Data collection terminals. TSD (data collection terminals) - how to use, what they are needed for, use and connection

How to choose a data collection terminal model

In order not to get confused in the variety of choices of TSD models with different functionality, you need to take into account several determining factors:

1. The speed of the data collection terminal depends on the reading method - a laser scanner is more accurate and faster, and an LED scanner has a lower price.
2. The method of data transfer (synchronization) depends on the main retail equipment. The main connection methods are Wifi, Bluetooth, infrared and wired connection via USB port.
3. The availability of additional functions depends on the purpose of the TSD. Retailers will benefit from having the ability to print barcodes and labels. Warehouses require a function for quickly sorting received goods and generating reports.
4. The operating principle of TSD can be divided into 2 types: constant synchronization of data with a computer (some models do not have their own storage device) or accumulation of information in offline mode and periodic synchronization with a common database. Offline mode is perfect for conducting outbound trading.
5. The brand of the terminal determines its reliability and operating life. It is better to limit the choice among popular models, because often the manufacturer provides a quality guarantee for 1 year or more - this is an indicator of reliability.

A better analogue of mechanical lever scales are.

If you need to weigh bulk materials, then elevator scales are suitable for this. Read more about them in.

Popular models of data collection terminals

Honeywell ScanPal 5100 Data Collection Terminal

Honeywell ScanPal 5100

This is a mobile device that allows you to collect, record and exchange data within the trading platform and warehouses. TSD is capable of providing full customer service or preparing goods for sale.

Specifications:

• The TSD is equipped with a keyboard with 28 keys (letter and function);
• TSD display size is 2.4 inches;
• optimal operating conditions – from -10 to +50С;
• Data synchronization is carried out via Wi-fi and USB port;
• battery operated;
• price – 35,000 rub.

Portable device with built-in LED scanner. Designed to control the turnover of trading floors, accounting for goods in the warehouse, and conducting inventories.

Specifications:

• the scanner reads at a speed of 100 scans per second;
• the width of the scanned area is 124 mm;
• synchronization with a computer is carried out via USB and infrared;
• Autonomous operation without charging – up to 100 hours;
• creation of catalogs for 18,000 product items;
• interface in Russian.

A functional portable device that allows you to collect, record and control information about goods.

Features of the model: color screen, Russified interface, functional operating system, input can be done in Russian and English, large memory capacity (10,000,000 barcodes).

Specifications:

• the terminal runs on a DOS-based operating system;
• laser scanning of barcodes;
• Autonomous operation – up to 40 hours;
• operating conditions – from -10 to +50С;
• price 25,000 rub.

Data collection terminal Casio DT-930

Designed for retail and wholesale trade, as well as accounting of goods in warehouses.

Features of the terminal are accurate reading of barcodes, recognition of all standard types of barcodes, a wide range of operating settings (adjustment of the width of the scanning beam, beam color, sound indication of reading, etc.).

The terminal is easy to use, has excellent compatibility with other trading equipment, and is equipped with increased memory.

Specifications:

• laser barcode scanner;
• operating temperature parameters – from -20 to +50С;
• powered by 2 AA batteries;
• reading speed is 100 scans per second;
• Information synchronization is carried out via USB and Bluetooth.

The data collection terminal helps the trade manager monitor the work of subordinates, and the work of salespeople becomes easier, faster and more accurate. TSD is perfect for companies and organizations of any profile and size.

How a terminal differs from a scanner, how to choose a TSD, which models of devices have earned a reputation as inexpensive and reliable, is described in the article.

Owners of even small stores with a team of 3–5 people prefer to automate the accounting of goods by purchasing equipment capable of reading barcodes. One of the leading devices of the automation system is the data collection terminal (DCT). It is responsible for reading, remembering, and processing information “hardwired” into product barcodes. How a terminal differs from a scanner, how to choose a TSD, which models of devices have earned a reputation as inexpensive and reliable, is described in the article.

How does a TSD differ from a scanner?

A portable terminal for data collection is a miniature computer running on the Microsoft Windows Mobile, Palm OS, DOS or Linux operating system. It is equipped with a scanning device that reads product codes, as well as a module that communicates with the warehouse computer via WiFi.

