Maximising your mobility

INEVITABLY THAT has seen demand increase for vehicles and tools like forklifts, stackers, pallet jacks and carts to shift inventory around. Indeed, the forklift market alone is projected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2031.

For operations relying heavily on such vehicles, a mobile printer with shoulder strap probably won’t be enough to streamline workflows and optimise operator efficiency, other accessories will be necessary.

Whether you’re converting raw materials into finished products or delivering items to end users, barcoding is essential to track items, boxes, or pallets through the supply chain, especially in dynamic warehouse operations where inventory fluctuates frequently. Increasingly, for this purpose, logistics operators and manufacturers have relied on mobile label printers to improve their productivity and accuracy. 

But when deciding which printer, it's crucial to consider elements such as mobility requirements, media usage, durability, charging capabilities, and working conditions.

In the warehouse

Mobile printers in warehouses are used primarily to label incoming goods for accurate put-away or relabel items with missing or illegible labels.

TSC Auto ID’s 3-inch Alpha-30L and 4-inch Alpha-40L ruggedised mobile printers are ideal for such tasks. They are designed for harsh environments such as warehouses and are equipped with smart batteries that work with TSC Console or SOTI Connect for remote printer management. But, more importantly, they come with a full line of accessories to assist with labeling tasks, especially for vehicles and tools on the move. 

Vehicle mounts: The Alpha-30L and 40L can be fixed on vehicles using TSC’s adaptor, which is compatible with third-party mounts such as RAM® mounts. This ensures the devices are easily accessible and secure from drops, enhancing mobility and flexibility for diverse tasks. A quick-release vehicle mount kit enables the operator to attach or detach the printer in seconds and use it elsewhere, or return it to the office at the end of the shift. 

Always powered: TSC’s vehicle power adapters, for both cigarette lighter sockets and direct connections to a power source, offer charging flexibility and uninterrupted productivity. The battery eliminator is ideal for printers that are always connected to a power source, where a battery is unnecessary. For printers used both on and off vehicles, they can be conveniently charged after a shift using either the docking cradle or the dedicated battery charger for removed batteries. This ensures they’re fully operational for the next workday.

Label convenience: When it comes to label media, TSC’s external fanfold media holder and tray ensures smooth feeding to the mobile printer while the device is securely mounted to vehicles like stackers, forklifts, or even carts, depending on the application. The fanfold holder is compatible with the quick-release vehicle mount kit.

On-the-go logistics

Empowering operators to tag cases where labels are missing or to enable them hand over proof of pick-up/delivery, mobile printers like TSC’s Alpha-30R or RE310 offer the versatility to print both receipts and labels. They are rugged enough to withstand indoor and outdoor conditions and equipped with a battery sufficient for entire shifts. 

Operators travelling to and from facilities on foot, bike or van also need to be able to print unencumbered. The compact and lightweight RE310 is perfect for this as it can easily be worn with a shoulder strap or belt clip. The device’s USB Type-C compatibility and a 3,080mAh battery allow for charging via a power bank, ensuring continuous power even without power outlets, especially during motorcycle deliveries.

Selecting the right printer and compatible accessories will help streamline your logistics operations and improve your productivity.

Visit the TSC website or contact your local sales representative to find the perfect combination.