retail, supply chain, warehousing, logistics, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, etc., where mobile computers save the day, especially for frontline workers.
Let’s explore key applications and benefits of mobile computers in various market verticals.
1. Applications and Benefits of Mobile Computer Scanners in the Retail Industry
Applications include
a. Point-of-sale (POS) transactions.
b. Price checks and inventory lookups on the sales floor.
c. Mobile-assisted selling and customer service.
d. Shelf management and stock replenishment.
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Key Benefits
a. Faster checkout and reduced queues.
b. Real-time stock visibility prevents out-of-stock situations.
c. Improved customer experience through personalized service.
d. Streamlined omni channel fulfillment (in-store pickup, curbside delivery).
2. Supply Chain & Warehousing Benefitting From Mobile Barcode Scanners
Key Applications in Supply Chain and Warehousing
a. Receiving and put-away operations.
b. Order picking, packing, and cycle counting.
c. Inventory audits with RFID/barcode scanning.
d. Yard and dock management.
Benefits
a. Accuracy in inventory tracking (near 100% with RFID/barcodes).
b. Optimized picking routes reduce fulfillment time.
c. Better visibility into supply chain operations.
d. Lower labor costs through automation and faster workflows.
3. Applications and Benefits of Mobile Computers in Logistics & Transportation
a. Proof of delivery (POD) with signature or photo capture.
b. Route optimization with GPS-enabled devices.
c. Real-time shipment tracking.
d. Fleet and driver management.
Benefits of Mobile Computers
a. On-time deliveries with real-time updates to customers.
b. Reduced fuel costs and optimized routing.
c. Compliance with transportation regulations.
d. Lower risk of lost or misdelivered shipments.
4. Healthcare Benefitting from Mobile Computer Scanners
Key Applications include-
a. Patient identification and bedside care.
b. Medication administration with barcode/RFID verification.
c. Asset tracking (wheelchairs, pumps, diagnostic equipment).
d. Mobile access to patient records and lab results.
Benefits of Mobile Computers in Healthcare
a. Enhanced patient safety with reduced medication errors.
b. Faster response times and efficient care delivery.
c. Regulatory compliance (HIPAA, GDPR).
d. Optimized resource utilization.
5. Manufacturing Industry Benefitting from Portable Mobile Computer Scanners
Key Manufacturing Applications
a. Work-in-progress (WIP) tracking on production lines.
b. Quality assurance with data capture and inspection logs.
c. Equipment maintenance scheduling and tracking.
d. Monitoring raw materials and finished goods inventory.
Benefits
a. Reduced downtime with predictive maintenance alerts.
b. Improved production accuracy and traceability.
c. Seamless communication between the shop floor and back office.
d. Enhanced worker productivity and reduced errors.
Top Mobile Computers to Buy from EnCstore.com
As a leading supplier of premium mobile computers in India, EnCstore.com offers the latest mobile computers at industry-best prices, including:
1.Zebra TC22 Mobile Computer
2. EM45 RFID Mobile Computer
3. Chainway C66 Mobile Computer
4. Zebra MC3300ax Handheld Mobile Computer
5. Chainway MC51 5G Mobile Computer
6. Zebra WT6400 Wearable Mobile Computer
To summarize, Enterprise mobile computers have become indispensable in industries where efficiency, accuracy, and real-time data access are critical. From improving customer experiences and POS in retail to streamlining supply chain operations and ensuring patient safety in healthcare, these devices deliver measurable benefits across diverse sectors. In Manufacturing, mobile computers help workers quickly scan barcode labels and find unfinished products on the floor.
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