They also produce stationary devices, but these devices, costing from 2-3 thousand dollars, are designed for use by large warehouse and logistics companies that process several hundred items of cargo daily.

The color display of the TSD is often made using touch-screen technology, only you need to work on it not with your fingers (as with a smartphone), but with a special stylus included in the kit.

A regular scanner will read the code (they are located at store checkouts), and the terminal will not only read it, but remember it and allow you to immediately add the quantity, batch number and make notes about the condition of the goods. Data entered into the device is stored in its memory and then transferred to a computer with an installed accounting program via a wired or wireless connection.

Three steps to choosing a terminal

A person who has never faced the choice of special equipment will simply be confused by the abundance of brands, models, and modifications of data collection terminals. Start with the simplest:

Note
Dear readers! For representatives of small and medium-sized businesses in the field of trade and services, we have developed a special program "Business.Ru", which allows you to maintain full warehouse accounting, trade accounting, financial accounting, and also has a built-in CRM system. There are both free and paid plans.

Step 1: Decide what you need the device for

The cheapest model (200-300 USD), with a minimum of functions, can accept goods, carry out inventory, and move between the warehouse and the sales floor. But if the business is to develop, the capabilities of technology should not interfere with this development.

Example: a device has been selected that does not support a wireless connection to a PC, the store has moved, the warehouse area has doubled, and the number of goods accepted daily has increased. The device’s memory has become insufficient; to free up space, you have to constantly run to the warehouse, connect via a cord to your PC, and spend 2-3 hours per shift on this.

Step 2: Consult a specialist

The data collection terminal should not complicate life, but simplify accounting. Therefore, it is important that the device’s hardware is synchronized with the accounting program installed in the store. The IT specialist who installed the software will be able to tell you which models are suitable. If you are just planning to automate accounting, immediately discuss the set of equipment that will be needed in your store.

Step 3: Set a Budget

The cost of models with approximately the same capabilities differs significantly. It’s better to immediately decide what price category of devices the store can afford. In the selected price niche there will be 2-4 device models, from which you can find the most suitable ones: technical characteristics, availability of support, service center, warranty duration, speed of replacement of a broken (defective) device.

When the first steps are taken, start studying the technical characteristics.

Technical specifications

How much the terminal will help in the operation of the store, how much it will cost, is determined by the technical characteristics:

1. Reading type. Three types of devices are produced:

• laser: read linear barcodes, do not work well with damaged, blurry labels, cost from $150;
• equipped with a photo scanner(largest group): reads 2D codes, PDF417 and QR codes, can be used to work with EGAIS, will read even damaged code, cost starts from $350-400;
• working with radio frequency tags or RFID: works only with special tags (these are used to mark products made from natural fur, expensive clothes), the optimal choice for large stores with a warehouse area of ​​200 sq. m. m.

2. Housing protection: each model is provided with data on recommended operating temperatures, moisture resistance, and protection from mechanical influences. There are models that operate at subzero temperatures and can withstand a fall from a height of 2-3 meters after being completely immersed in water. For heated warehouses, most protective functions can be neglected, but if you have to receive goods on the street, it is better to choose a device that can work normally in negative environmental conditions.

3. Method of transmitting information to the host computer: wireless or using a cord (the second name is a batch) connecting the TSD to a PC. As a rule, devices with a wireless connection are additionally equipped with a cord for RS-232 and a USB port. Wireless data transfer is possible via IrDA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM. Batch standard models are cheaper, but you won’t be able to add a wireless module to them.

Last modified: 01/19/2017

Select clarification:

What is a data collection terminal and how does it differ from a scanner?

The article is devoted to a brief introduction to mobile data collection hardware, namely mobile data collection terminals. The article does not pretend to be a comprehensive review and is limited to describing only the basic concepts.

A modern mobile industrial data collection terminal is a pocket computer running an operating system from the Microsoft Windows Mobile family, Palm OS, DOS and even Linux, equipped with a scanner for reading barcodes. The built-in scanner emits a red beam and, when reading a barcode, makes a “beep” sound (hence the term “beep” - scan). Regardless of mobility, in Russian literature the device is called TSD (data collection terminal). The WiFi module adds mobility to the terminal, with which the data collection terminal gains access to the enterprise local network or access to the Internet through the existing Internet Explorer (for example, on such a terminal you can access Yandex). The terminal screen in most cases is color and is pressure sensitive (has a so-called “touch screen”). Press on the screen using the stylus included with the data collection terminal.

