Much has changed since the simple point and click devices that have dominated the market the past 30 years. As computer technology has become increasingly portable and easier to use, a handheld barcode scanner allows businesses to store and retrieve stock information like never before from a single device.

So what is a PDA barcode scanner and how does it differ from what's already out there? In a traditional inventory management operation, a central computer (server) would act as a central point for all barcode scanners to store stock information. These barcode scanners would then be used to identify stock in a given context, such as a warehouse, and then report back to the server's database containing inventory information and stock count.

Using the power and functionality of a PDA barcode scanner, you can effectively mobilise your whole inventory system onto a single stock taking device. This means that you can add or change inventory stock or relocate existing stock using the PDA which in turn synchronises with the server to provide up-to-date information as long as you have compatible software.

In addition, capable PDAs can do much more than take stock, such as photograph inventory, provide wireless connectivity and take phone calls when you're on the move. Large businesses will immediately see the benefits of using these mobile solutions since it can be challenging to operate efficiently in warehouses where they may be hundreds of thousands of different products that need rigorous stock control.