Data collection terminal

A data collection terminal (DCT) is a modern specialized mini-computer designed to automate various processes, such as inventory, warehouse accounting, mobile commerce, logistics, courier delivery, and others. It is also used for sales areas in supermarkets, shops, and shopping centers. 

The data collection terminal has a built-in barcode reader, a touch screen or a conventional display, and a keyboard. The data collection terminal can also be equipped with memory card and SIM card slots and can also act as a mobile phone.

Working principle

The terminal reads information about the goods using the built-in barcode or RFID tag scanner, so it collects data about the goods, saves them to its own memory card and can transfer them to a computer server. The terminal can perform various actions, such as checking the availability of goods, registering the arrival or write-off of goods, checking the location of goods, auditing, and surveying personnel.

How to use it?

To use the TCD, simply point the scanner's laser beam at the barcode or enter the data from the keyboard. Store data in the TCD, transfer it to the server. 

What are the types of data collection terminals? 

Types of data collection terminals:

Portable. Lightweight, wireless devices that you can carry with you. Connect to a computer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. — Convenient for scanning goods on store shelves, warehouses, supermarkets, markets, and shopping centers.

Mobile TCDs 2 in 1. They are powered by smartphones or tablets and have a built-in SIM card slot. — They are used in supermarkets, shops, shopping centers, logistics companies for accounting and inventory, and for communication between employees.

Stationary. Powered by a network, usually connected to a computer or PC via a USB cable. — They are installed at employees' workplaces, for example, at cash registers in supermarkets or production lines.

Industrial. Withstand harsh conditions, such as air dust, humidity, vibrations. — They are used in industry, manufacturing, workshops, and some wholesale warehouses.

Why do you need a data collection terminal and what for, where is it used?

Areas of application of data collection terminals:

• Trade: for scanning barcodes of goods in the process of selling.

• Warehousing: for keeping records of goods, controlling inventory, and delivering orders.

• Transportation of goods: for tracking the movement of goods from supplier to customer, from seller to buyer, between warehouses and accounting centers.

• Logistics: to track the movement of goods in the warehouse, shipments and receipts of goods, and store information about their current location.

• Production: for quality control, accounting of production processes, tracking the consumption of raw materials, materials for production, and the number of manufactured products.

• Conducting audits and surveys: TCDs can be used to collect data during audits, inspections, and surveys.

How to choose a data collection terminal? Comparison of data collection terminals

What is the difference between TCDs?

1. Connection method: portable or stationary.

2. Functionality: just a TCD or with smartphone capabilities.

3. Designation: industrial type of protection or standard.

4. Specifications: speed, memory, touch screen, batteries, battery capacity, range.

5. Price and support.

Which terminal to choose?

1. When choosing a TCD, first, pay attention to the type of connection.

Portable vehicles can be used on the move, which is convenient for inventory, logistics, courier delivery, and other tasks:

• Inventory. Wireless data collection terminals are convenient for inventory in the warehouse, production, and store. — They allow you to move from item to item, quickly scan barcodes, and indicate the remaining quantity of goods. Some TCDs have a long range, so you can move away from your workstation for a long distance. All this simplifies the inventory process and helps to avoid mistakes.

• Logistics and warehouse accounting, as well as stores of large, heavy, fragile goods. In logistics, it is often necessary to work with bulky goods, and a portable data collection terminal can be brought to the barcode so as not to lift the goods once again. Similarly, a wireless POS is more convenient for selling household appliances, tools, furniture, aquariums, porcelain, etc.

• Retailing a wide range of products. In shops, supermarkets, and warehouses where there are a lot of small items, TCDs help to quickly read barcodes and keep records.

• Service industry. Drivers, couriers, and other professionals can use a portable vehicle data recorder to track deliveries, record working hours, and other tasks. 

Stationary point-of-sale terminals can be connected to peripheral devices, such as scanners or cameras. The terminal itself can also have additional functions, such as printing labels.

So, if you work with a large assortment of goods, often work at a distance from your workplace, move around the room with the CCD, and take inventory of numerous items, it is better to choose a portable CCD with a large memory capacity and battery capacity.

If you also need to maintain communication with other employees or customers, choose a mobile workstation.

If you are choosing a data collection terminal for the workplace and the employee does not need to move with it, for example, to the checkout in a supermarket, then you can choose a stationary TCD

For harsh environments with high humidity, dust, and stress, or if you simply want your data collection terminal to be as durable as possible and last a long time, pay attention to the protection class of the device and choose a TCD with an industrial IP66 rating.