There are few business tasks more critical for retailers than inventory management. When done right, the efficient management of inventory makes cost savings possible, prevents the accumulation of dead stock, and ensures customers’ needs are met. As the inventory needs of retailers grows more complicated with supply chain pressures, the need for technology to streamline this process has grown.

Barcode scanning and data capture technologies are integral to the inventory recordkeeping process, and despite its criticality, barcode scanning has been known to be time-consuming and cumbersome for store employees. This was one of the main reasons that Scandit, the leader in smart data capture, and Samsung partnered to merge their complementary technologies and streamline the inventory management process.

Scandit enables smart devices to capture data from barcodes, text, IDs and objects with speed and accuracy using the camera of the device. This allows retailers to increase productivity and provide retail associates with access to actionable insights on the state of their inventory – allowing them to make more informed decisions with better intelligence. However, the data capture process hasn’t always been this intuitive.

The limitations of dedicated scanning technology

While the technology to support inventory management has evolved from error-prone and labour-intensive processes like paper and pen, even the more pervasive technologies of today have their limits. Many storerooms still manage inventory using a shared pool of dedicated scanning devices. These devices can be costly to purchase, which means they are limited in quantity, forcing store associates to solve issues offline. This is a method that is prone to human error, often leading to stock loss or other inventory inaccuracies.

Not only that, but dedicated scanning devices are inflexible when it comes to optimizing workflows. For example, dedicated devices might scan single barcodes, while innovative smart data capture technology scans multiple barcodes on a pallet or shelf at one time – and even visually highlight which barcodes have been scanned or display inventory information on screen via augmented reality (AR) overlays.

“Store managers are dealing with reduced productivity due to the scarcity and inflexibility associated with these dedicated scanning devices,” said Nitin Gupta, VP of Partnerships & Customer Success, Scandit. “Without a smart mobile device from which to access store insights and updated inventory numbers, store employees are also left grappling with a lack of information.”

“I recall learning from a major European retail client of ours, that store associates would actually hide from customers for fear of being asked a question they were unequipped to answer, fuelled by a lack of tools to access the correct up-to-the-minute information,” said Gupta. “Another retail customer said associates often logged 20,000 steps per shift because of the need to go back and forth to look up information on fixed terminals, or even to the storeroom itself.”

“Enterprises of today need solutions that are intuitive, mobile, durable and cost-effective,” added Gupta. “It’s one of the reasons why we partnered with Samsung years ago, with the merger of Galaxy rugged devices with Scandit Smart Data Capture technology, to deliver optimized scanning performance and ergonomics to the market.”

Smart data capture technology meets Samsung Galaxy devices

Galaxy rugged devices, including the latest Galaxy XCover6 Pro smartphone, are well-suited device for Scandit to integrate their technology into. For one, Galaxy rugged devices are designed for employees working in crowded, dusty warehouses and storerooms because they are built to withstand drops and are both water and dust resistant^[1]. Secondly, the devices are built to be used while wearing gloves, which are commonplace in the warehouse, thanks to the devices’ enhanced screen sensitivity^[2]. Gupta also makes note of their programmable hard keys which can be used to program scanning via a button on the side of the device. “This makes it incredibly easy for employees to initiate a scan,” he said.

Apart from its rugged, durable features, the Galaxy XCover6 Pro is a multi-functional device which lends to its increased versatility when compared to a dedicated, single-function scanner. “The XCover6 Pro powered with Scandit Smart Data Capture Solutions enables associates to complete a number of critical retail tasks and customer-facing workflows all with the same device,” said Gupta. Activities like in-store order picking, product look-up to help with customer enquiries, and back-of-house shipping and receiving are among some of the critical tasks that are made possible with Galaxy rugged devices.

Perhaps what is most compelling for IT administrators responsible for deploying company devices, is the straightforward integration of Scandit via Samsung Knox Capture. “Samsung Knox Capture, powered by Scandit, is an off-the-shelf scanning solution that requires no software development – easily turning a Samsung device into an enterprise-grade scanning device,” said Gupta.

River Island’s streamlined solution

To help illustrate the transformative power of the Samsung and Scandit solution when it comes to streamlining operations, Gupta references the case of fashion retailer River Island.

“Before adopting Samsung and Scandit technology, River Island had just one hardware-based scanning tool for each location, forcing up to four store associates to share the same device,” said Gupta. When it became clear that the worker experience and store operations could be improved with newer technology, IT decision makers implemented the Scandit solution.

