When I started running a warehouse style store it was very simple. You would bring in product and sell it in bulk. Due to the changing environment we have had to diversify. We now have to sell in both bulk and individual unit quantities. While this has opened up the business to the general public, it has been a difficult transition for keeping track of our current inventory levels. Switching to a barcode inventory system would alleviate the difficulties. Purchasing a wireless handheld barcode scanner would simplify the process one step further. We would be able to keep track of our inventory levels from anywhere on the warehouse floor. The hardest decision was going to be determining which scanner to purchase.

Deciding which wireless handheld barcode scanner to purchase maybe harder than actually using the product. Before making a purchase, you will want to decide exactly how you plan on using the unit. Since there are hundreds of different products available, with different features, you will want to determine which features you need.

• Do you need a unit that offers a full, size angled display that will enable your employees to view the data easily? Are you looking for a unit that is ergonomically designed, to reduce user fatigue and wrist strain?
• Is having the wireless connectivity the most crucial component? A wireless handheld barcode scanner will provide the user access to your company's main database while still on the warehouse floor.
• Is a large percentage of the products you scan a considerable distance from the host computer? If so, you maybe interested in purchasing a unit that uses Bluetooth wireless communication features. This will enable movement up to 33 feet from the base while using AFH features to eliminate interference from other wireless systems.
• Each handheld unit runs off of battery power. You will want to verify what would happen if the battery dies during the middle of performing an extensive count. Would you lose the previous information, or would the information be stored for downloading later?

These are a few of the features any company should review before purchasing a wireless handheld barcode scanner. Understanding each feature will enable you to select the correct, handheld unit that will work for you in any condition.