The development of any business entity, be it an industrial enterprise or a service organization, is impossible without the introduction of modern technologies that help improve the processes of accounting and control of the movement of goods, storage and analysis of information. For this, a number of special devices have been developed, including an electronic data collection terminal. It helps to efficiently solve issues of quick and accurate accounting of goods, control and data processing, minimizing the impact of the human factor. What is a TSD (data collection terminal)? How to use such a device? The answers to these and other questions can be found in the article below.
What is TSD?
The data collection terminal is a modern specialized mini-computer, which is designed to automate trade, inventory and other processes. Electronic TSD consists of a processor, RAM, keyboard or touch screen. A barcode reader is integrated in such a device. The data collection terminal can operate offline, because it has its own operating system.
The operation of this device is based on reading barcodes. Warehousing facilities, restaurants, pharmacies, small shops and large megamarkets are increasingly using electronic TSD in their activities.
Data collection terminal: how to use?
The photo below demonstrates the ease of use of the TSD. To enter information, you just need to direct the laser beam of the scanner at the barcode. The integrated processor recognizes the code and automatically performs the further necessary operations. You can also enter data using the keyboard or touchscreen. This is necessary if any error occurred while scanning.
Such terminals can operate both indoors and outdoors. Industrial devices successfully operate at low temperatures, in conditions of high humidity or severe dust. High impact resistance and waterproof housing are the distinguishing features of such TSD. The Motorola data acquisition terminal, for example, is equipped with a scanning head that can be rotated. This allows you to read data at any angle.
Information from the terminal to the accounting system of a business entity is transferred through various communication channels. It can be infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB. It depends on which TSD model (data collection terminal).
How to use this device? It all depends on the type of terminal used. There are six main types of TSD: primary class, pocket PCs, full-sized, with a pistol grip, wearable, transport. Each of these types of devices is described in detail below, and recommendations on the use of a terminal are given.
Primary grade TSD
This is the easiest type of data collection terminal. Such devices do not support WAN or Wi-Fi. All results obtained by scanning or entering information from the keyboard are saved as a text file. To transfer data to the accounting program, you need to use a cord to connect the TSD (data collection terminal) to the computer.
How to use devices of this type? Most of all they are suitable in order to inventory stock balances and fixed assets or to collect data without connecting in real time to the accounting program.
Pocket PC
Such terminals are miniature, but at the same time powerful devices. With their help, mobile employees can get full access to information contained in a remotely hosted database. PDAs are equipped with such additional functions as Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, WAN (GPRS and 3G).
A laptop, a phone and a scanner - all of these devices can successfully replace such a TSD (data collection terminal). How to use a PDA? It is ideally suited for those employees who, on duty, are often on the move. These may be site managers, forwarding drivers, delivery service employees.
Full Size TSD
Full-size terminals look like handheld computers. Their main advantage is high operational efficiency with a wireless connection to the database. Such devices are equipped with a full keyboard. Also, various types of scanners are embedded in full-size TSDs. This helps in solving all kinds of problems.
Such devices can be used both inside the warehouse or distribution center, and on the street, for example, on construction sites, oil rigs or in truckers of truckers. Some models of these terminals may function underwater.
Pistol grip
The purpose of the data collection terminals with a pistol grip is to work in difficult conditions with a connection to Wi-Fi. Such devices most often do not have the ability to connect to mobile networks. If the ability to connect to Wi-Fi at some point is not available, then the terminal can be used as a data storage device.
There are many different models of built-in barcode readers. Among them there are long-range scanners with which the TSD can be equipped. A pistol grip data collection terminal, in which such a powerful device is integrated, can read a barcode from a distance of more than 9 meters.
The operation of these devices is characterized by high performance, they are durable and easy to use. Owing to these qualities, pistol-grip TSDs are often used by warehouse workers or forklift drivers. Still such terminals are widely used in retail. After all, with such intensive use, simpler devices quickly break down and fail, and a pistol grip TSD does not require repair and replacement.
Wearable TSD
Wearable terminals are able to perform the same functions as a pistol grip firearm, however, when working with them, the user's hands remain free. Such a device is mounted on the wrist of a worker, a compact scanner is made in the form of a ring, which should be worn on the finger. The device is controlled by voice.
Wearable TSDs are not too common, but when used properly, they can significantly increase work efficiency.
Transport TSD
Transport TSDs have a robust construction, which allows them to withstand quite strong vibration on loading platforms and various vehicles. Such devices do not have a built-in scanner. For more efficient operation, you need to connect a hand-held device for reading barcodes to the TSD.
Most often, such devices operate on the basis of the Windows Mobile OS, but there are models that operate on the basis of Linux or Windows XP. This provides a high rate of computing power that an electronic terminal possesses. TSD of this type are used when receiving goods, shipping or picking. This speeds up the workflow and reduces the number of errors that arise due to the human factor.
