One of the more important ways companies maintain their safety protocols is through automated safety inspections with handheld scanners. Inspections are essential for ensuring fire extinguishers, emergency lights, and employee protection protocols are all operating the way they should. And one of the easiest ways to manage inspections is with inspection software that tracks your company’s safety assets.
Instead of manually recording what objects are being inspected, employees can use handheld scanners to scan an assigned barcode and perform full inspections. As you look for handheld scanners to use for your company, check out some of the features that will benefit your inspection needs and help move the process along efficiently.
1. Bluetooth Technology
Handheld scanners with Bluetooth technology can connect wirelessly to mobile devices and easily go from device to device like cell phones or tablets. In order to use a handheld scanner with InspectNTrack you only need to pair the scanner to the mobile device in the mobile device’s settings area. Then you simply open InspectNTrack and the handheld scanner will pair with the app. This is helpful for when multiple employees use the same scanner, but have their own devices with inspection apps installed.
With the Bluetooth connections, workers do not need to deal with cords and plugs. For example, an iPad and Samsung phone will feature different input connections, and a corded scanner would need USB adapters to work properly. Bluetooth technology connects with most modern devices without physical connectors, which makes the process easier.
When you purchase handheld scanners from an inspection company, the scanners are programmed and certified to work with the app. This eliminates incompatibility issues and explains why Bluetooth technology is so easy to use.
2. Multiple Barcode Options
An advanced two dimensional handheld scanner is not just limited to a single type of barcode. The scanning technology can read traditional linear barcodes along with QR codes and specialty designs. Safety assets such as fire extinguishers often include a manufacturer supplied barcode on the label. A scanner with 2D compatibility combined with inspection software that accepts existing barcodes eliminates the need to print out a new barcode for equipment that has OEM barcodes. It also allows companies looking to switch inspection software programs to utilize existing equipment barcodes with the new software rather than replacing barcodes.
When you use a barcode scanner with a mobile device to perform inspections all the inspection results are stored in the software automatically, and no manual recording or data entry is needed to complete tasks.
3. Scanner Holsters
After the initial barcode scan, a technician may need to have his/her hands free to perform a physical inspection of the equipment. Completing the task can be a challenge with a scanner in hand, but you do not want an employee to just place a scanner on the ground or in an area where it could become damaged.
When you purchase a handheld scanner, look into holster options. A holster goes around the waist and allows a technician to safely secure the scanner while they complete the inspection. While walking in between different inspection routes, holsters can hold a scanner so the technician does not need to carry it. The person doesn’t need to hold the scanner the whole time.
4. Easy Asset Management
Above and beyond performing inspections, a technician can engage in operations that contribute to the overall safety program. Moving equipment is as simple as scanning two barcodes. For example, a technician can scan a barcode for their service location and then scan a fire extinguisher barcode. This scan combination takes the fire extinguisher out of service and moves it to the shop location systematically. Likewise, scanning the active location and then the barcode on a spare extinguisher places the spare into service and moves it systematically.
After scanning the barcode on an existing equipment with a handheld scanner a technician can edit the equipment, log an issue, or capture an image. For example, if an inspector replaces a barcode, then they can scan the old barcode and then scan the new barcode as the replacement.
When new safety assets are brought to the company, a scanner can instantly add them to the inspection route with a quick scan. The predetermined inspection protocol is automatically assigned, and a person doesn’t have to worry about any manual entries or setup work.
For more information on our inspection software and handheld scanners, contact us at InspectNTrack. We have a number of different options for your scanner needs, including wireless Bluetooth scanners and all of the accessories to go with them.
