Mobile Operations
Mobile operations enable warehouse workers to execute tasks using handheld devices with barcode scanning capabilities. This guide covers mobile device setup, scanning workflows, and offline operations.
Overview
Mobile operations enable you to:
- Execute warehouse tasks on mobile devices
- Scan barcodes for verification
- Process transactions in real-time
- Work offline when needed
- Track worker location and activity
- Improve accuracy and efficiency
Accessing Mobile Operations
Workers access mobile features through:
- Dedicated handheld devices (RF guns)
- Mobile app on smartphones/tablets
- Web-based mobile interface
Understanding Mobile Operations
Supported Operations
| Operation | Description | Scan Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving | Process inbound shipments | PO, item, location |
| Putaway | Store items in locations | Item, from/to location |
| Picking | Retrieve items for orders | Location, item, quantity |
| Packing | Pack and ship orders | Order, items, box |
| Transfer | Move between locations | Item, locations |
| Cycle Count | Count inventory | Location, item, quantity |
| Adjustment | Correct inventory | Item, location, reason |
Device Types
| Device | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RF Gun | Rugged, built-in scanner | Heavy warehouse use |
| Smartphone | Camera scan, touchscreen | Light use, flexibility |
| Tablet | Larger screen | Packing, receiving |
| Wearable | Hands-free | Picking, sorting |
Scan Types
| Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Item/SKU | UPC, EAN, internal | 012345678901 |
| Location | Bin barcode | A01-02-03 |
| Order | Order number | SO-2026-00001 |
| Pallet | License plate | LP-000001 |
| Serial | Serial number | SN123456 |
| Batch/Lot | Lot number | LOT-2026-001 |
Setting Up Mobile Operations
Device Registration
- Go to Settings → Warehouse → Mobile Devices
- Click Register Device
- Enter device details:
- Device ID/name
- Device type
- Serial number
- Assigned warehouse
- Assigned user (optional)
- Generate activation code
- Enter code on device
Mobile App Installation
For Handheld Devices
- Connect device to network
- Access app store/MDM
- Install Angage Mobile app
- Launch and configure:
- Server URL
- Activation code
- User credentials
For Smartphones
- Download from App Store/Play Store
- Open app
- Enter:
- Company code
- Username
- Password
- Configure settings
How-To Guides
How to Configure Mobile Devices
Device Settings
Navigate to Settings → Warehouse → Mobile:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Server URL | API endpoint |
| Sync Interval | Data refresh rate |
| Offline Mode | Enable/duration |
| Scan Validation | Strict/lenient |
| Sound/Vibrate | Feedback options |
User Profiles
Configure per-user settings:
- Allowed operations
- Warehouse access
- Default settings
- Offline permissions
How to Perform Mobile Receiving
Receiving Workflow
Start Receiving
- Open mobile app
- Select Receive
- Scan or enter PO number
Process Items
- Scan item barcode
- Verify against PO
- Enter quantity received
- Note any discrepancies
Capture Details
- Scan lot/batch (if required)
- Scan serial numbers (if tracked)
- Note any damage
- Take photos (optional)
Complete Receipt
- Review totals
- Confirm receipt
- Print putaway tasks
- Stage for storage
Exception Handling
- Over-receipt: Requires approval
- Under-receipt: Note reason
- Wrong item: Report discrepancy
- Damaged: Document and hold
How to Execute Mobile Picking
Picking Workflow
Get Assignment
- Log into device
- View task queue
- Accept pick task
Navigate to Location
- Follow directed path
- Screen shows next location
- Scan bin to confirm
Pick Items
- Verify item matches
- Scan item barcode
- Enter quantity picked
- Confirm pick
Handle Exceptions
- Short: Report and continue
- Wrong item: Alert supervisor
- Location empty: Flag for audit
Complete Pick
- Deliver to staging/packing
- Scan destination
- Mark task complete
Verification Modes
| Mode | Description | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Full Scan | Scan location and item | Highest |
