Advanced Inventory Count uses handheld scanning through Warehouse Insight and WMS Express, which run on standard Android handheld computers and on Android phones. Compatible devices, along with set up, are available through Insight Works and its partner network, so you can source hardware that is configured to work with your counts.
Devices that work for mobile counting
Mobile counting runs on Android handheld computers with built in scanners and on Android phones using the camera. A dedicated scanning device reads barcodes almost instantly, while a phone camera can scan but is slower because you have to aim the camera and wait for focus, so a device with an integrated scanner is the better experience for serious counting. The choice often comes down to volume. A team counting a few bins occasionally can start with a phone, while a warehouse running regular full counts or cycle counts will move faster on rugged handheld computers built for continuous scanning throughout a shift.
Scanning without barcodes
You do not always need barcodes on your product to count with these devices. The apps can scan human readable text, such as a printed item number or bin code on a box or a rack label, as quickly as a barcode. This lowers the barrier to mobile counting because you can start scanning your existing labels and signage rather than relabeling everything first.
Sourcing and configuring hardware
Compatible scanners can be supplied and set up through Insight Works and its partners, including help configuring the devices and showing how text scanning works. Sourcing hardware this way means the devices arrive ready to run Warehouse Insight or WMS Express against your Business Central environment, so they arrive ready to use.
Matching the app to the device
The same hardware can run either handheld app, so the decision usually depends on the features you need rather than the scanner itself. Warehouse Insight delivers full handheld counting with offline support, which matters in locations where coverage drops, while WMS Express covers the basics for teams that stay connected. Either way the device reads your barcodes and labels and sends the counted data back for reconciliation.
Related Tools
Warehouse Insight provides full handheld counting and offline support on Android devices and phones. WMS Express provides handheld counting for the basics. Advanced Inventory Count reconciles the scanned data and posts the adjustments, and is the module that turns these handhelds into a full counting solution.
Conclusion
Inventory counting works on standard Android handheld computers and phones through Warehouse Insight and WMS Express, with dedicated scanners giving the fastest experience. You can scan text when items lack barcodes, and compatible, preconfigured hardware is available through Insight Works and its partner network.