Modern smartphones facilitate simple inventory tracking, and order fulfillment, and eliminate the need for barcode scanners. However, choosing the right device to meet your needs- especially a smartphones for stockers and order fillers- isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
To help, we’ve gathered the best smartphones, apps, and accessories for stockers and order fillers in one handy guide.
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Top 10 Smartphones for Stockers and Order Fillers
1. CAT S62 Pro
The CAT S62 Pro combines an ultra-rugged build, powerful processor, long-lasting battery, and high-resolution camera at a reasonable price – what else could you wish for? The device is IP69-certified, so it will handle full submersion in water and constant exposure to dusty environments. Thanks to Gorilla Glass 6 display protection and MIL-STD-810H rating, the phone withstands drops to concrete from a six-foot height.
A 12-megapixel camera with a thermal sensor facilitates easy barcode scanning with a dedicated app and temperature monitoring for stock sensitive to heat or cold. What’s more, the phone is equipped with 128GB of internal memory and a microSDXC card slot to store your work data.
Pros:
- Decent camera
- Thermal sensor
- Powerful battery
- Ultra-rugged build
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- A bit bulky for a pocket
Ranking: 4.7/5
2. CAT S42 H+
The CAT S42 H+ is an upgrade to the CAT S42 with antimicrobial protection created specifically for healthcare workers. However, this unique feature is useful not solely in hospital facilities. It will also benefit warehouses storing and supplying drugs or potentially harmful goods, keeping the device hygienic at all times. Apart from resistance to bacteria growth, the smartphone is IP69 and MIL-STD-810H certified.
The 5.5-inch LCD display ensures clear visibility in any lighting conditions, allowing simple inventory management right from your phone. The primary 13-megapixel camera easily reads barcodes, while a 4200mAh battery handles the entire day of active use.
Pros:
- Antimicrobial protection
- Large display
- Powerful battery
- Decent camera
- Affordable
Cons:
- No wireless charging support
- No USB-C port
Ranking: 4.9/5
3. Sonim XP8
The Sonim XP8 has everything a stocker or order filler needs for an efficient workflow. Its powerful processor and 4GB RAM memory smoothly run professional software, replacing a tablet or computer. The 4900mAh multi-shift battery with Quick Charge 4 support is removable, so you can prolong the device’s lifespan by purchasing a second battery if necessary.
However, the most impressive thing about this smartphone is the built-in barcode scanner. Although you can scan barcodes using dedicated apps and a regular camera, a pro-grade scanner is quicker and more reliable. It will even read damaged or tiny barcodes ordinary cameras can’t identify – simply press a dedicated button.
Pros:
- Ultra-rugged build
- Built-in barcode scanner
- Great camera with HDR and panorama mode
- Removable battery and Quick Charge 4 support
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Ranking: 4.9/5
4. Sonim XP7
The Sonim XP7 is the predecessor of the Sonim XP8. It has a barcode scanner for quick and accurate data capture and an ultra-rugged build. The primary eight-megapixel camera takes crisp pictures whenever you need to send proof of delivery. Although the battery is non-removable and doesn’t support Quick Charge, it provides up to 40 hours of talk time, making this smartphone a reliable companion for any professional.
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery
- Built-in barcode scanner
- Ultra-rugged build
Cons:
- A bit bulky for a pocket
- No Quick Charge support
Ranking: 4.7/5
5. Kyocera DuraForce
Kyocera DuraForce is an affordable, rugged smartphone ideal for warehousing and logistics workers. It holds IP68 and NIL-STD-810G certification, handling drops to concrete, submersion in water, dust, impact, extreme temperatures, and vibrations. The 3100mAh battery provides up to 17 hours of continuous use. Thanks to the eight-megapixel primary camera with HDR, the phone accurately scans barcodes even in low light conditions.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Camera with HDR
- Long-lasting battery
- Ultra-rugged body
Cons:
- No Quick Charge support
- The front camera could be better
Ranking: 4.5/5
6. CAT S22 Flip
Stockers and order fillers who already have a decent barcode scanner and need a simple phone to communicate with colleagues will appreciate the CAT S22 Flip. This affordable, rugged flip phone has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a USB-C port for quick data transfer. The 2000mAh battery is replaceable to prolong the device’s lifespan. Thanks to the large buttons with backlight, typing messages is simple even if you’re used to touch screens.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large buttons with a backlight
- Connectivity features
- Removable battery
Cons:
- Average camera
- Small screen
Ranking: 4.2/5
7. Sonim RS60
The Sonim RS60 is among the best-rugged devices for warehousing available on the market. It features an ultra-rugged build, a removable multi-shift battery with Quick Charge 3 support, a built-in barcode scanner, and a large, sunlight-readable display. The touchscreen is responsive even to wet fingers and gloves. Perhaps the most impressive features of this smartphone are programmable buttons and push-to-talk, allowing you to tailor the device to your needs and streamline your working processes.
