Every step we take into the future brings about new ways of working. If you want to keep your warehouse up to date and working to the demands of the present day, you must move with the times. For example, we’ve recently seen a move in mobile warehousing to use wearable computers and mobile devices for scanning. Here at GSM Barcoding, we want to help provide the most productive working environment, and part of this is implementing new technologies.
That is why, in today’s blog, we’re talking a little more about using Android devices as your barcode warehouse management system and providing you with everything you need to know about migrating to Android devices for your warehouse.
Why Outdated Software Poses Security Risks
Technology moves fast, and software is constantly evolving. If you have software that its developers no longer support and doesn’t get frequently updated, you open your business up to risk. Unmaintained software cannot integrate with newer versions of software that it needs to “speak” to or hardware devices that you may use to carry out your warehousing operation. As a result, it cannot run smoothly and only slows your productivity down. Outdated software also opens your business up to security risks. There can be vulnerabilities in your software, allowing your database to fall victim to cyber-attacks.
Data Breaches Caused by Out of Date Software
A cyber attack can cause a data breach, leaving you and your customers’ data prone to misuse. Cybercriminals can use the weaknesses found in outdated software to let in ransomware attacks, malware, and more. Even if you do not store data in the software which is out of date, your data can be at risk. If your software retrieves or sends information to another piece of software that does hold data, a malware attack can find its way to this data from the vulnerability. If outdated software is the cause of a data breach, it can be seen as negligence in terms of GDPR, which will cause a loss of trust from your customers and a fine from the ICO.
Microsofts’ End to Security Updates
Microsoft is a business like any other and constantly evolves to new technologies and ways of working. As a result, the firm discontinued its support for the Windows Mobile Operating System (OS) in 2019, the Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 (WEH 6.5) OS and Windows Embedded Compact 7.0 (CE 7.0) OS followed during 2020. The firm no longer supports devices using these operating systems because it recognised the move to other software and operating systems. Meaning there are more and more Microsoft devices that pose security risks and diminishing capabilities for your warehouse.
System Downtime Issues from Unmaintained Software
In addition to the threat of cyber-attacks and data breaches, outdated software can cause other forms of malware and bugs on the system. These viruses or inconsistencies in operation can result in system reboots, infected devices which no longer work and downtime on your device. Should this happen, your workers may find themselves having to complete work that was already complete because it wasn’t logged before a system reboot or having to wait to finish work because the device isn’t working correctly.
Why Now is the Time to Upgrade Your Software
Ecommerce has been booming over the past decade. However, the pandemic saw that boost become even more apparent. Upgrading software is the only way to meet this growing demand. Newer software allows for a faster, more productive system for your warehouse to increase its fulfilment speed. It’s time to look at a more modern operating system like Android, more so because of the end of support from Microsoft for their mobile operating systems.
Are Android Devices Suitable for Your Warehouse?
Yes. Thankfully several manufactures of handheld devices had acted appropriately to the news about the end of support from Microsoft, and the majority have moved to Android for their operating system. Thanks to the familiarity, versatility and security of Android, devices running this operating system are perfect for warehouses. In addition, Android offers enhanced security from its operating system and gives more flexibility for users with a global app store with a range of options for barcode scanning. For example, Zebra Technologies and Honeywell handheld scanners feature android operating systems on their barcode scanners. With integration with our mobile barcode app Go Barcode, both options can provide the perfect barcode warehouse management system.
Which Other Operating Systems are Available?
When looking at operating systems for your warehouse barcode scanner, you have several options, most of which come from Microsoft or Android. However, as mentioned, the Microsoft options now have very limited or no support available, which means to stay supported and on the latest software, you should look towards Android migration. Get in touch with the team here at GSM Barcoding today to learn more about how easy the migration could be and how to get the most from your warehouse barcode scanners. You can also find out more about our other services including asset tracking systems and asset tracking labels.
