In today’s fast-paced working world, it is key to have accurate inventory tracking and asset management in place to ensure a real-time database of information.
Barcode tracking plays a huge role in this because it allows us to have a full audit trail of products and packages throughout the supply chain. All industries, from retail and healthcare to logistics and manufacturing use barcode scanning processes.
Traditionally, businesses have relied upon handheld barcode scanners to complete checks, however, with the rise of cloud-based solutions - like Orca Scan’s mobile and web app solutions - we can complete barcode scanning much more efficiently.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the need for hardware barcode scanners versus modern solutions like Orca Scan, that simply require smartphone devices.
What is Orca Scan, and how can it help your business?
Orca Scan is a barcode scanner app compatible with IOS and Android devices that allows you to create a barcode system without code. We pride ourselves on being simple and easy to use; for those users with a lot of coding experience or none at all.
After our initial app store launch in 2017, it turned out that organisations all over the world shared the same problem: high stock counts with a lack of barcode scanners left many businesses with the tedious, error-prone task of writing down barcode numbers and typing them into spreadsheets.
Since then, Orca Scan has grown to over 450k users, including 60% of Fortune 500 companies and 40% of FTSE 100 companies, it is clear that barcodes are a vital part of business inventory management and tracking.
Orca Scan works on smartphone and tablet devices, as well as handheld scanners, for businesses with any budget that want to scan, track and export data. The cloud-based system makes it super simple for users all over the world to access, edit and export any data they’re assigned too, and work alongside their colleagues with real-time data and history reports to ensure efficiency and accuracy across teams.
Why is it important to modernise inventory management?
Traditional inventory management processes often refers to hours of work checking stock with pen and paper checklists, manual scanning and time-consuming data entry into spreadsheets. This process is prone to human errors.
Orca Scan vs Traditional Barcode Scanners – The Key Differences
When comparing Orca Scan vs traditional barcode scanners, several key differences become apparent across various operational aspects:
| Features | Orca Scan App | Traditional Scanners |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Consideration | • Freemium subscription model, with affordable monthly or annual prices • Using your own device reduces initial costs and makes it easy to implement for all staff |
• Upfront hardware investment • Once you’ve bought them, they’re yours • Replacement and maintenance costs of scanners • Potential additional software costs for data management or updates |
| Flexibility & Accessibility | • Orca Scan is a cloud-based system, so accessible from anywhere • Flexible with which device you choose • Using your smartphones, tablet or scanner allows access at all times |
• Traditional scanners are often limited to specific hardware or systems • Limited flexibility due to local access so less likely to collaborate with users in another warehouse/location |
| Data Management Capabilities | • Automatic cloud storage so no need to export or remove data due to capacity • History logging for full audit trials • Built-in tracking, data visualisation, and reporting abilities • Upgrade options needed when rows are exceeded |
• Often requires manual transfer to other systems to visualise data • Limited built-in capabilities |
| Integration With Business Systems | • Ready made integrations (for example, Excel, Google Sheets and Power BI) so Orca Scan can work with your current systems or develop workflows • API access for custom integrations • Upgrades essential for integrations |
• Often requires middleware or custom integration • Some devices may have compatibility issues • Limited integration options • Less flexibility with current business systems |
| Team Collaboration | • Multi-user accessibility, across warehouses and offices all over the world • Permission controls can be granted to each user • Real-time updates across devices and sheets |
• Hardware scanners are usually isolated to the individual user scanning, so limited ability to collaboration • Requires manual data transfer for sharing data or exporting |
| Business Size Considerations | • Available to start ups, SMEs and single and multi-location businesses • Used by 60% of the Fortune 500 companies • Used by 40% of FTSE 100 companies • Teams that need collaborative access and real-time visibility • Package and courier visibility • Works for those with low budgets for hardware • Businesses that need audit trails and history tracking |
• Extremely specialised environments • Businesses with unique scanning requirements • Sites with zero internet connectivity and little to no cellular service |
Supporting Inventory Management: Orca Scan vs Traditional Barcode Scanners
Orca Scan is a cloud-based barcode tracking platform that allows companies to build enterprise-grade solutions without code. Using a smartphone, users can simply scan and track their data without need for expensive hardware or scanners.
Amongst many benefits, Orca Scan provides real-time data tracking, so teammates in another office or warehouse can access the same data almost instantly, which saves sending emails or manually updating spreadsheets.
It is a simple, but efficient inventory management system that gives businesses the option customise if needed, for example, triggers add if-this-then-that logic to your sheets without code, so you can be notified of low stock levels or receive emails if items are damaged or lost. This gives uses a chance to keep a closer eye on their inventory without spending hours manually checking warehouses and units.
What features does Orca Scan offer over Traditional Barcode Scanners?
- Collaborate with Your Team Work together in real-time to manage inventory levels and track assets across locations
- Design & Print Labels Choose from a variety of barcode labels or create your own with our drag & drop designer
- Capture signaturesCapture signatures at every stage of your process for full traceability
- Photo FieldsAdd photos to document proof of delivery, conduct quality control, or showcase product variations
- Detailed History LogWith our history log, every change is captured, so you can see exactly what’s been changed and by whom
- Work OfflineCapture data even when offline, syncing automatically to the cloud once reconnected
- Integrate your toolsIntegrate your inventory to easily share your data from your favourite tools
Modernise your inventory Systems with Orca Scan
Orca Scan is suitable for start ups, SMEs, and medium to large Fortune 500 companies, with single and multiple locations to monitor and track because of our options to customise and build a workflow that suits your needs.
Teams have the ability to collaborate and access real-time data that is generated and scanned from other users, across locations, around the world, to increase visibility and efficiency.
If you’re wondering whether Orca Scan is the right solution for you, check out our pre-configured solutions, or our frequently asked questions 👇
What does an Orca Scan do?
Orca Scan is available on Android & IOS devices, as well as scanners, and on the web. It is a cloud-based barcode tracking platform that allows companies to build enterprise-grade solutions without code.
What does Orca Scan cost?
Orca Scan has a Free, Starter, Business and Enterprise pricing plan to suit a wide range of businesses, from start ups to medium sized businesses, to sole traders and freelance developers.
Is Orca Scan good?
Orca Scan has been successful at tracking barcodes for over 450k users across the world. With its real-time data visibility, customisation options, multi-location tracking, and integration abilities with existing workflows, it makes it the perfect app to modernise your inventory management systems. Read our customer success stories here.
What is the difference between Orca Scan local and cloud?
The mobile app provides two tabs, Cloud and Local, to help you manage your data.
Cloud Tab: Displays scans from all users and devices.
Local Tab: Displays scans from your device and provides access to data even when offline.
Try Orca Scan for Free
If you’re ready to start your scanning journey, or need help brainstorming how best to track your inventory first, please get in touch with our customer success teams; we’re here to help 💛
