How to Measure Ruggedized Industrial Barcode Scanners Performance

If you have been around scanners for any length of time, you know the difference between daily standard-use scanners in the office/retail vs. the warehouse, manufacturing, and outdoor environments is quite dramatic. This article is about ruggedized/industrial scanners, which are designed with a focus on durability:

• Encased in water- and dust-proof housings
• Rubberized to reduce damage from falls or tumbles
• Specially built to address common challenges in different vertical markets and environments – outdoors, around harsh chemicals, and rugged mobile jobs
• Also perfect for fast-paced, high-volume barcode scanning

Choosing your scanner is about how you will use the scanner, and what features you need will make the decision process easier. You are considering questions such as:

• Where will the scanner be used?
• What is the environment where the scanner will be used (e.g., temperature controlled, dust or moisture, dropped or banged around)?
• How often will the scanner be used?
• What is the distance and lighting for scanning labels?
• What barcode symbologies will the scanner be reading?
• Does the scanner need to be wired or corded to the host?
• What form factor will be needed (e.g., handheld, in-counter, mobile, fixed mount)?
• What are the requirements of the industry (e.g., warehouse/DC, manufacturing, postal, transportation, healthcare, grocery, retail)?
• What is the requirement of the workflow?
• How does it feel ergonomically?
• How does the scanner perform in tests? What do customers say?

Everyday millions of workers throughout the world use Honeywell industrial scanners in every conceivable environment. Our passion for productivity improvements drives our deep knowledge and ensures that we’re focused on the issues that make a real difference to your business. We are discovering new ways to achieve operational efficiency and productivity, while also driving down labor costs.

We have taken that experience and put it into our Granit™ series of industrial scanners. Built for long-term durability, Honeywell Granit barcode scanners ensure superior durability and reliability, no matter what the environment. From tough applications in harsh locales to high-volume scanning in fast-paced settings, Honeywell industrial scanners optimize critical data collection workflows. And your operators can easily scan pallets from long distances without leaving their forklift, thanks to the same extra long-range imagers used in our mobile computers.

Evaluating Scanners

When you are looking to add, upgrade, or replace your ruggedized fleet of industrial scanners, you clearly have a few choices. You have heard the sales pitches, looked at the spec sheets, tested models in workflows, have your personal favorites from past experience, and maybe you even asked for references. How do you make your decision? Where do you place the weight?

The following reflect just a few of the online reviews of the Granit:

Extreme Temperature and Durability Test. During the tests, the reviewers froze the Honeywell Granit devices in a block of ice, threw them around, dropped them from 3 and 6 feet to concrete, and smashed them.

Reviewer Conclusions: “It works and it’s durable. Built like a tank.”

• The Honeywell Granit series is designed for rugged use and is optimized for scanning-intensive industrial environments.
• Granit scanners have a proven track record of durability in the industrial environment. Key design points include a small, recessed clear window to resist impact with corners, tools, and bolts (a common failure point on competitive industrial scanners), and impact-absorbing materials on contact faces.
• This handheld scanner features a custom-built housing that meets IP65 dust and water protection standards.
• Granit features broader operating temperatures for all-season outdoor use and cold storage.
• It can withstand drops to concrete even in extreme temperatures, and offers the highest durability rating in its class.
• Suitable for use in industrial environments, in extreme temperatures, and environments with robust scanning requirements.
• Granit cables on tethered models are easy to install and use (vs. multi-part gasketed cables), simplifying setup and deployment.
• Granit is an incredibly durable, reliable scanner that can hold up to drops, bumps, and falls without compromising device uptime.

Scanning Test: During the reviews, reviewers tested the Honeywell claims of the Adaptus™ 6.0 imaging technology and its ability to scan standard retail barcodes from 0.015 m to 6.5 m (0.6 in to 21.4 ft), and its extended range on larger barcodes to 100 mil reflective label from 6.1 m (20 ft) away.

Reviewer Conclusions: The scanner claims are confirmed.

