So yes, the market for wearable barcode scanners is growing. But what are the things you need to consider before investing? A VDC Research whitepaper on behalf of ProGlove discusses a number of crucial aspects that organizations need to take into account.

On average, wearable barcode scanning accounts for a scan rate improvement ranging from 25 to 35 percent. These enhancements stem from enabling the workers to pick and pack while simultaneously scanning. They are critically important in warehouses with exponential growth, which can be seen in e-commerce or businesses with an omni channel approach.

But even though wearable barcode scanning always brings about an improvement, not all products are alike. There are factors to consider that play out differently with different solutions. VDC Research’s whitepaper “Benefits of Hands Free Flexibility in Scanning Workflows” points out that hardware performance, network and software configuration, and the ease of use are the three top considerations for most organizations.

How does the vendor handle the support?

Seamless integration is—without a doubt—a must have for barcode scanning. This is particularly relevant when it comes to integrating new wearable devices with a legacy system. That being said, it also helps to look into how the vendor handles the solution support and goes about the lifecycle management of their product.

Battery life and health certainly also play a pivotal role in day-to-day operations. Wearable devices should last for an entire shift to avoid problematic disruptions. Moreover, organizations should take a look into how the barcode scanners can be maintained via a Mobile Device Management (MDM) tool.

Assess the Total Cost of Ownership

The total cost of ownership (TCO) that comes with a particular solution is yet another key concern to factor in. This pertains to aspects such as the expenses for consumables, accessories or battery replacements. Additionally, it makes sense beforehand for businesses to determine whether the vendor can provide additional software tools and analytics to shed some more light on process efficiency.

ProGlove’s products apply a human-centered design approach. Therefore, we avoid anything that raises complexity and the asset management requirements. So, we stay away from rechargeable batteries and unnecessary wires. They increase the risk of potential damage because of swapping procedures, disrupt the ongoing workflows and significantly hamper dexterity. Apart from that, we offer Insight—a comprehensive software solution—that supplies far-reaching device management capabilities and unique business analytics capabilities. And last but not least, our wearable barcode scanners manage up to 12,000 scans per battery charge.

Download the VDC Research Whitepaper “Benefits of Hands Free Flexibility” in Scanning Workflows” now to lean more.