Data collection terminals

Data Collection Terminal. What is it, and why is it needed?

In business, it is often necessary to work with goods remotely — to conduct inventory, re-inventory, goods acceptance, check quantity and current location of goods, serve customers at their location, etc. For this, it is necessary to read product barcodes, store information about them, and transfer it to a computer. To work with the warehouse remotely, entrepreneurs use a data collection terminal.

A data collection terminal (DCT) is usually a small wireless device similar to a mobile phone. It has a built-in barcode scanner, battery, keyboard or touch screen for entering product data. The DCT has a large amount of built-in memory to store data about scanned product barcodes. It transfers this information to the accounting software, for example, to Torgsoft.

What types of data collection terminals exist?

• Standard portable DCTs. Lightweight wireless devices that scan and accumulate barcodes. Connect to a computer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

• Mobile 2-in-1 DCTs. Work based on smartphones or tablets, have a built-in SIM card slot.

• Industrial. Withstand harsh conditions such as dust, humidity, and vibrations.

• Stationary. Not all DCTs are designed for remote work. Some operate from a power source, connect to a computer via USB cable, and are installed at the employee's workstation. They are usually used on production lines.

DCTs are most often used in mobile trade, warehouses, wholesale bases, hypermarkets, and in areas where data needs to be processed quickly on-site, such as logistics and courier services.

What functions does a data collection terminal perform?

• Scans barcodes and QR codes on products, stores information in internal memory, transfers this information to a computer, into the accounting software. — With a DCT, you do not need to enter information about each product into the computer separately. You can walk around the warehouse with the DCT, scan all necessary barcodes, return to your workstation, and upload all this information into the program at once.

• You can collect product data remotely with the DCT — it works via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

• On a DCT with a keyboard or touch screen, you can additionally enter such data as the quantity of items, price, serial number, etc.

• Works with software for database management, analysis, and statistics. — The collected data can be sent to the program for processing and analysis.

• Used for inventory and re-inventory.

• Automates data collection processes, reducing manual labor and errors.

How much does a data collection terminal cost and where to buy it?

A good data collection terminal can be purchased at a price from 18,000 to 22,000 UAH. In Torgsoft, a DCT can be ordered with free delivery across Ukraine via Nova Poshta. Specialists can also help remotely to install the Torgsoft software, configure everything, and start working on the terminal. The online store provides a detailed description of data collection terminals from different manufacturers with various feature sets.

A more affordable alternative to a DCT is a smartphone with the Torgsoft mobile app installed.