After making the switch, River Island found the cost benefits of deploying Samsung smartphones with Scandit technology were so significant, that they were able to provide an individual device to each store associate. “Newly equipped with Galaxy XCover5 smartphones, each store associate can now obtain real-time information on the retail floor, streamlining operations and improving communications from back of house to front,” said Gupta.

Stories like these are just the tip of the iceberg. The Samsung and Scandit solutions are being used to deliver unmatched speed, accuracy and intelligence to retailers across the globe. In fact, Scandit is trusted by five of the top Fortune 500 brands in the world.

Automation is the new industry watchword

It’s been close to a decade since the Samsung and Scandit partnership was established, but there is still a lot the two partners wish to tackle.

The companies’ future goals include optimizing the use of Galaxy rugged devices in combination with Scandit Smart Data Capture to expand into sectors beyond retail, delivering value to the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Galaxy rugged devices with smart data capture will drive process innovation with advanced capabilities such as ID scanning or scanning multiple barcodes for cycle counting or receiving processes.

“Automation has become the new watchword in all industries, and our smart data capture solutions are going to enable automation as the demands of our joint business customers evolve,” said Gupta.

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^[1] The device is protected against harmful ingress of dust and static fresh water at up to 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes, under certain defined test conditions. According to accredited test results, individual results may vary. Note: IP68 rating does not mean that the device is waterproof.

^[2] Touch sensitivity may vary depending on glove material.

Samsung Electronics Canada today announced the new Galaxy XCover6 Pro, a purposefully engineered, enterprise-ready smartphone that is powerful enough to support today’s most demanding businesses. The XCover6 Pro delivers enhanced mobility with strong performance, end-to-end security, and ruggedized durability to help employees get more from their device, whether they’re in the office or out in the field.

“The expansion of mobile technology in the workplace means business is no longer confined to an office, and companies must evolve to keep up with this ever-changing landscape,” said KC Choi, EVP and Head of Global Mobile B2B Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “We created the Galaxy XCover Pro series to give companies a mobile device strong enough to withstand the rigours of business on the frontline. We’re excited to extend this commitment further with the introduction of the Galaxy XCover6 Pro, a device that pairs uncompromised durability with seamless connectivity to unlock success for businesses of all shapes and sizes.”

Powerful Performance for Unbeatable Productivity

The Galaxy XCover6 Pro excels in ruggedized performance, with an enhanced 6nm processor that delivers supercharged speeds and shortens work time to help employees get more done in their day. The XCover6 Pro offers expandable storage with an optional microSD card^[1] meaning there are no compromises on the work you do. This device is the first in the XCover series to support 5G networking^[2], making it possible to work fr6om your favourite location if a signal can be found. With 6GHz band support in Wi-Fi 6E, the XCover6 Pro can make collaboration with colleagues easier and more impactful^[3].

Today, work can happen anywhere, and employees need a device that’s agile and reliable to support them with their daily tasks. With the Galaxy XCover6 Pro, users can conveniently extend the battery life of their device with its long-lasting, replaceable battery (sold separately)^[4] that can be easily swapped with a fresh one when it runs out. In addition, thanks to convenient POGO charging^[5] capabilities, multiple users can dock their device and quickly power up for uninterrupted productivity.

For workers who split their time between the office and working remotely, the Galaxy XCover6 Pro comes equipped with Samsung DeX^[6]. Samsung DeX enables users to connect^[7] their device to an external display, keyboard and mouse to enjoy a PC-like experience. Employees can also use their XCover6 Pro to take pictures and notes on the go, and then seamlessly access the information they captured to build reports once they’re back at their desk — all using one device.

Strong and Streamlined for Challenging Work Environments

The Galaxy XCover6 Pro is designed to endure extreme working conditions, making it the ideal partner for any business function — whether it’s in the hands of delivery drivers, sales associates, or police officers. With a durable MIL-STD-810H^[8] certified design, IP68 rating^[9] and Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass Victus^®+, it is built to withstand severe weather, drops, and other hazards that come with working in the field. Further, in environments where gloves are required for workers, Touch Sensitivity^[10] settings can be adjusted to increase the screen’s receptiveness, while enhancements for touch in wet environments make it easier to use when your hand is damp in rainy conditions.