Rice. 1. TSD of the most popular manufacturers (relative sizes observed)

All this breakthrough of functionality is needed for one thing: so that under the TSD it is possible to create software that is not inferior to the programs of “large” computers, and for some other reasons, which will be discussed below.

So, how does a data collection terminal differ from a scanner? Almost always, when they say “barcode scanner,” they mean a data collection terminal. At first glance, it is difficult to understand why a whole computer is needed if just a “barcode reader” is enough. In practice, everything depends on the tasks being solved.

“Just scanners” have a number of limitations:

• A simple scanner is a dependent device that, without a computer, can only read and remember barcodes.
• Short range of wireless communication to the computer (about 10 m).

If we want to automate the inventory of a store’s warehouse, we imagine something like this: a girl “beeps” the barcodes, and when she “beeps” everything, the barcodes will end up in 1C or another accounting program and will form an inventory document there. One way to achieve this is to open a new inventory document form in 1C with a text field for entering a barcode. As soon as someone entered a barcode into this field, the line “product such and such, 1 piece” would be automatically added to the document. A regular scanner is sufficient here.

If we want to receive goods at the warehouse gate in the cold, 100 meters from the nearest computer, enter the quantity and batch number, we simply cannot do it with a scanner. The misconception that a data collection terminal is a scanner stems from the fact that they are often shown either with the screen turned off or with a DOS terminal access emulation program running (the so-called telnet client), when visible on a black background white letters and nothing else.

How does the data collection terminal work?

In this article we will look at Windows terminals. The desktop of such a mobile terminal is similar to the interface of desktop versions of the Windows operating system. Generally speaking, when working with the warehouse program, the desktop is not visible, and only those who monitor the performance and charging of the batteries of the data collection terminals know about its existence.

Let's look at the device using the example of the Intermec 700 Series data collection terminal family.

Rice. 2. Design of Intermec 700 TSD

The design of the mobile terminal makes it easier to collect data: pressure-sensitive screen, limited keyboard with large keys, built-in barcode scanner, specialized software. The device has a numeric keypad (keys 0-9); on each key, in addition to large numbers, there is the name of a specific function or a special sign in orange. To call this function, press the key with an orange circle (Gold) in the lower left corner of the keyboard, and then the corresponding number key. For example, turning on/off the backlight of the data acquisition device screen is performed by pressing the Gold key and the “3” key.

The blue circle key at the bottom left of the keyboard is used to switch the data collection terminal to alphabetic character input mode. When the device switches to this mode, the keyboard mode indicator turns red. After successfully scanning a barcode, the Keyboard Mode LED turns green for a second.

To enter a barcode, point the scanner lens at the barcode and press the scan key on the side of the mobile terminal or the same key on the handle of the data collection terminal (the handle is not shown in the figure). If the barcode is successfully recognized, the Keyboard Mode LED will turn green for a second.

The I/O terminal's on/off key is for power management. Although in the normal sense the data acquisition terminal never turns off but goes into sleep mode, using the I/O key can save batteries. The mobile terminal is always in power saving mode and, if not used for 3 minutes, goes into sleep mode on its own. This time is usually configurable and can be extended indefinitely. The I/O key allows you to wake the device from sleep mode and continue working. If you press and hold the I/O key for 15 seconds when the data collection terminal is turned on, Warm Boot will occur - a simple reboot of the mobile terminal's operating system.

The terminal's navigation keys work similar to the up/down/left/right arrow keys on a personal computer or cell phone keyboard. For example, they can be used to navigate through list elements. The combinations Gold+up/Gold+down control the sound volume, Gold+right/Gold+left - tabulation in texts to the right and left, respectively.

The action key is similar in purpose to the Enter key on a PC keyboard or the OK key on a cell phone. It is typically used to confirm a selection or initiate an operation. A yellow plus under the Action text means that when the yellow key is pressed, the “+” symbol is entered instead of Enter. The Enter key is located in the lower right corner of the data acquisition terminal keyboard. For most operations, using it is equivalent to using the Action key.

