How can we make economical use of the means of capturing data for hands-free ?

Using our software capabilities to replace certain hardware functions, and given their compatibility with older versions of Android, Apple iOS, and Windows (including the IoT version), let’s dig into your stockpile of old or unused hardware to build a cost-effective and functional data capture solution!

You will also increase your environmental impact!

Here’s a list of input devices whose assembly we’ll be looking at, and the trade-offs between economy, ease of use and speed:

• the keyboard (on the screen): we’ll leave this method aside, as it’s universal and very slow,
• choice of identifiers with filter in a drop-down list,
• the camera: software analysis of the image and extraction of two types of data: characters via OCR or barcodes via barcode image detection; even a webcam can be used to read codes!
• the imager integrated into professional terminals, which ultimately produces the same result more quickly using hardware with constant lighting,
• an external imager or scanner (1D) via Bluetooth or USB; there is a handheld scanner that can be held in one hand or a ring scanner that leaves your hands free,
• data contained in another memory, via Rfid-type waves and, more specifically, via the NFC sensor integrated into virtually all devices except tablets,
• data on the net, such as IoTs via Wifi or 4G, but the latter asynchronous means is not included in the comparison.

There are no restrictions on the type of equipment used: it can be Apple, Android, Windows, Linux, or open source smartphones.

Our customised developments and standard apps enable us to capture data entering through any of these means, sending it to the right place in the application to maintain consistency and speed of entry regardless of the means of acquisition.

Let’s take a look at the possible assemblies, and then classify them.

Possible combinations of input devices :

Most smartphones have a camera and NFC reader on the back, so there is no need for physical assembly for these two methods. Barcode scanning and OCR are included in some of our applications. NFC capture is less common, so it must be added on a case-by-case basis.

Standard tablets usually have a camera on the back, which can be used to read barcodes.

With our version compatibility, users can recover old smartphones or tablets themselves by testing them with our trial versions of apps.

The standard means that the user can choose apply to all fields in all application modules. If a combination of means is requested, it will be the subject of a specific development.

Similarly, external hand-held or hands-free readers can read the symbology of the barcode being read, which can be detected and used: so if the app asks for data to be placed according to the symbology, we’re getting into a specific area, unless it’s part of a standard.

If you’re not satisfied on your smartphone with the speed or accuracy of barcode reading by the camera, or with the reading distance, you can add one of the two means with our apps (by checking the “external scanner” box on the app, the handheld setting is required to add a “CR” (input) suffix to the end of the barcode read), specifying the reading distance and the type of codes to be read when purchasing:

• a handheld scanner linked wirelessly by Bluetooth or USB (there are some in the company’s cupboards)

  

• a hands-free scanner, either on the wrist or fingertip, with the same settings as above, via Bluetooth, plus an armband to place the smartphone on the forearm.

  

Ranking of mobile data capture devices:

The proposed ranking is by order of economy (3 = included as standard in the smartphone, i.e. the lowest price, 1 = the highest price) and by order of speed these means and finally by order of comfort: let’s say by number of hands available +1, from 1 to 3.

We put “2” in savings to NFC because it requires more development.

Of course, other factors can be added, such as handling complexity, reading distance and equipment versatility, but this depends so much on the products assembled together and available to companies prior to their acquisition.

Particularity of hands-free kits: As they are made of fabric and contain electronics, they are difficult to wash and are in contact with the operator’s skin for a long time, which poses hygiene problems for exchanges or loans.

What’s more, there are left-right variants: a right-handed person will prefer to hold it on the left and vice versa, and 3 size variants to suit different hands.

The hands-free scan ring kit is therefore a highly individualized piece of equipment for each operator, and not very flexible.

What about very old versions of Android, Apple iOS or Windows?

For older versions of Android or Windows, and older and recent versions of iOS, on smartphones or tablets, we will add an external reader that communicates via Bluetooth, unless their camera is sufficient.

So in web or WPA mode (see the keyword “Web Apps”), we will be able to create an app that will first run on this hardware and then capture the Bluetooth communication channel to send the data to the correct fields in the app on the screen, verify the data, etc.

Advice to help you choose before investing:

It is clear that the cost-effective addition of barcode and data reading capabilities in general requires a detailed analysis of the user’s wishes, constraints and budget, as well as a good understanding of the development resources and hardware available on the market in order to produce the best solution for fast data capture.

Before adding equipment, it is important to seek expert advice so as not to exhaust your remaining budget by overlooking aspects such as software, which is less visible but nevertheless very important. We have test applications available for you to validate your choice, so please do not hesitate to ask us for them.