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Mobile terminals

A mobile terminal (also called a data collector or handheld terminal) is a portable device that combines a barcode scanner, a numeric keypad and a screen in one housing. Staff use them to take inventory, pick and pack orders, register goods receipt, mark assets and run any other warehouse / retail workflow that needs barcode scanning away from a fixed computer.

How mobile terminals are used​

  • Inventory and stocktaking — scan items in the aisle, sum repeated codes, transfer to back-office at end of shift
  • Order picking and packing — work from a pick list, scan each item to confirm
  • Goods receipt — scan delivery items against the purchase order
  • Asset tracking — register and locate equipment by scanning its barcode label
  • Mobile data entry — log meter readings, audit results or maintenance jobs in the field

Operating modes​

HDWR mobile terminals run in three core modes:

  • Real-time mode — every scan is transmitted to the host computer immediately (via USB cable, charging cradle or 2.4 GHz radio receiver)
  • Storage mode (batch) — scans are saved to internal memory and uploaded to the host on demand, useful when out of wireless range
  • Inventory mode — the device counts repeated scans of the same code, ideal for stocktaking; codes can also be typed in manually for items without barcodes

Selected models load a product database from CSV so the screen shows the product name and current stock figure alongside the code.

Documentation in this category​

  • Models — per-model specifications, memory size, scan engine type (1D / 2D), wireless range and battery life (see the sidebar as they are added)

Mobile terminals FAQ

What is a mobile terminal?
A mobile terminal is a compact device that looks and feels like a smartphone but combines computer functions with a built-in barcode / 2D-code scanner. It collects, processes and transmits data, scans 1D and 2D codes (including QR), and runs your warehouse / inventory app directly on the device — so the operator works hands-on in the aisle rather than from a fixed PC.
What is the difference between a mobile terminal and a data collector?
A mobile terminal runs a full operating system (typically Android) with wireless connectivity, so it can run ERP and WMS clients directly on the device — the operator picks, packs and reports in real time against the company database. A data collector is the simpler predecessor: it mostly reads codes and stores them locally, then transfers the batch to the host system at end of shift. You cannot install mobile-version software on a data collector. HDWR has retired its data-collector range (PS8B and similar) in favour of mobile terminals — the entries below cover the legacy collectors as well, for customers still using them.
Can the mobile terminal work offline?
Yes. The on-device app can save scanned data locally and synchronise it to the host system once the device is back within WiFi range. Modern terminals handle the offline → online switch transparently, so the operator does not need to manually export the batch.
Can the mobile terminal take photos?
Yes. The built-in camera lets the operator take reference photos — for example to document the condition of incoming goods, damaged packaging, picking errors or warehouse incidents. The photos attach to the relevant record in the inventory or order-management software.
What accessories are available for mobile terminals?
The most popular accessory is a GUN-style pistol grip that clips onto the back of the terminal. It improves ergonomics and reduces wrist fatigue during heavy scanning shifts. Other accessories include charging cradles, spare batteries, screen protectors, hand straps and shoulder holsters.
What is a mobile terminal / data collector? (legacy)
A mobile terminal (or legacy data collector) combines a wireless barcode reader and a data-storage device in one handheld housing. It has a numeric keypad for menu navigation and quick code entry, a display, and a built-in scanner that reads 1D or 2D codes depending on the model. Scanned data is saved in the device's internal memory or summed when the same code appears more than once. Mobile terminals are the standard tool for stocktaking, order picking and goods receipt.
Does the terminal run Android or Windows?
Most HDWR mobile terminals use a proprietary operating system installed at the factory. This makes the device fast and reliable but means you cannot install additional apps (web browsers, third-party inventory software, etc.). Selected newer models do run Android — these support custom apps but cost more and need more careful maintenance. Check the specification page of the model you are considering.
How does the terminal operate?
Three basic modes are available on all HDWR mobile terminals: Real-time mode — every scanned code is transmitted directly to the connected computer as it is read. Storage mode — scans are saved in internal memory and uploaded to the target device later, on demand. Inventory mode — the device automatically counts repeated scans of the same code; codes can be entered manually for items without a printed barcode.
How is data transferred to the computer in real-time mode?
Two methods: Wired — connect the terminal directly to the computer via the dedicated USB cable supplied in the box. Wireless — depending on the model, send data through a connected charging / docking station or a dedicated 2.4 GHz USB receiver that plugs into the host computer.
What frequency does the terminal use for wireless data transmission?
HDWR mobile terminals use a 433 MHz radio link for wireless data transmission. The 433 MHz band reaches further indoors than 2.4 GHz and is less affected by WiFi traffic, which makes it well-suited to warehouse environments where the operator may be several rooms away from the receiver.
Can the terminal display the product name, not just the code?
In standard inventory mode the terminal shows only the code and the count of repetitions. Selected models — for example the HD-PS8B series — let you upload a product database (typically a CSV file with code, name, stock level) so the device displays the product name, current stock figure and any other field you include in the database, alongside the scanned code.
Can the terminal append extra characters to the scanned code?
Every HDWR terminal is configured at the factory to append an ENTER key after each scan — it confirms the entry in the host application or moves the cursor to the next field. If your software needs a different terminator (TAB, CR+LF, a specific prefix or suffix string), the terminal can be reprogrammed with a configuration code from the model's manual — most common variations are supported.
Which model is compatible with product databases?
The HD-PS8B series (available in 1D and 2D variants) is the standard HDWR mobile terminal with database support. Upload a CSV file with the product codes and metadata you need; the terminal then shows the product name, stock level and any other column you provide whenever the corresponding code is scanned.