The fast, accurate data collection that 2D imagers can provide can be critical for successful distribution center operations. Accurate, real-time inventory counts make it possible to fulfill orders quickly and improve customer satisfaction. For distribution centers that supply retail, grocery, restaurant, or other consumer-facing businesses, seasons with high demand — like the busy holiday shopping season from November through January — make it absolutely vital to capture data quickly, move products efficiently, and beat competitors to the punch.
Here are five ways upgrading from 1D barcode laser scanners to 2D imagers can improve productivity in your distribution center.
5 Don’t-Miss Advantages of 2D Technology
- More Data
When you upgrade to 2D technology, you’ll be able to store and retrieve more data from barcodes. Because 2D barcodes hold data both vertically and horizontally (hence the name), it can hold much more data than a 1D code that is limited to only a few dozen characters. With 2D technology, you can store and retrieve additional data such as shipment or expiration dates, images and web addresses.
- More Barcodes
1D laser scanners read 1D barcodes types. 2D imagers also read 1D barcodes, but also 2D barcodes including QR, Datamatrix, PDF417, and Aztec codes. 2D imagers can also read damaged or torn barcodes or barcodes under plastic — so you’ll have fewer items that need to be manually entered into your system.
- More Speed
A great feature of 2D imagers is that they are omnidirectional. It’s not necessary to establish a particular orientation across the code for a good read. 2D imagers are also capable of accurately reading barcodes at greater distances — like items on a high shelf or stacked high on a pallet. Eliminating the need to line up the scanner with the barcode within a certain distance will allow your employees to work more quickly and more productively. 2D imaging technology also makes them a solution for reading items passing by on a conveyor.
- More Options
2D imagers allow you to scan barcodes from more media and surfaces than 1D laser scanners. 2D imagers can scan digital barcodes, such as a QR code on a smartphone, and get good reads from reflective surfaces. 2D technology is also a good choice for small items — 2D barcodes can be small and still hold a great deal of information. 2D imagers are also effective for reading direct part marks (DPM) and optical character recognition (OCR) codes, capturing signatures, and scanning human-readable text.
- Fewer Errors
Faster, more accurate data collection will lead to fewer errors in inventory data that could lead to lost sales or unhappy customers.
Give Your Distribution Center the 2D Advantage
With ever-increasing competition and customer expectations for fast — if not instantaneous — fulfillment, you need to constantly ensure you are operating as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible while meeting those demands. Advances in data collection technology have resulted in new options, now at prices comparable with legacy 1D barcode scanners, that can make a positive impact on your distribution center’s productivity and profitability. Evaluate your distribution center operations to determine if an upgrade to 2D imaging technology will benefit your business.
