Three Opticon devices that are used by manufacturers to optimise their picking operation

While so many industries and businesses have seen some of their most challenging months since the beginning of restrictions in March 2020, some industry verticals have found themselves busier than ever before.

Over the next few weeks, I want to focus on some of today's busiest verticals and the new AIDC and barcoding solutions they require.

Today, let's look at an application that is right at the heart of any successful manufacturer's business: their picking operation.

The 3 things I want to focus on here are:

1.     Using companion scanners to increase speed and accuracy when picking

2.     How a competitive mobile computer will allow pickers to validate stock, while inputting additional information

3.     Where the H-31 is used as part of a ‘live’ picking solution

Using companion scanners to increase speed and accuracy when picking

The role of picking is essential across many industry verticals. None more so than in manufacturing.

Essentially a picking role is one where the user collects all required components against a single order reference, and then assembles or forwards all the components together to the next stage of the manufacturing process.

Hardware, software and labels used during the picking process allow the end user to trace which items were picked against each order request, by which picker, the date and time of the action and more information too as required by the operation’s need.

One of the most straightforward and lightweight ways to do this is with a lightweight and reliable companion scanner, like the OPN-2006.

At just 62mm in length and weighing just 28g, the OPN-2006 is easy to be worn by lanyard or in the pocket for an entire shift.

With multiple Bluetooth modes and the option of batch and USB pairing, the OPN-2006 can easily be paired with any Windows, iOS or Android device.

This is why they are often used by manufacturers to pair with tablets or PCs for real time data capture, or to memorise all barcodes to transmit to a CSV file at the end of a completed shift.

Where the manufacturer is required to or chooses to track their inventory with 2D barcodes (for example, pharmaceutical manufacturers who will use symbologies like Data Matrix or QR codes), I would recommend the OPN-3002 which is a rapid CMOS imager capable of reading all widely used 1D and 2D barcodes.

A companion scanner is an excellent solution where the end user simply needs to capture either 1D or 2D barcodes but does not require the picker to validate the selection or enter more information like quantity and order references.

Where the operator does need to validate their pick or enter information (like a reference or quantity), we would look at a mobile computer like the OPH-1005.

How a competitive mobile computer allows pickers to validate stock, while inputting additional information

Where the end user requires a stand-alone device with a keypad and screen to validate the picker’s selection, they can look at the OPH-1005 as a solution.

The OPH-1005 is a proprietary terminal with laser scanner, colour LCD screen, alphanumeric keypad and flash memory.

This means that when the picker scans a barcode, the OPH-1005’s screen can display the item description for the picker to validate, and the keypad allows the user to enter details like quantity picked, order reference or location of the components picked.

The device’s flash memory means that data is never lost over time or with a power interruption.

But the most versatile element of the OPH-1005 is its App Builder tool, which allows users to choose from a range of off-the-shelf applications allowing for quick and easy data capture – or for custom applications to be built from the ground up for their unique requirements.

In 2020, the Opticon team in the UK supported many resellers to solve this problem for their end users:

The end user needs to be able to track the items picked, the picker involved and where the components were assembled, but did not want to be quoted for a live Android solution. Often because this was their first proof of concept when it came to traceability.

In these cases we reviewed the reports that could be collected using the off-the-shelf applications and in many instances, also wrote bespoke applications allowing manufacturers to collect the unique reports that were valuable to their business.

The custom application and user guide are then written for the end user with a new revenue stream created for the reseller.

Not only do you retain a margin on the software that is written for the end user, but the initial and all future OPH-1005 devices will work with their solution, creating a run rate opportunity for you.

I’ve included below a screen shot of the CSV report created by the OPH-1005 when running the Inventory Control Suite app to carry out a picking role.

Where the end user requires a ‘live’ solution (and not a batch upload), I’ve included the H-31 below and will talk through how this can be used by manufacturers for this exact requirement.

Where the H-31 is used as part of a ‘live’ picking solution

A ‘live’ solution brings new features and benefits to the end user, for example being able to send picking lists and orders to the individual operators in real time and receive live feedback.

A proven way to do this is with an Android app running on a device that is robust enough for a manufacturing environment.

That’s where the H-31 Android PDA comes in.

With an IP67 rating the H-31 is protected against water and dust ingress, and its 1.8m drop spec (when fitted with Rugged Bumper) means that the average drop or tumble will result in little more than a quick check and carry on.

The H-31's sheer ruggedness leads to a direct reduction in repair costs and device downtime, versus non-rugged devices.

This is why you will hear many manufacturing and warehousing managers say that a rugged device may cost more to buy, but in the long run they cost considerably less to own.

Paired with tier 1 levels of device memory and manufacturer support (24-month manufacturer warranty as standard), you can see why the H-31 was tested and chosen by many end users in 2020 against many competing devices in the same class since its release in September 2020.

The H-31 comes with GMS (Google Mobile Services) loaded as standard, making it easy to download the chosen inventory control or picking solution.

If you would like a recommendation of apps that are used on the H-31 for picking and inventory control, I am happy to introduce you to another Opticon partner that could work with you as a software provider to help you close any picking opportunity that you are working on. 

For availability, pricing or more information,

Ryan Parke

Business Development Manager

Opticon UK & Ireland

M: +44 7884 062964

E: [email protected]