• Reads the most commonly used 1D, stacked, and 2D barcodes across industries today.
• With Extended Range (ER) optics, Adaptus 6.0 architecture, and burst illumination, the scanner provides greater reading distance without compromising motion tolerance.
• The extended linear depth-of-field makes the Honeywell Granit 1910i ideal for mixed symbology environments.
• The Granit 1910i offers rapid reading times and with advanced scanning technology, eliminates the need to use stools or bend over to scan bottom-shelf barcodes, increasing employee productivity.
• The Granit is capable of continuous repeat scanning with minimal delay or downtime, with increased motion tolerance and the ability to read faded and damaged barcodes common in harsh environments.
• Granit features vibration to intuitively indicate good read to the user (vs. audible/visual only).
• Reads 50% longer that other models.

Lighting Test. In the light testing, reviewers used the scanner in all lighting environments, including direct sunlight and blocking LEDS.

Reviewer Conclusions: The scanner was able to scan all barcodes.

• A bright laser aimer guides users directly to barcodes even in difficult-to-see areas and at long distances.
• It also offers good read indicators that can be easily seen by users at any distance, reducing the trial-and-error requirements common for scanning in these types of environments.

Drive Over Test. The reviewers placed the scanner on the ground and ran over it several times with a vehicle to test the boundaries of durability that were not written in the specs.

Reviewer Conclusions: Scanner incurred damage, however, Honeywell’s support plan is fully comprehensive, and we were able to send the scanner back and get a replacement.

Honeywell Granit Family of Industrial Scanners

Honeywell's Granit industrial-grade area imaging scanners were engineered specifically for businesses that highly value device durability and expect high-performance scanning. Built to meet demands beyond those indicated by Ingress Protection ratings alone, these area imagers have been extensively tested in preparation for everyday life in the most extreme environments. In addition to the innovative housing that was custom-built for hazardous and unpredictable surroundings, the offerings also include the same Adaptus 6.0 imaging technology and decoding architecture found in the best-in-class Xenon™ series, delivering exceptional barcode reading.

We have several different models within the Granit family, and each model comes in a corded or cordless version. The corded versions are less expensive because they have fewer components required in them. Effectively the scanner has a cable that connects it to a host device such as a PC, vehicle-mounted computer on fork truck, or other device. Cordless versions effectively communicate wirelessly with a charge and communication base. Wireless scanners are less encumbering to the worker. They are free to operate without a cord dangling across the work surface.

The family includes:

• Granit 1910i: Industrial-Grade Area-Imaging Scanner
• Granit 1911i: Wireless Industrial-Grade Area-Imaging Scanner
• Granit 1980i: Industrial-Grade Full-Range Area-Imaging Scanner
• Granit 1981i: Wireless Industrial-Grade Full-Range Area-Imaging Scanner

Let’s take a closer look at the scanners in the Granit family:

Granit 1910i
Industrial-Grade Area-Imaging Scanner

The Granit 1910i industrial-grade area-imaging scanner is designed to withstand the varied demands that exist in harsh working environments. Featuring a custom-built housing that redefines the standard for scanner reliability, the IP65-rated Granit 1910i scanner is built to survive 5,000 1 m (3.3 ft) tumbles and 50 drops to concrete from 2 m (6.5 ft), even at -30°C (-22°F). As a result, businesses deploying this industry-leading offering can expect to experience minimal device downtime and a lower overall cost of ownership.

Powered by sixth-generation Honeywell Adaptus imaging technology and its revolutionary decoding architecture, the Granit 1910i scanner provides users with the same exceptional barcode reading performance as the best-in-class Xenon series of area-imaging scanners. From poorly printed and damaged codes to low-density linear codes, the Granit 1910i scanner is built to read virtually all barcodes with ease – supporting maximum operator productivity with its enhanced illumination, crisp laser aiming, and extended depth of field.

Additionally, loud machinery and poor lighting conditions often pose a challenge for operators who rely on scanner feedback as confirmation of “good reads.” The Granit 1910i scanner meets this challenge with bright LEDs, enhanced beeper volume, and vibrating feedback response – ensuring rapid decode feedback and eliminating redundant scanning.

Created specifically for applications in which high-performance scanning is expected and durability is highly valued, the Granit 1910i scanner is the optimal solution for businesses operating in unpredictable conditions.

