Choosing a Handheld RF Scanner for Your SAP WM Environment

March 8, 2019

SAP customers often ask which handheld or vehicle-mounted RF scanner to choose for their warehouse, and whether their devices are compatible with SAP. Virtually any handheld device can be made to work with SAP, but a few factors decide which one will work best in your warehouse.

Download the PDF

Key Takeaways

Virtually any handheld device can be made to work with SAP, and most work perfectly well
With SAP Console, a new screen size can mean reformatting existing RF transactions; ITS Mobile adjusts them automatically
Match the scanner to the environment: laser scanners for indoor linear barcodes, imagers for QR codes, long-range scanners for forklifts, dock doors and high racks
Third-party integration software is not needed: SAP has native integration methods for handheld devices

Does the Device Matter?

Most companies running warehouse management either have or plan to implement handheld or vehicle-mounted RF scanners. The technology has been around long enough to be pervasive in the industry, and it is relatively cheap to acquire and implement. The return on investment is normally quick and easy to justify, based on time saved in the warehouse and fewer errors.

So with all the options available, does it matter which device you choose? CONTAX consultants who have implemented warehouse RF systems many times say it usually doesn't make a great deal of difference, but there are some factors to consider before making a purchase.

Factors to Consider When Choosing RF Devices for SAP

Budget

Like most things, you get what you pay for. Size, battery life and durability can all add to the cost, so the choice often comes down to budget.

SAP Console or ITS Mobile

ITS Mobile automatically adjusts existing transactions to different screen types and sizes. With SAP Console and a Telnet server, you may need to rebuild or reformat existing RF transactions to fit a different device size. This matters mainly when replacing existing devices: staying with the same screen size reduces the effort and cost of changing screens.

Warehouse environment

Is your warehouse all indoors? Laser scanners work best indoors but can struggle outside in natural light, and they typically scan only linear barcodes, not QR codes. If you need to scan QR codes or similar, look for an imager.

Where and how scanners are used

Some scanners have a range of only a few feet. If you will mount them on forklifts or dock doors, or scan a high rack from the floor, look at more powerful long-range scanners such as the Honeywell Hyperion 1300g.

Some Devices We Recommend

CONTAX is not a distributor or reseller of RF devices. These recommendations are based on our experience in the field and on customers who are happy with the solutions they implemented:

Motorola MC9200 series
Zebra TC8000
Honeywell Hyperion 1300g

This is not a complete list of RF devices that work with SAP, and it does not imply that other devices don't work well. These are some of the best devices we have worked with.

You Don't Need Third-Party Integration Software

Many resellers and integrators will try to sell third-party solutions for integrating handheld devices with SAP. This is not necessary. SAP has multiple native integration methods for handheld devices, using standard SAP transactions and screens. Don't be persuaded by claims that third-party integration software is required.

How CONTAX Can Help

CONTAX consultants have implemented SAP warehouse RF systems many times, using SAP's native integration for handheld devices. Learn more about our SAP Services or contact us about your warehouse.

Back to the Knowledge Center