The Advantages Bluetooth Technology Brings To The Warehouse

by Neil Jones on 2011-03-01 13:50:05

The worker on the move faces many situations where access to equipment like mobile computers, smart phones, scanners, printers and other peripherals would make their performance more efficient, time saving and productive. A serious impediment in their path is the tangled mess of wires and cables that are perpetually getting caught or breaking and snapping. These cables are used for connecting the mobile computers to peripherals and web access. This constraint also affects the addition of new peripherals that individuals or companies may choose to add.

The solution for these problems is to be found in Bluetooth Wireless connectivity that permits complete mobility of the workforce in computing solutions. It eliminates the need for wires and cables and thus reduces the costs involved, improves uptime since there are no damages or repairs to bring down the system and also reduce the total cost of ownership to the company.

What Is A Bluetooth
A Bluetooth is a wireless radio frequency (RF) communications technology that works on a short range. This lower power equipment typically works between 30 to 300 feet, the range being determined by the class of radio used, class 2 or class 1. Bluetooth devices have the ability to exchange information with each other through an adhoc personal area network and do not require any access point or server. It operates on the same frequency level as the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g wireless network systems. However they can be used simultaneously with wide area network (WWAN) devices. They are therefore used by cell phones and mobile computers as well to connect to networks and peripherals.  

Bluetooth has been named after the 10^th century King Harold Bluetooth, who helped unite the warring tribes to unify both Denmark and Norway. It has proved to be a standard way to connect dissimilar devices, and Bluetooth standards are developed and administered by SIG, the Standard Interest Group, which is a trade association comprised of leaders from the sectors of telecommunications, automotives, computing, network and industrial automation.

What Bluetooth is not
Bluetooth has multiple capabilities but many limiting factors as well. What the Bluetooth cannot be is a networking technology although up to seven Bluetooth devices can operate simultaneously through ad hoc networks. Mobile computing users need to be aware of its range limitations, the quality of service it provides and the throughput necessary for meeting the wireless LAN requirements. It cannot compete with 802.11b and other related protocols despite the best efforts of some in the industry to promote it as a networking technology. It is at best a very viable cable replacement technology that eases communications.

A device can be Bluetooth-enabled through PC cards or Compact Flash cards, by integrating a radio through a USB or RS-232 port or building a radio into the device.

Bluetooth Security
Bluetooth devices can prove to be very secure due to the several layers of security that are optional. They firstly limit the communications among devices, but once communication is established, they have additional levels of security checks. This includes encryption of data though the need seldom arises. Rare instances of security lapses reveal minimal security protection adopted by the user.

Bluetooth devices if used in open mode, can be used to communicate with any other Bluetooth device, or it can be limited to communicating with known devices only. The former can be avoided since it is less secure. Authentication support within its protocol helps keep checks in place.

Flexibility with Bluetooth
Enterprise mobile computing users enjoy great device flexibility with the Bluetooth, in the form of user convenience, enhanced productivity, safety and the flexibility to use multiple peripheral devices, not just during a work shift but also through the lifespan of the computer in use. It enables users to take advantage of new GPS systems, peripherals newly acquired, new scanners and printers, without having to consider the availability or the limitations imposed by ports.

The flexibility provided by Bluetooth is also a value enhancer for the system. Research conducted in 2004 by the Venture Development Corporation revealed that most rugged mobile computers have a lifespan of seven years but end up being replaced after five years of use, to enable the enterprise to take advantage of the newer technologies coming out. Bluetooth helps in extending the life of existing equipment by additional devices getting attached to it, and peripherals helping getting access to the newest technology instead of having to replace the whole computer.

Cable costs reduced
From the cost savings point of view also, Bluetooth makes perfect sense since it reduces day-to-day expenses besides extending the life of the device. Computer connectors are a $28 billion industry out of which some proportion belongs to cables connecting computers and peripherals. The average cost of replacing a cable could be as much as $50. If the total number of cables used for various peripherals was added it would account for a large sum of money. This amount would be saved with a Bluetooth.

Time saving and enhanced productivity
Bluetooth helps a lot of time wastefully spent on connecting and disconnecting wires and cables, looking for disconnected devices and replacing the cables. The endless effort required for repairs and servicing, can all be put to better use. A lot of time is also wasted in bringing items to be scanned in front of the scanner and place them at the right angle. Bluetooth saves the time spent on this cumbersome exercise by scanning where it is required and not where the cable requires. This leads to higher productivity and quicker results become available. Such minute details add up for an incremental effect on returns on investment.

Barcode scanning
Barcode scanners are the most commonly used input devices for mobile computers and when this also gets the benefit of a wireless Bluetooth rather than be limited y cables and wires, it will lead to excellent results. They also provide safety in use at places where cables can get entangled and lead to disastrous consequences around conveyors or machinery in operation. Cordless scanning becomes a convenience in space scarce or cluttered areas as well. Bluetooth enabled scanners are also ideal as wearable scanning systems.

Bluetooth Printing
The biggest advantage of Bluetooth is for connecting computers to printers in mobile enterprise operations. This eases the task of printing invoices, receipts, delivery orders and order confirmation slips. These can be printed and handed over at the customer’s doorstep with no waiting period involved for the printer at a remote location to print out the invoices etc, and then delivering them. This leads to time saving and greater efficiency.

Bluetooth printing in indoor environments gets multiple opportunities, each making the task easier with instant printouts. Labels received through a wireless LAN network can be printed and attached to items with the Bluetooth. Printers can also receive wireless inputs from scales, sensors and measurement equipment.

Wireless Docking
Wireless docking helps in cutting delays and congestion while workers wait to download data and have to stand in line for the docking cradle to become available at the end of their shift. A bluetooth station would help in accepting multiple transmissions from mobile computers and eliminate the waiting periods.

Conclusion
Thus Bluetooth helps bring complete benefits of mobile computers to applications and reduce the costs, time spent and maintenance involved. Consequently businesses get higher returns on investments with higher efficiency levels and all their devices get longer lives before they need to be replaced since the latest technology can be added through new peripherals using the Bluetooth.

This post is by Neil Jones, current head of marketing for eMobileScan,  who after launching in Poland and Germany are on tracking to be one of the largest providers of hardware to the AIDC industry in Europe. Supplying everything from barcode scanners to handheld computers and labels printers, they can offer a solution that will suit all needs and requirements