Android Business Mobility
Android Mobile Computers for Warehousing, Retail & Industry
Android mobile computers combine barcode scanning, a touchscreen, wireless connectivity and business applications in one handheld device. They are widely used across warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, retail and field operations where employees need to capture data while moving around the workplace.
Tek Direkt supplies Android mobile computers and rugged handheld computers from leading enterprise mobility manufacturers including Zebra, Honeywell and Datalogic. Choose from compact business handhelds through to rugged warehouse devices designed for intensive operational use.
More than a barcode scanner
What is an Android mobile computer?
An Android mobile computer is a handheld business device that combines mobile computing with integrated data capture. Unlike a conventional barcode scanner, which normally sends scanned data to another computer, a mobile computer can run applications directly on the device.
Integrated barcode scanning
Capture product, inventory, location and logistics barcodes directly from the handheld device.
Android operating system
Run compatible warehouse, inventory, retail, delivery and business applications on a familiar mobile platform.
Wireless connectivity
Connect mobile workers to business systems while they move through warehouses, stores and operational sites.
Touchscreen interface
View stock information, tasks, orders and application data directly on the handheld computer.
Enterprise hardware
Business mobile computers are designed around operational deployments rather than ordinary consumer smartphone use.
Rugged options
Choose rugged Android mobile computers for demanding warehouse, manufacturing, logistics and field environments.
Applications
Where are Android mobile computers used?
Warehousing
Order picking, replenishment, goods receiving, stock checks, inventory and warehouse location scanning.
Manufacturing
Component tracking, production workflows, traceability, work-in-progress and finished-goods management.
Retail
Stock checking, inventory, shelf replenishment, order fulfilment and assisted customer-service workflows.
Logistics & Delivery
Shipment scanning, proof-of-delivery workflows, parcel handling, loading and dispatch operations.
Built for demanding work
Rugged Android mobile computers
A rugged Android mobile computer is designed for operational environments where a consumer smartphone may not be suitable. Warehouse and industrial devices can be built for frequent scanning, repeated handling and demanding day-to-day use.
Rugged handheld computers are particularly relevant where employees work around warehouse aisles, loading areas, manufacturing lines or other environments where mobile hardware forms part of the working process.
Enterprise handhelds
Suitable for retail, light warehouse, inventory and general business mobility applications.
Rugged handheld computers
Designed for tougher warehouse, logistics, manufacturing and field-service environments.
Keypad & specialist devices
For workflows where physical keys, specialist scan engines or particular industrial configurations are preferred.
Enterprise Mobility Brands
Android mobile computers from leading manufacturers
Tek Direkt supplies enterprise mobile computers from established data-capture manufacturers. The right range depends on your working environment, barcode requirements, device format and software workflow.
Zebra Mobile Computers
Zebra offers Android handheld computers for retail, warehouse and industrial applications, from compact touchscreen devices through to rugged warehouse mobile computers.
Popular families: TC22/TC27, TC53/TC58, TC73/TC78, MC3400/MC3450 and MC9400-series devices.
Explore Zebra →Honeywell Mobile Computers
Honeywell enterprise handhelds cover mobile data-capture applications across warehouse, retail, transport, logistics and field operations.
Popular families: CT45 and CT45 XP alongside other Honeywell enterprise mobility devices.
Explore Honeywell →Datalogic Mobile Computers
Datalogic mobile computers combine enterprise Android computing with integrated barcode capture for retail, logistics and industrial workflows.
Popular families: Memor 11, Memor 12 and Memor 17.
Explore Datalogic →Choose by workflow
Which Android mobile computer do you need?
| Requirement | Device type | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|
| Compact everyday mobility | Touchscreen enterprise handheld | Retail, stock checks, light warehouse and general business applications |
| Warehouse mobility | Rugged Android handheld | Picking, replenishment, inventory, goods-in and dispatch |
| Demanding industrial use | Ultra-rugged mobile computer | Manufacturing, logistics, loading areas and intensive warehouse operations |
| Physical-key workflows | Keypad mobile computer | High-volume data entry and warehouse operational workflows |
| Longer-distance scanning | Appropriate extended-range scan engine | Rack, pallet and warehouse-location scanning |
Models to explore
Popular Android mobile computer families
Zebra TC22 & TC27
Compact enterprise mobile computers for retail, inventory, light warehouse and mobile business applications.
