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 controlling the movement of goods, storing and analyzing information. For this, a number of special devices have been developed, including an electronic data collection terminal. It helps to effectively solve the issues of fast and accurate accounting of goods, control and data processing, minimizing the influence 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?
Data collection terminal is a modern specialized mini-computer, which is designed to automate trade, warehouse accounting and other processes. Electronic TSD consists of a processor, RAM, keyboard or touch screen. This device has a built-in barcode reader. The data collection terminal can function autonomouslymode, because it has its own operating system.
The operation of this device is based on barcode reading. Warehouses, restaurants, pharmacies, small shops and large megastores 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 point the laser beam of the scanner at the barcode. The built-in processor recognizes the code and automatically performs further necessary operations. You can also enter data using the keyboard or touchscreen. This is necessary if any error occurred during the scan.
Such terminals can work both indoors and outdoors. Industrial-oriented devices successfully operate at low temperatures, in conditions of high humidity or heavy dustiness. A high impact resistance and a waterproof case are a distinctive feature of such TSDs. The Motorola data terminal, for example, is equipped with a scanning head that can be rotated. This allows data to be read at any angle.
Information from the terminal to the accounting system of a business entity is transferred via various communication channels. It can be infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB. It depends on which model of DCT (data collection terminal).
How to use this device? Everythingdepends on the type of terminal used. There are six main types of RTDs: entry-level, handheld, full-size, pistol-grip, wearable, and transport. Each of these types of device is described in detail below, and recommendations are given for using one or another terminal.
TSD primary class
This is the simplest type of data collection terminal. These devices do not support WAN or Wi-Fi. All results obtained as a result of scanning or entering information from the keyboard are saved as a text file. To transfer data to the accounting program, you need to connect the TSD (data collection terminal) to the computer using a cord.
How to use this type of device? They are most suitable for inventorying inventory and fixed assets or collecting data without being connected to an accounting program in real time.
Pocket PC
Such terminals are miniature, but at the same time powerful devices. With their help, mobile workers can get full access to the information contained in a remotely hosted database. PDAs are equipped with additional features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, WAN (GPRS and 3G).
Laptop, phone and scanner - all these devices can successfully replace such a TSD (data collection terminal). How to use the PDA? It is ideal for those employees who are often on the road due to duty. These can be site managers, forwarding drivers, employeesdelivery service.
Full size TSD
Full-sized terminals are like PDAs. Their main advantage is high performance when wirelessly connected to the database. Such devices are equipped with a full keyboard. Also, various types of scanners are built into full-size TSDs. It helps in solving all sorts of problems.
These devices can be used both inside a warehouse or distribution center, and on the street, for example, on construction sites, oil rigs or in truckers. Some models of these terminals can function underwater.
TSD pistol grip
The purpose of pistol grip data terminals is to work in harsh environments with a Wi-Fi connection. Such devices most often do not have the ability to connect to mobile networks. If there is no possibility to connect to Wi-Fi at some point, the terminal can be used as a data storage device.
There are many different models of built-in barcode readers. Among them are long-range scanners that can be equipped with TSD. The pistol-grip data collection terminal, which has such a powerful device built in, can read the barcode from a distance of more than 9 meters.
The operation of these devices are high performance, durable and easy to use. Thanks to these qualities, TSD withThe pistol grip is often used by warehouse workers or forklift drivers. Still such terminals are widely used in retail trade. Indeed, with such intensive use, simpler devices quickly break down and fail, and TSD with a pistol grip do not require repair and replacement.
Wearable TSD
Wearable terminals are capable of performing the same functions as pistol-grip TSDs, but the user's hands remain free when working with them. Such a device is attached to the employee's wrist; the compact scanner is made in the form of a ring that should be worn on the finger. The device is controlled by voice.
Wearable TSDs are not very common, but when used correctly, they can significantly increase work efficiency.
Transport TSD
Transport RTDs have a robust design, which allows them to withstand fairly 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 barcode reader to the TSD.
Most often such devices work on the basis of Windows Mobile, but there are models that operate on the basis of Linux or Windows XP. This provides a high indicator of computing power, which has an electronic terminal. This type of TSD is used when receiving goods, shipping or picking. This speeds up the workflow and reduces the number of errors that occur due tohuman factor.
Conclusion
TSD is a modern specialized mini-computer. It is designed to automate trade, inventory control and other processes. How to use the data collection terminal? It's not hard. All you need to do is point the scanner's laser beam at the barcode. After recognizing the code, the processor built into the device will automatically perform the necessary operations. The main purpose of using TSD is to increase productivity in order to reduce the time spent on repetitive operations for collecting and processing information and to reduce the number of errors caused by the human factor.
