“1. Zebra DS3608-ER Ultra-Rugged Barcode Scanner
Features:
Durability: Built for extreme environments with an IP67 rating, this scanner can withstand exposure to dust, rain, and water submersion.
High-Performance Scanning: It can read 1D and 2D barcodes on heavy materials and surfaces like wood, metal, or concrete, even if they are dirty, damaged, or poorly printed.
Drop Resistant: Survives drops from up to 8 feet onto concrete.
Long Range Scanning: Capable of reading barcodes from near contact to over 70 feet.
Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth or wired options available for flexibility.
Why It’s Best:
This scanner is ideal for lumber yards or large warehouses where operators need durability and high-range scanning capabilities for materials of various sizes and conditions.
- Honeywell Granit 1990i XR Ultra-Rugged Barcode Scanner
Features:
Durability: IP65-rated for dust and water resistance, and can survive multiple drops from up to 6.5 feet.
Extreme Range: Scans barcodes from near contact to 70 feet, making it perfect for large stockpiles or high shelves in outdoor environments.
Long-Lasting Battery Life: Offers high endurance with a battery life of up to 12 hours, essential for long shifts in outdoor environments.
Ergonomically Designed: Comfortable to handle for extended periods, with a trigger designed for one-handed operation.
2D and 1D Barcode Support: Reads all types of barcodes, including QR codes, from a variety of surfaces, even on weathered or scratched materials.
Why It’s Best:
The Granit 1990i XR is a top pick for environments where scanning barcodes from distances or challenging conditions is critical, especially when dealing with large or heavy materials.
- Datalogic PowerScan 9600 Series
Features:
Rugged Design: Built for harsh environments, this scanner is IP65-rated for water and dust resistance, and can withstand multiple 6.5-foot drops.
Extended Range: It can read both 1D and 2D barcodes at a distance of up to 50 feet.
Multi-Platform Connectivity: Offers Bluetooth, USB, and RS232 interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with various devices and systems.
Efficient Data Capture: Quickly scans even damaged or poorly printed barcodes, making it ideal for rugged materials or outdoor conditions.
Comfortable and Easy to Use: Lightweight design with an easy-to-use trigger.
Why It’s Best:
The PowerScan 9600 series is perfect for scanning barcodes on heavy materials, particularly in environments where range and durability are top priorities, such as in outdoor building materials yards or construction sites.
- Symbol LS3578-ER Cordless Scanner
Features:
Durability: The LS3578-ER is designed to withstand drops from 6 feet and comes with an IP65 rating, making it resistant to water and dust.
Extended Range Scanning: Capable of reading barcodes from up to 45 feet, ideal for scanning items on higher shelves or distant stockpiles.
Battery Life: Excellent battery life suitable for extended shifts without constant recharging.
Multiple Barcode Formats: Scans 1D, 2D, and stacked barcodes easily.
Why It’s Best:
The LS3578-ER is ideal for heavy materials because of its long-range capabilities and durability, making it perfect for warehouse or yard applications where distance scanning and longevity are required.
- Honeywell 8670 Wireless Ring Scanner
Features:
Wearable Design: This is a hands-free scanner, worn as a ring on the finger, leaving both hands free to handle heavy materials and equipment.
Durability: Built to survive harsh environments with IP65-rated housing and resistant to drops up to 6 feet.
Compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with a variety of devices and systems (ERP, TMS, or WMS).
Lightweight: Its design minimizes user fatigue, making it suitable for long shifts.
Wireless Connectivity: Works over Bluetooth for seamless communication with mobile devices.
Why It’s Best:
The Honeywell 8670 is perfect for users who need both mobility and durability in rugged environments like lumber yards and building material yards, allowing operators to scan barcodes without needing to hold a device.
- Panasonic Toughpad FZ-N1
Features:
All-In-One Handheld Device: A rugged mobile computer with a built-in barcode scanner that combines all-in-one functionality.
Durability: IP67-rated, built to survive drops of up to 10 feet and designed for use in harsh outdoor conditions.
Scanner Integration: Reads both 1D and 2D barcodes, even on rough or damaged materials.
Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optional 4G LTE for cloud-based systems integration and real-time updates.
Touchscreen: The device has a large 4.7-inch display for easy viewing of product information, inventory lists, and shipment tracking.
Why It’s Best:
The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-N1 is ideal for distributors who need both a rugged scanner and mobile device for operations like inventory tracking, order management, and shipping/receiving on heavy, bulky materials.
- Zebra TC20 Mobile Computer with Barcode Scanning
Features:
Rugged and Reliable: IP67-rated, resistant to dust and water, and built to endure drops from up to 5 feet.
Barcode Scanning: Built-in 1D/2D barcode scanning capabilities for seamless material tracking.
Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for real-time data transfer and integration with backend systems.
Ease of Use: Lightweight and ergonomic, designed for comfort during long hours of scanning in a warehouse or yard environment.
Cost-Effective: A great solution for smaller operations that need rugged, reliable scanning without the high price of premium models.
Why It’s Best:
The Zebra TC20 provides a cost-effective solution with all the essential features needed for light-to-medium-duty environments like building supply yards, especially for operations on a budget.
Conclusion
When choosing a barcode scanning system for heavy materials in a building supply yard, it’s critical to balance durability, range, mobility, and ease of use. Systems like the Zebra DS3608, Honeywell Granit 1990i XR, and Datalogic PowerScan offer robust features, from extended scanning ranges to wireless connectivity, and are well-suited for managing large, heavy inventory in harsh environments.
Selecting the right scanner depends on your specific needs — whether it’s range, mobility, or compatibility with other software and systems. The goal is to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your day-to-day operations while maintaining a rugged solution capable of enduring the challenges of an outdoor lumber yard.”