Key Features and Benefits of the Granit 1910i:

• The custom-built IP65-rated housing is able to withstand 5,000 1 m (3.3 ft) tumbles and survive 50 drops from 2 m (6.5 ft) at -30°C (-22°F), reducing service costs and increasing device uptime.
• Adaptus 6.0 imaging technology provides aggressive barcode reading and unrivaled accuracy, while the scanner feedback is enhanced for use in extreme industrial environments.
• The TotalFreedom™ area-imaging development platform enables the loading and linking of multiple applications to enhance image decoding, data formatting, and image processing – eliminating the need for host system modifications.
• Granit scanners have a proven track record of durability in industrial environments. Key design points include a small, recessed clear window to resist impact with corners, tools, and bolts (a common failure point on competitive industrial scanners), and impact-absorbing materials on contact faces.
• With outstanding performance on poor-quality and damaged barcodes, the scanner helps users maintain productivity by providing a worry-free scanning solution that minimizes manual entry.
• Scans out-of-reach items with ease and allows users to scan 20 mil linear codes out to 75 cm (29.5 in) without sacrificing performance on 2D codes.

Granit 1911i
Wireless Industrial-Grade Area-Imaging Scanner

The Granit 1911i wireless industrial-grade area-imaging scanner is designed to withstand the varied demands of harsh working environments. Featuring a custom-built housing that redefines the standard for scanner reliability, the IP65-rated Granit 1911i scanner is built to survive 5,000 1 m (3.3 ft) tumbles and 50 drops to concrete from 2 m (6.5 ft), even at -20°C (-4°F). As a result, businesses can expect to experience minimal device downtime and a lower overall cost of ownership.

Powered by Honeywell Adaptus 6.0 imaging technology and its revolutionary decoding architecture, the Granit 1911i scanner provides users with the same exceptional barcode reading performance as the best-in-class Xenon series area-imaging scanners. From poorly printed and damaged codes to low-density linear codes, the Granit 1911i scanner is built to read virtually all barcodes with ease – supporting maximum operator productivity with its enhanced illumination, crisp laser aiming, and extended depth-of-field.

The Granit 1911i scanner also incorporates a Bluetooth® Class 1, v2.1 radio, enabling wireless connectivity and unrestricted movement up to 100 m (300 ft) from the base. Additionally, with the Honeywell Shift-PLUS power management system, users can expect up to 14 hours of battery life, reducing the costs associated with battery backups and replacements. A paging system is also available for added convenience to assist with locating misplaced scanners.

Created specifically for applications in which high-performance scanning is expected and durability is highly valued, the Granit 1911i scanner is the optimal solution for businesses operating in unpredictable conditions.

Key Features and Benefits of the Granit 1911i:

• The custom-built IP65-rated housing is able to withstand 5,000 1 m (3.3 ft) tumbles and survive 50 drops from 2 m (6.5 ft) at -20°C (-4°F), reducing service costs and increasing device uptime.
• Bluetooth Class 1, v2.1 radio enables movement up to 100 m (300 ft) from the base, and reduces interference with other wireless systems. Up to 7 imagers can communicate with a single base, reducing total cost of ownership.
• The second-generation of the Honeywell TotalFreedom area-imaging development platform enables the loading and linking of multiple applications to enhance image decoding, data formatting, and image processing – eliminating the need for host system modifications.
• Granit scanners have a proven track record of durability in industrial environments. Key design points include a small, recessed clear window to resist impact with corners, tools, and bolts (a common failure point on competitive industrial scanners), and impact-absorbing materials on contact faces.
• The long-lasting Lithium-Ion battery powers up to 50,000 scans per full charge and is removable without tools, ensuring maximum uptime for operations running multiple shifts.
• With its extended linear depth-of-field, the scanner scans out-of-reach items with ease and allows users to scan 20 mil linear codes out to 75 cm (29.5 in) without sacrificing performance on 2D codes.

Granit 1980i
Industrial-Grade Full-Range Area-Imaging Scanner

The Granit 1980i industrial-grade scanner features full-range area-imaging technology capable of reading both 1D and 2D barcodes across a wide range of distances. From poor-quality 2 mil codes scanned at close range, to 100 mil codes hanging from warehouse rafters scanned at ranges of 16 m (52 ft), the 1980i is built to perform. With an unmatched range that provides incredible versatility, Granit enables maximum operator productivity in the harshest environments.

The 1980i is packed with technologies that make it simple to use. An integrated laser pointer aiming system with auto-illumination, omni-directional reading capability, and support for centering take the guesswork out of scanning at extended ranges. Operators of fork trucks equipped with vehicle-mounted mobile computers, such as the Honeywell Thor™ series, will appreciate how the full-range scanning capability of the 1980i allows them to remain seated – and hence more productive – while scanning pallets at extended ranges.

