Packing table hardware
At the packing table you check the products one last time and pack them. This article explains which devices you need there, such as a computer, scanner and printers.
This video is only available in Dutch.
Computer
With a desktop computer and a barcode scanner, you process picklists and Picqer checks the products you packed.
The computer can be simple. Picqer runs in your web browser, so it doesn't need a high-spec machine. For comfortable use, we recommend the following:
- Monitor at eye level
- More than 4 USB ports (printers often play up when connected through a USB hub, so connect all peripherals directly to the computer)
- Wired network connection (Wi-Fi in a warehouse is always slower than a wired connection)
Picqer also works well on a touchscreen computer when you're picking or registering receipts. That is sometimes a bit faster than using a mouse.
Picqer prints through PrintNode on the computer your printers are connected to. Read how to set up printers and packing stations.
Barcode scanner
The best value for money scanners are the ones from Zebra. We picked 3 types that work best:
- Zebra DS2278 - a sturdy wireless scanner, so you can easily use it with large products around your packing table
- Zebra LI2208 - a cheaper basic scanner with a cable, but just as good in quality as the one above
- Zebra DS9308 - a hands-free scanner like the ones at supermarket checkouts, ideal for small products you can hold in front of it
You can buy these scanners directly from us in the Picqer Shop. Would you rather use a scanner you already have? Read which barcode scanner you can use.
Avoid cheap barcode scanners. Because of the technology they use, they don't work on every material (such as shiny packaging) and they perform poorly in a dark warehouse.
A4 printer
If you want to print picklists, packinglists, or international shipping documents, you need an A4 printer at each packing table.
Take the following points into account when choosing a printer:
- Choose a laser printer. It is faster and cheaper than inkjet or LED, and the print is always waterproof.
- Connect the printer with a cable, so over USB or network. Printers on Wi-Fi always take longer to start a print job.
- Look at the toner price as well as the purchase price. More expensive printers (300+ euros) are often much cheaper per page.
- Check the time to first print and the number of pages per minute. That is how fast the printer really is in daily use.
A6 printer
For shipping labels we recommend the Zebra ZD421d printer. It is a sturdy, reliable printer with high speed.
The Zebra ZD421d and the matching labels are available in the Picqer Shop.
Many carriers can deliver shipping labels in ZPL format. Zebra printers print those fast and in perfect quality, which is why we always recommend official Zebra printers for warehouses.
Printer for product labels
On top of the hardware above, you can optionally add a separate printer for product labels.
Product labels are a lot smaller than shipping labels. We recommend a separate printer for product labels, so you don't have to switch rolls all the time. These are suitable printers and labels.