The Erase key is located on the left side of the keyboard above the Yellow I/O key and is designed to erase incorrectly entered characters. The Cancel key, designed to cancel a selection, terminate an operation, or exit programs, is located at the top of the keyboard to the left of the navigation keys. If the mobile terminal's battery is running low, the charge indicator turns red. The light sensor reacts to the ambient light level; in dark conditions, the data collection terminal turns on the backlight of the keyboard and display.

Rice. 3. Design of the Intermec 700 TSD (rear view)

At the bottom of the rear panel of the data collection terminal there is a battery slot. Removing the battery causes Warm Boot of the terminal. A special full data reset button causes Cold Boot - complete erasing of the mobile terminal's memory followed by a reboot. After Cold Boot, all programs installed by the user disappear, and the software of the data collection terminal is rolled back to the state of the standard factory installation.

Why does the data collection terminal have so many buttons?

Not all data collection terminals have many buttons, and this is not always good. The desire to have fewer buttons stems, again, from the idea that the TSD is a barcode scanner and nothing else is needed from it. However, when it comes to using the data collection terminal, you find that you need to: enter the batch number, select something from the lists, refuse the actions performed, etc. For example, if the warehouse program of a data collection terminal is under Windows, then a terminal without the “Esc” key is inconvenient, because it will be almost impossible to use it without a stylus. A terminal without numbers is not suitable for solving the problem of accounting for goods where you need to enter quantity.

Rice. 4. TSD with a small number of buttons (relative sizes are respected)

Mobile industrial data collection terminals without buttons are most often needed for the work of sales representatives and merchandisers, whose main work is carried out in a variety of menus and tables using a stylus. To enter quantities in such special applications, a virtual keyboard is used (for all characters, or only for numbers and the “.” sign).

Why do I have to buy a color data collection terminal with Bluetooth and Windows Mobile 2005 to work in black and white terminal access?

Manufacturers are trying to promote color screens and a wireless network, because producing a color screen is not much more expensive than producing a black and white one, and the only difference is in power consumption (with a color screen, the batteries will run out sooner). Any major manufacturer, such as Intermec or Motorola (Symbol), ranks its terminals not by screen colors, but by areas of application, and they will not agree to release two or three variations for each. It doesn't pay off. Considering that the lion's share of the cost of a data collection terminal comes from shipping, customer support, dealer margins and marketing, rather than the screen and batteries, this state of affairs is understandable.

Manufacturers pre-install Microsoft Windows because they do not have enough resources to develop operating systems. Although there are many other operating systems on the market for mobile industrial data collection terminals, they have one common drawback: the lack of good software development tools, a large number of ready-made libraries and a labor market capable of creating software for them. This is what attracts manufacturers, not bright desktop icons.

In general, the “sophistication” of modern data collection terminals is explained by the pressure of the innovation market and the large difference between the cost of the terminal and the total cost of the system using it. Because system development, implementation, and support outweigh the cost of the hardware, stripped-down hardware ends up costing more. There are cars without airbags or without air conditioning. But no one in their right mind would buy a kerosene-powered car to deliver goods (where to refuel it?) or a car with an outdated engine design that no one understands anymore (“uh, boss,” there is one craftsman, but that’s about 50 thousand for you) 000 will come out, and he’s on vacation”).

Nowadays, for effective business development, data collection terminals (abbreviated as TSD) are actively used. They are specialized computers with ergonomic design and compact dimensions. The devices are used to automate trade, accurately account for products, control the movement of goods and other processes. They are mainly purchased for warehouses, manufacturing plants, and retail outlets. The largest device manufacturers are companies such as Motorolla (Symbol), Datalogic, CipherLab, Unitech and Honeywell. In this article we will talk in detail about the operational purpose of TSDs, their appearance and operating features, and how to use the terminals correctly.

Why use TSD?

A specialized computer is capable of reading barcodes, storing and processing information according to specified algorithms. As a rule, a data collection terminal is equipped with a processor, a certain amount of RAM, a display and a keyboard. The device is also equipped with a scanner that allows you to read barcodes.