| Location Only | Scan bin, visual item check | Medium |
| No Scan | Visual verification | Lowest |
How to Use Barcode Scanning
Scanning Techniques
Good Scanning Practice:
- Hold steady
- Proper distance (4-12 inches)
- Adequate lighting
- Clean barcode surface
- Correct angle
Troubleshooting Scans:
- Adjust angle
- Clean barcode
- Adjust distance
- Manual entry backup
Supported Barcode Formats
| Format | Length | Use |
|---|---|---|
| UPC-A | 12 digits | Retail products |
| EAN-13 | 13 digits | International |
| Code 128 | Variable | Internal/locations |
| Code 39 | Variable | Industrial |
| QR Code | Variable | Rich data |
| DataMatrix | Variable | Small items |
How to Handle Offline Mode
Enabling Offline
- Go to device settings
- Enable Offline Mode
- Configure:
- Data to cache
- Transaction limit
- Sync frequency
Offline Operations
When network unavailable:
- Transactions stored locally
- Limited to cached data
- Queue for sync
- Visual indicator shown
Syncing Data
When reconnected:
- Auto-sync triggers
- Queued transactions upload
- Conflicts flagged
- Data refreshed
Offline Limitations
Some operations may be restricted offline:
- Real-time stock checks
- Order validation
- Label printing
- Exception processing
How to Perform Mobile Transfers
Transfer Workflow
Initiate Transfer
- Select Transfer function
- Scan source location
- Scan item
- Enter quantity
Move Stock
- Physically move items
- Navigate to destination
Confirm Destination
- Scan destination location
- Verify item
- Confirm quantity
Complete Transfer
- System updates locations
- Transaction recorded
How to Conduct Mobile Cycle Counts
Count Workflow
Start Count
- Select Cycle Count
- Accept count task
- Navigate to location
Count Location
- Scan location
- Count physical items
- Scan each item (optional)
- Enter quantity
Handle Variance
- System compares to expected
- Within tolerance: Auto-approve
- Outside tolerance: Flag for review
Complete Count
- Confirm count
- Move to next location
- Complete task when done
Advanced Features
GPS/Location Tracking
Track worker location:
- Indoor positioning
- Zone detection
- Path analysis
- Safety monitoring
Photo Capture
Document with images:
- Receiving damage
- Problem products
- Location issues
- Proof of delivery
Voice Integration
Hands-free operation:
- Voice commands
- Verbal confirmation
- Audio instructions
- Faster execution
Wearable Devices
Next-generation picking:
- Smart glasses
- Ring scanners
- Smart watches
- Increased productivity
Best Practices
📱 Device Care
- Proper charging
- Regular cleaning
- Protective cases
- Report damage
🔋 Battery Management
- Full charge before shift
- Spare batteries available
- Power-saving settings
- Charging stations
📶 Connectivity
- WiFi coverage mapping
- Dead zone identification
- Offline preparation
- Sync verification
🎯 Accuracy
- Always scan when possible
- Verify before confirming
- Report issues immediately
- Follow procedures
Configuration
Mobile Settings
Navigate to Settings → Warehouse → Mobile:
- App Version - Required version
- Sync Settings - Frequency, data
- Offline Settings - Duration, limits
- Validation - Strict mode options
Scanner Settings
- Scan Mode - Continuous/single
- Beep Volume - Feedback level
- Timeout - Scan timeout
- Symbologies - Enabled formats
Security Settings
- Session Timeout - Auto-logout
- PIN Required - Transaction PIN
- Device Lock - Screen lock
- Data Encryption - Local storage
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Device won't connect
- Check WiFi connection
- Verify server URL
- Check credentials
- Restart app
Scan not reading
- Clean scanner lens
- Check barcode quality
- Adjust distance/angle
- Try manual entry
Sync failing
- Check network connection
- Verify server status
- Review sync logs
- Contact support
App crashing
- Update to latest version
- Clear app cache
- Restart device
- Reinstall if needed
Battery draining fast
- Reduce screen brightness
- Disable unused features
- Check for background apps
- Replace aging battery
Related Documentation
Learn about Picking Operations and Packing Operations for detailed workflow guidance.