Everyday picking often looks like this: The warehouse worker picks up a scanner, scans the bin and the material, puts the scanner away, puts the material in the picking cart, picks up the scanner, scans the cart, puts the scanner away, takes the cart to the next bin. The scanner must be picked up again for the next product. These times add up and become hours at the end of the day. Picking with paper is even slower and more time-consuming. This does not have to be the case. State-of-the-art is hand-free scanning. This saves time and increases the efficiency of the scanning processes and thus the profitability of the company.
Hands-free scanning processes refer to scanning processes with a back-of-hand scanner - or SmartWatch. These are attached to the back of the hand and do not have to be taken out of the hand after scanning. The advantages of this solution are obvious: efficiency in the warehouse increases, the devices are becoming more ergonomic, and users are satisfied.
Hand-free scanning simplifies logistics processes, resulting in faster operations: In the case of order picking, the time saved is up to 40%. Employees also benefit from the hands-free solution in other processes such as ad hoc inventory: after scanning the storage location, they can start counting directly without having to put the scanner aside. The SmartWatch is attached to a cuff on the back of the hand and does not have to be put aside after the scanning process so that the employee can pick up a product, pack a handling unit or operate the forklift. Both hands therefore remain free throughout.
Attached to the back of the hand, the scanner is always with you. No more putting it away, no more handling with one hand. The devices also meet occupational safety requirements: the scanners weigh a maximum of 50 grams and are the size of a matchbox. This eliminates wrist fatigue and also ensures optimum wearing comfort. A touch display shows simple and clear dialogs and is easy to operate via the large, clearly visible input fields. The scanning process is triggered by pressing the so-called trigger: this is a button located on the cuff between the thumb and the index finger. The equipment is available for both right-handed and left-handed users.
The back-of-hand scanners are suitable for many logistics processes due to their individual configuration. They are most commonly used in picking, assembly, inventory and shipping.
The scan dialogs, for example, are based on dialogs of the standard ITS Mobile and are adapted to the processes on a SmartWatch: For example, the dialogs are designed more clearly to ensure reading comfort on a small screen. Depending on the processes, the dialogs are either mapped via the scan function or allow input via the touch display. Workflows are displayed to employees step by step. Employees are guided interactively through the work process. What is displayed depends on their own processes: Dialogs can be freely designed.
The SmartWatch communicates with the PC, forklift terminal or mobile terminal (Android) via Bluetooth. The data is transferred directly to the system, so no external memory is required. The connection is made by scanning the connection code on the terminal screen. The battery life is usually over 8 hours, so the employee can cover a whole shift with one device.
The implementation effort for freehand scanning is usually manageable. The switch to the SmartWatch is often used to optimize own warehouse process dialogs. The intuitive user interface reduces the training time of new employees and minimizes the error rate.