TSDs operate under various operating systems, for example:

• DOS – as a rule, is installed on computers equipped with a monochrome screen (text information is displayed on it);
• Windows Mobile - the operating system is installed on devices with a touch screen, which displays both graphic images and texts;
• Palm OS;
• Linux.

The standard package includes power supplies (batteries) and a communication stand along with the terminal. All terminals operate in autonomous mode. Devices are often equipped with professional software that allows you to integrate the device into a commodity accounting system and increase staff productivity.

Now you can, restaurant, cafe, pharmacy, grocery store, hypermarket, enterprise. Modern computers allow you to effectively solve various problems:

• The devices read product barcodes.
• Using terminals you can monitor price tags.
• The devices allow you to receive products, accurately control the receipt and movement of various goods within the warehouse, as well as monitor their expiration dates and balances. Using the devices, they quickly select the required products based on invoices.
• TSD make it possible to carry out inventory, control goods and fixed assets of the enterprise.

Getting to know the terminal and setting it up

Before purchasing a specialized computer, it is important to learn about all the important operational advantages and disadvantages of the selected terminal. You need to understand how to properly configure it and integrate it into your existing accounting system. Typically, additional information about setting up a data collection terminal can be found on thematic websites or forums created by the manufacturer. Its representative provides advice and answers current questions. Many useful videos are posted on YouTube.

After purchase, as a rule, drivers are installed and the device is configured. If necessary, the device is connected to the 1C system. If you connect a printer to your computer and install special software on your PC, you can print labels.

After setting up the terminal, staff are introduced to it. Employees are trained on how to use the device correctly and how to enter information. They are told about the functionality of the TSD.

Features of the scanner: what does the user need to know?

To read information, you need to point the laser beam that the scanner emits at any barcode. The processor recognizes the barcode and automatically performs the necessary (programmed) actions. During the transfer of information, the device emits a characteristic sound signal, indicating that the data is recorded in memory. If for some reason it is not possible to scan the code or an error appears, then the data is entered into the terminal using the keyboard or touchscreen. Typically, the user taps on a sensitive color screen using a stylus.

The TSD can be equipped with a WI-FI module, which provides access to the Internet or to the local network of a warehouse, retail outlet, or restaurant. Almost all modern models operate both outdoors and indoors. Special data collection terminals, which are designed for use in industrial environments, can operate in low temperatures, dust or high humidity levels. Such devices are equipped with a shock-resistant casing that does not allow moisture to enter.

Some models are equipped with a rotating scanning head. With its help, the user scans barcodes at any angle.

The data entered into the terminal is transferred to the accounting system in various ways. For example, information can be transmitted via USB, WI-FI, Bluetooth, or infrared.

TSD design features

Functional models are equipped with additional useful buttons. During operation, the user often has to manually enter information (for example, batch number), select the desired item from the list, and refuse various actions. If you need to keep track of products and monitor their movement and quantity in the warehouse, then you need to order a terminal with numbers. The TSD is selected based on the future conditions of its operation and the format of the data to be worked with.

Currently, manufacturers produce six main types of terminals. They differ from each other in design, operational capabilities, functionality and other parameters. The modern market includes pocket computers, full-size, transport, wearable devices, as well as entry-level models and devices equipped with a pistol grip. Let's look at how each type of TSD is used.

Entry class terminals

The devices have limited functionality: they are the simplest type of equipment. Information entered using the keyboard or scanning is stored in memory in text form.

TSDs are not equipped with WI-FI, so data is transferred to the accounting program using a cord connected to a personal computer or laptop. As practice shows, you can inexpensively buy a data collection terminal for a warehouse, because the device allows you to take inventory of site balances and fixed assets.

Transport TSD

Such computers are designed for use in transport logistics. The devices are equipped with a high-strength housing that can withstand various mechanical loads and vibrations. As a rule, data collection terminals are not equipped with a scanner. To read barcodes you need to connect a special device. Transport TSDs are used during product acceptance and shipment, as well as when packaging goods and products.

Pocket terminals

The devices are characterized by compact sizes and at the same time decent power and functionality. The device allows the user to access the necessary information, which is stored in a remote database.