Zebra TC53 & TC58
Enterprise touchscreen mobile computers for organisations requiring higher-performance mobile data capture.
Zebra TC73 & TC78
Rugged mobile computers aimed at demanding warehouse, logistics, field and industrial workflows.
Zebra MC3400 & MC3450
Warehouse-focused mobile computers for businesses that prefer a traditional rugged handheld form factor.
Honeywell CT45 & CT45 XP
Enterprise mobile computers for retail, logistics, transport and operational data-capture applications.
Datalogic Memor Series
Android enterprise handhelds including the Memor 11, Memor 12 and Memor 17 for retail, logistics and mobile data capture.
Android mobile computers for warehouses
Warehouse mobile computers allow operators to scan barcodes and interact with inventory or warehouse applications without returning to a fixed workstation.
They can support workflows including goods receiving, put-away, replenishment, stock checking, picking, packing and dispatch.
For demanding environments, choose a rugged handheld computer suited to the expected working conditions and check the scan engine against the barcode sizes and distances used in your warehouse.
Which device?
Mobile computer or barcode scanner?
Both devices can capture barcodes, but they are designed for different workflows. The main difference is whether the operator only needs to scan data or also needs to view and interact with applications while moving around the workplace.
Choose a barcode scanner when...
- The scanner normally stays with a PC, till or workstation.
- The main requirement is straightforward barcode capture.
- Operators do not need a screen or applications on the handheld device.
- A corded or cordless scanner already fits the workflow.
Choose a mobile computer when...
- Operators move around the warehouse, store or site.
- Workers need to scan and then view or enter information.
- Inventory, WMS, order or business applications need to run on the device.
- Mobile connectivity forms part of the operational workflow.
Not sure which you need?
Think about what happens immediately after the barcode is scanned. If the worker needs to read instructions, update stock, confirm a task or use an application, a mobile computer may be the more appropriate device.
Before you buy
How to choose an Android mobile computer
The best Android mobile computer depends on the application rather than the brand alone. Before selecting a model, consider how the device will actually be used.
1. Working environment
Decide whether you need a general enterprise handheld or a more rugged device for warehouse, manufacturing, logistics or field use.
2. Barcode scanning
Consider the barcode types, label sizes, condition of the labels and typical scanning distance. Longer-range warehouse applications may need a specialist scan engine.
3. Device format
Choose between touchscreen handhelds, rugged warehouse computers and keypad devices according to the way employees work.
4. Connectivity
Check the wireless connectivity required by your application and whether the device will operate only on-site or also away from your local network.
5. Software requirements
Confirm compatibility with the applications, WMS, ERP, inventory or other business systems used by your organisation.
6. Accessories & deployment
Consider charging cradles, spare batteries, protective accessories, vehicle mounting and other requirements before choosing the exact MPN.
Frequently asked questions
Android mobile computer FAQs
What is an Android mobile computer?
An Android mobile computer is an enterprise handheld device that combines mobile computing, a screen, wireless connectivity and typically integrated barcode scanning. It allows workers to capture data and use compatible business applications on the same device.
What is a rugged handheld computer?
A rugged handheld computer is designed for more demanding operational environments than a typical consumer mobile device. Rugged models are commonly used in warehousing, manufacturing, logistics and field operations.
Are Android mobile computers suitable for warehouses?
Yes. Android mobile computers are widely used for warehouse processes such as receiving, put-away, picking, replenishment, inventory, stock checking and dispatch. The appropriate level of ruggedness and scan engine depends on the application.
Can an Android mobile computer scan barcodes?
Enterprise mobile computers are commonly available with integrated barcode scanning. Exact barcode capabilities vary by model and scan-engine configuration, so check the specification of the individual manufacturer part number.
Which brands make Android mobile computers?
Tek Direkt supplies enterprise mobile computing hardware from manufacturers including Zebra, Honeywell and Datalogic, with models designed for different retail, warehouse, logistics and industrial workflows.
Which Android mobile computer should I choose?
Start with the working environment, barcode requirements, scanning distance, device format and software workflow. If you are replacing an existing device, the current manufacturer part number is also useful when identifying alternatives.
Buy Android mobile computers from Tek Direkt
Browse Android mobile computers and rugged handheld computers for warehousing, retail, manufacturing, logistics and other business applications.
If you already know the manufacturer part number you need, send us the MPN and quantity for a price. If you are replacing existing devices, include the current MPN and we can help identify suitable options.
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