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Warehouse Barcode Scanners
Tek Direkt supplies warehouse barcode scanners for stock control, goods-in, picking, packing, inventory management and dispatch operations.
Choose from handheld, cordless and rugged barcode scanners from Zebra, Honeywell, Datalogic and other leading manufacturers, with options for scanning standard 1D and 2D barcodes, damaged labels, barcodes at extended distances and codes in demanding warehouse environments.
Whether you're replacing an existing scanner, equipping new warehouse workstations or deploying barcode scanning across a larger operation, Tek Direkt can help you identify and price the right hardware.
Choosing a Barcode Scanner for a Warehouse
Warehouse barcode scanning requirements can vary considerably depending on where the scanner will be used and what needs to be scanned.
A scanner used at a fixed packing bench may have very different requirements from one carried around a warehouse floor, mounted on a forklift or used to scan pallet labels several metres away.
Before choosing a warehouse scanner, consider:
- Barcode type – 1D, 2D or both
- Scanning distance – close-range product labels or longer-range rack and pallet labels
- Corded or cordless operation
- Ruggedness – resistance to drops, dust and demanding working conditions
- Barcode condition – particularly damaged, dirty or poorly printed labels
- Host device – PC, workstation, tablet or mobile computer
- Environment – general warehouse, loading bay, manufacturing area or cold-storage application
Handheld Barcode Scanners for Warehouse Workstations
For packing benches, goods-in desks and other fixed warehouse workstations, a conventional handheld scanner can provide a simple and cost-effective solution.
The Zebra DS2208 is a popular general-purpose 1D/2D scanner for applications where barcodes are normally presented at close range.
For faster and more demanding scanning, the Zebra DS8108 provides higher-performance barcode capture while retaining a conventional corded handheld format.
Corded scanners can be particularly useful where workers remain at a defined workstation and there is no need to manage batteries or wireless connections.
Cordless Barcode Scanners for Warehouses
A cordless barcode scanner gives warehouse operators greater freedom to move around pallets, cartons, cages and work areas without being restricted by a USB cable.
The Zebra DS8178 combines high-performance 1D/2D scanning with cordless operation, making it suitable for warehouse and logistics applications where operators need greater mobility around a workstation.
Cordless scanners can be particularly useful for:
- Scanning large cartons
- Working around pallets
- Goods-in and dispatch areas
- Packing stations where items cannot easily be brought to the scanner
- Stock checks around a defined work area
Where greater mobility is required across an entire warehouse rather than around a workstation, a mobile computer may be more appropriate than a cordless scanner.
Browse Cordless Barcode Scanners →
Rugged Barcode Scanners for Demanding Warehouses
Busy warehouses, loading areas and industrial environments can expose scanning equipment to drops, knocks, dust and repeated handling.
For these applications, a rugged barcode scanner is generally a better choice than a standard general-purpose scanner.
Zebra's DS3600 Series, including models such as the Zebra DS3608, is designed for demanding industrial environments and provides rugged barcode scanning for warehouse, manufacturing and logistics applications.
Rugged scanners are particularly worth considering for:
- Warehouse floors
- Loading bays
- Forklift operations
- Manufacturing environments
- High-volume logistics
- Areas where scanners are frequently dropped or knocked
Browse Rugged Barcode Scanners →
Long-Range Barcode Scanning
Not every warehouse barcode can be brought close to the scanner.
Operators may need to scan labels on pallets, warehouse racking or items positioned above ground level. In these situations, the scan range of the scanner becomes particularly important.
Extended-range scanning configurations can allow workers to capture barcodes from significantly further away than conventional standard-range scanners, reducing the need to approach or reposition stock simply to read a label.
When comparing scanners, check the exact scan engine and manufacturer part number (MPN), as products within the same scanner family can be available in standard-range and extended-range configurations.
Scanning Damaged and Difficult Barcodes
Warehouse labels are not always in perfect condition.
Barcodes can become scratched, dirty, creased, poorly printed or partially damaged during storage and handling. Scanner performance can therefore make a noticeable difference in busy warehouse operations.
Higher-performance barcode scanners may provide better decoding of difficult labels than basic general-purpose devices.
If damaged or poorly printed barcodes are a regular issue, tell us about the labels and scanning environment when requesting a recommendation.
Warehouse Barcode Scanners vs Mobile Computers
A barcode scanner is not always the right hardware for every warehouse workflow.
A handheld or cordless scanner normally captures a barcode and sends the data to a connected computer, terminal or other host device.
A mobile computer combines barcode scanning with its own screen, operating system and wireless connectivity, allowing warehouse workers to run inventory, warehouse-management and other business applications while moving around the facility.
Choose a barcode scanner where scanning is primarily performed at or around a workstation.
Consider a mobile computer where workers need to scan, view information and interact with software while moving throughout the warehouse.
Warehouse Barcode Scanners by Application
Goods-In
Scan incoming products, cartons and pallet labels as stock arrives and enters the warehouse.
Inventory & Stock Control
Capture product and location barcodes during stock checks, replenishment and inventory-management processes.
For operations using RFID-tagged inventory or assets, RFID can also support stock counts, inventory visibility and item tracking without requiring every tag to be individually aligned with a barcode scanner. See our RFID Readers & Scanners for Business page for handheld and fixed RFID options.
Picking
Use barcode scanning to identify products and storage locations as orders move through warehouse picking workflows.
Packing
Scan items at packing stations to verify products, capture order information and support dispatch processes.
Shipping & Dispatch
Capture carton, shipment and carrier barcodes as orders leave the warehouse.
Pallet & Rack Scanning
Use appropriate extended-range scanning hardware where warehouse labels need to be captured from greater distances.
Which Warehouse Barcode Scanner Do I Need?
For a conventional packing bench or goods-in workstation, a general-purpose scanner such as the Zebra DS2208 may be sufficient.
Where faster scanning performance is important, consider the Zebra DS8108.
Where operators need cordless freedom around cartons and pallets, consider the Zebra DS8178.
For harsher warehouse and industrial environments, look at rugged options such as the Zebra DS3608 and DS3600 Series.
For scanning rack or pallet labels at greater distances, choose a scanner with an appropriate extended-range scan engine rather than assuming every version of a scanner family has the same scanning capability.
And where workers need to run warehouse applications while moving throughout the facility, consider a mobile computer instead.
Buy Warehouse Barcode Scanners
Tek Direkt supplies warehouse barcode scanning hardware from Zebra, Honeywell, Datalogic and other leading manufacturers to businesses across the UK.
Browse our barcode scanner range to compare handheld, cordless, rugged and specialist scanners.
If you already know the scanner or configuration you require, send us the manufacturer part number (MPN) and quantity for a business quote.
Not sure which type of scanner is suitable? Read our Best Barcode Scanner for Warehouse Guide for more detailed buying advice, or send us details of your application and we'll help narrow down the options.