As a member of the Granit family of scanners, the 1980i is built to withstand the varied demands of harsh working environments. Utilizing the Granit housing that has long set the standard for scanner reliability, the 1980i is rated IP65 and is built to survive 5,000 tumbles from 1 m (3.3 ft) and 50 drops to concrete from 2 m (6.5 ft) – even in temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F).

Key Features and Benefits of the Granit 1980i:

• Scans low density (100 mil) codes out to 16 m (52 ft) and high density (2 mil) codes at close range – and everything in between.
• Tested to withstand the toughest environments, Granit is rated IP65 and can survive 5,000 tumbles from 1 m (3.3 ft) and 50 drops to concrete from 2 m (6.5 ft).
• Granit scanners have a proven track record of durability in industrial environments. Key design points include a small, recessed clear window to resist impact with corners, tools, and bolts (a common failure point on competitive industrial scanners), and impact-absorbing materials on contact faces.
• A laser-spot aimer, omni-directional scanning, and features such as centering take the guesswork out of scanning at extended ranges.
• Tested to withstand 300,000 90-degree bends at temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). Continues to communicate when up to 60 pounds of force is applied.
• Can replace and consolidate multiple purpose-built scanners in typical distribution center and warehouse environments.

Granit 1981i
Wireless Industrial-Grade Full-Range Area-Imaging Scanner

The Granit 1981i wireless industrial-grade scanner features full-range area-imaging technology capable of reading both 1D and 2D barcodes across a wide range of distances. From poor-quality 2 mil codes scanned at close range to 100 mil codes hanging from warehouse rafters scanned at ranges of 16 m (52 ft), the Granit 1981i scanner is built to perform. With an unmatched range and wireless freedom providing incredible versatility, the Granit 1981i scanner enables maximum operator productivity in the harshest environments.

The Granit 1981i scanner is packed with technologies that make it simple to use. An integrated laser pointer aiming system with auto-illumination, omni-directional reading capability, and support for centering take the guesswork out of scanning at extended ranges. Operators of fork trucks equipped with vehicle-mounted mobile computers, such as the Honeywell Thor series, will appreciate how the full-range scanning capability of the Granit 1981i scanner allows them to remain seated – and hence more productive – while scanning pallets at extended ranges. And with Bluetooth® technology, complete freedom of movement up to 100 m (330 ft) away provides additional operator convenience.

As a member of the Granit family of scanners, the Granit 1981i scanner is built to withstand the varied demands of harsh working environments. Incorporating the Granit housing that has long set the standard for scanner reliability, the Granit 1981i scanner is rated IP65 and is built to survive 5,000 tumbles from 1 m (3.3 ft) and 50 drops to concrete from 2 m (6.5 ft) – even in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). As a result, operations that deploy Granit scanners can expect to experience minimal device downtime and a lower overall cost of ownership.

Key Features and Benefits of the Granit 1981i:

• The Granit 1981i scanner scans low-density (100 mil) codes out to 16 m (52 ft) and high-density (2 mil) codes at close range – and everything in between.
• Tested to withstand the toughest environments, the Granit 1981i scanner is rated IP65 and can withstand 5,000 tumbles from 1 m (3.3 ft) and 50 drops to concrete from 2 m (6.5 ft).
• A laser-spot aimer, omni-directional scanning, and features such as centering take the guesswork out of scanning at extended ranges.
• Granit scanners have a proven track record of durability in industrial environments. Key design points include a small, recessed clear window to resist impact with corners, tools, and bolts (a common failure point on competitive industrial scanners), and impact-absorbing materials on contact faces.
• Bluetooth wireless technology provides freedom of movement up to 100 m (330 ft) from the base and reduces interference with other wireless systems.
• The Granit 1981i scanner can replace and consolidate multiple purpose-built scanners in typical distribution center and warehouse environments, providing a single scanning solution.

Honeywell Barcode Scanners and Scanning Systems

At Honeywell, make barcode scanning easy. That’s why Honeywell barcode readers are plug and play with industry-leading scan performance, making even the most difficult-to-read barcodes look good.

From retail checkout to hospital patient care to warehouse supply chains and manufacturing, Honeywell barcode scanners are purpose-built for the demands of your business. Learn More.