The Galaxy XCover6 Pro is built to last, so it can deliver maximum value to businesses while minimizing impact on the environment. Its durable design, inclusive of recycled plastics and a replaceable battery, allows it to maintain peak performance throughout its lifecycle. Samsung also provides security updates for up to five years, and four additional One UI and OS upgrades^[11] after the initial global launch, helping to meet Galaxy for the Planet’s goal of reducing e-waste.

The Galaxy XCover6 Pro is one of the most durable smartphones and it’s also one of the least bulky. Its toughness is balanced with a stylish, sleek design more commonly found on consumer devices, giving it a slimmer and more ergonomic feel than traditional ruggedized smartphones. The XCover6 Pro is under ten-millimeters thick and features a dynamic 6.6-inch full-screen display^[12] with a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate^[13].

Tailored for Today’s Mobile Business Needs

The Galaxy XCover6 Pro is designed to help businesses grow through the ongoing evolution of mobile technology. It’s protected by Samsung’s leading end-to-end mobile security, Samsung Knox, which delivers multi-layered protection anchored from the chip up. The platform works like a vault with hardware-based protections, fully integrated with software to deliver end-to-end and real-time protection against ongoing threats facing the modern workforce.

Samsung’s One UI^[14] brings an added level of protection, giving IT administrators and users easy control over their devices with an intuitive interface, including transparent sharing and protection options. Administrators can remotely manage device integrity to ensure they are secure and untampered with, while biometric support of facial recognition and fingerprint ensure the intended user is the only one able to access the device.

The Galaxy XCover6 Pro can be tailored to fit any business. It includes two programmable keys that can be customized to perform specific functions^[15], depending on the business. Users can also use the device as an enterprise-grade barcode scanner through Knox Capture^[16] or as a walkie-talkie through its push-to-talk^[17], which now comes with loud speaker volume^[18]. As every job comes with different demands, the XCover6 Pro comes with a wide variety of Samsung and partner accessories^[19] such as Smart Case, POGO/multi-device/battery pack chargers, charging cradles, belt clips and PTT headsets.

Availability

The Galaxy XCover6 Pro is available in Canada starting today.

For more information about Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices, please visit news.samsung.com/galaxy, www.samsungmobilepress.com, or www.samsung.com/business.

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^[1] MicroSD card sold separately.
^[2] 5G network connection available in select markets. Download and streaming speeds may vary based on market, carrier, content provider, server connection and user environment. Check with your carrier for availability and details.
^[3] Wi-Fi 6E network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 6E router.
^[4] Extra replaceable battery sold separately. Only Samsung certified products are compatible for use.
^[5] POGO charger sold separately.
^[6] Samsung DeX works with most apps. Some apps may require a separate license (purchased separately), or may be unavailable due to partner requests.
^[7] Samsung DeX wired connection is available via HDMI compatible display. Wireless connection is available on Smart TVs that support Phone Screen mirroring only. For optimal experience, use on Samsung Smart TVs launched in 2019 or later.
^[8] MIL-STD-810H Certification: Altitude, Humidity, Immersion, Salt Fog, Dust, Vibration, Drop, etc. MIL-STD-810H is a standardized form of testing designed by the US Military to accurately assess device limitations.
^[9] IP68 rating: Water resistant in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes and protected from dust, dirt and sand. Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use.
^[10] Touch Sensitivity increases responsiveness for leather gloves thinner than 2mm or less in thickness, based on internal laboratory test results. The device can be used in wet environments, but not fully submerged under water. Underwater touch is not available. Touch-responsiveness may vary depending on the material and thickness of gloves as well as other environmental conditions.
^[11] Availability and timing of Android OS upgrades and features may vary by market.
^[12] Measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
^[13] Screen refresh rate varies depending on the app used, and certain apps may not support up to 120Hz.
^[14] Availability of One UI features, apps and services may vary depending on OS version and market.
^[15] Programmable keys are available for select functions; certain apps may not be remapped.
^[16] Knox Capture requires separate app installation and license purchase for use. Availability may vary by market and model. Barcode scanning may require app remapping to programmable key to use full feature.
^[17] Push-to-talk may require app purchase for use. Push-to-talk may require app remapping to programmable key to use full feature.
^[18] Enhanced speaker volume compared to Galaxy XCover Pro. Enhanced speaker volume support only available for apps based on VoIP. To increase speaker volume, go to Settings – Sound & Vibration – Volume – Increase Speaker Volume for Voice Apps.
^[19] Sold separately. Availability may vary by market.