The terminals are convenient to use because many models are equipped with Bluetooth, WI-FI, GPS, WAN. Typically, devices are purchased for delivery drivers, employees of various delivery services and other specialists working outside the office (store, warehouse and other facility).

Full-size TSD

The devices have excellent functionality. They are equipped with a full keyboard that allows you to enter any information into the device’s memory. The terminals are equipped with different types of scanners.

Full-size models are used indoors and outdoors. TSD is often ordered for hypermarkets, construction sites, and warehouses. To experience all the benefits of the device, the user must undergo training and become familiar with many functions.

TSD with pistol grip

The devices are designed to work in difficult conditions. Thanks to a powerful scanner, the devices are able to read barcodes from a distance of up to 8-9 meters. If there is no Wi-Fi connection at the facility, the TSD is used as a storage device.

As a rule, such models are distinguished by their reliability in use. As a result, they are purchased for construction sites, cargo terminals, and warehouses.

Wearable TSD

Computers have a well-thought-out appearance. They are attached to the wrist, so the user will have his hands free while working. But the scanner’s design resembles a ring and fits on your finger.

Such terminals are convenient to use. The devices respond to the user's voice and carry out his commands. As practice shows, such TSD make it possible to improve labor productivity at the site.

Data collection terminal (DCT) is a compact, portable device that fits in your hand and is equipped with a barcode reader, keyboard or touch screen. Terminal receives power from the built-in battery, has a fairly powerful processor and memory (which is why data collection terminals (DCTs) sometimes called mobile computers).

Software for TSD

Leading global manufacturers data collection terminals- This Unitech, Datalogic, Honeywell, CipherLab, Motorolla (Symbol) and others. Included TSD, as a rule, enters on his own terminal, battery, communication stand or cradle, as well as basic terminal software, which copes with the task of reading and collecting barcodes. However, sometimes terminal a special software, which, along with collecting information, solves integration problems TSD into the commodity accounting system, increasing employee productivity and reducing their errors. Among the most functional and trouble-free software for data collection terminals are SOTI MobiControl, CITYSOFTWarehouse, Logistic Solution, 1C extension for a mobile computer.

Operating systems on the data collection terminal

Most manufacturers use terminals Windows Mobile operating system, less popular, but DOS-like ones are still in demand terminals. Terminals with OC DOS are presented in the Cipherlab line. Windows OS is a color touch screen, graphic images, high performance; DOS OS is installed on terminals with a low-resolution monochrome screen that displays only text information in several lines, but the continuous operation time without changing the battery is more than a day.

Interaction between the terminal and the host system

Data collection terminals can accumulate information and transfer it to a database when connected to a PC thanks to the built-in memory and barcode scanner. Terminals storage type is an alternative to wired scanners. In a large room, when the operator needs to move from place to place to scan various goods, the terminal will be more convenient than a scanner. Another work option data collection terminal– instant transmission of information to the database when scanning a barcode via radio or Wi-Fi. In fact, with this operation, the terminal is part of the network. The system responds to information received from the terminal through various instructions, commands and actions, communicating them to the operator and displaying them on the device display.

How to choose the right data collection terminal?

For the right choice data collection terminal many factors need to be taken into account. First, you must decide where you are going to use terminal– in a sales area, in a small warehouse or in a distribution center. Secondly, it is necessary to clearly understand what data format the enterprise will work with - it can be either linear barcodes or PDF417, or electronic signatures or radio frequency tags. If will be used in a distribution center, then a greater range of the reader may be required - up to 2 or 5 meters. It is worth noting that if the barcode is applied to multi-layer polyethylene or glass, this may make it difficult to read the barcode. Another important factor is the mode in which data will be exchanged between terminal and the head system. Data collection terminals support offline packet modes via USB/RS232, WiFi or GPRS/EDGE/3.5G, real-time modes via WiFi or GPRS/EDGE/3.5G. You may need Bluetooth or Ethernet built into the terminal.

Thus, is an intelligent bar coding equipment that allows you to automate all typical warehouse processes (reception, shipment, inventory, etc.), manage prices at retail outlets and production processes.