Pros:
- Removable battery and Quick Charge 3 support
- Programmable buttons
- Push-to-talk
- Built-in barcode scanner
- Large display
- Great camera
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- No wireless charging support
Ranking: 5/5
8. Kyocera DuraXE
Kyocera DuraXE is an ultra-simple, ultra-rugged mobile phone that facilitates efficient communication and eliminates worries about battery life or damage. The battery is replaceable to prolong the phone’s lifespan. The five-megapixel camera isn’t particularly impressive, but it does the job when you need to send proof of delivery or document stock damages.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact
- Rugged
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Average camera
- Small screen and buttons
Ranking: 4.1/5
9. CAT S30
The CAT S30 is IP68 and MIL-STD-810G certified to handle any abuse. The five-megapixel rear camera can replace a barcode scanner whenever you need it, while the 3000mAh battery ensures up to 18 hours of talk time. This simple and affordable smartphone won’t amaze tech enthusiasts but has everything a stocker or order filler may need for a convenient workflow.
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery
- Rugged build
- Great display quality
- Affordable
Cons:
- Average camera
- The processor could be better
Ranking: 4.5/5
10. One Plus 6T
The One Plus 6T is a semi-rugged smartphone ideal for warehouse workers needing a powerful processor to run professional apps, a great camera, and a large screen. The dual camera boasts 20 megapixels, HDR, panorama mode, and wide-angle mode. Thanks to the 6.4-inch AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection, inventory tables are clearly visible even under direct sunlight. Additionally, the smartphone has a multi-shift battery with Quick Charge support, NFC, and high memory capacity.
Pros:
- Outstanding audio quality
- Excellent camera
- Gorilla Glass 6 display protection
- Large AMOLED display
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Not as durable as ultra-rugged devices
Ranking: 4.7/5
What Is a Rugged Device?
Rugged devices are engineered with durability in mind and are built to last. They tolerate vibrations, shocks, drops, submersion in liquids, extreme temperatures, and other abuse while offering the functionality of modern smartphones or tablets. Such devices can be divided into three categories: semi-rugged, fully-rugged, and ultra-rugged.
Semi-rugged devices are essentially regular off-the-shelf smartphones with a reinforced build. The phone may have extra protection in strategic parts but overall is no different from its commercial version. Fully rugged devices are created for professionals working in harsh environments and must be IP-certified against water and dust. Lastly, ultra-rugged devices are the toughest class, created for military use but are utilized in numerous industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. They should carry a MIL-STD certification.
MIL-STD certification indicates that a device has undergone a series of tests to guarantee resistance to dust, water, chemicals, shocks, extreme temperatures, and other potentially harmful conditions. The IP or International Protection rating describes a device’s water and dust resistance. Devices with an IP54 or higher rating are classified as fully-rugged, while devices with an IP67 or higher rating are considered ultra-rugged.
Why Do Stockers and Order Fillers Need a Rugged Phone?
Rugged mobile devices are used in a variety of industries, including logistics and warehousing. Stokers and order fillers will benefit from ultra-durable smartphones because they often have to work in dusty environments, from heights, and handle heavy loads. Such working conditions inevitably lead to quicker mobile device wear. The rugged build helps to avoid costly repairs and postpone a replacement.
Furthermore, many rugged devices are created with a specific industry in mind, featuring tools that can streamline workflow. For example, some rugged phones have a barcode scanner, eliminating the need for multiple devices; others have a high-capacity replaceable battery to handle multiple shifts without charging.
5 Best Mobile Apps for Stockers and Order Fillers
These five apps can significantly improve stocker and order filler workflow efficiency.
1. SonimWare Toolbox
SonimWare Toolbox is an industry-leading mobile app for all warehousing and logistics workers, offering all the tools you need in one user-friendly interface. It facilitates quick and simple barcode scanning, device configuration and management, and inventory tracking. All work-related data can be stored in the cloud for easy transfer and management. The software only runs on select Sonim devices.
2. Snappii Warehouse Inventory and Shipment App
Snapii is the ultimate warehouse inventory and shipment tracking app for all iOS and Android smartphones. Note that it is available for free with some in-app purchases. Apart from tracking goods, users can quickly create order-picking lists, sync data across multiple devices, and scan barcodes using a regular camera.
3. LoMag Warehouse Management PRO
LoMag Warehouse Management PRO is another affordable inventory management app for Android mobile devices. Users can import inventory data from Excel files, create and restore backup copies, store and manage documents, and scan barcodes using the device’s camera. Additionally, users can view a full warehouse transfer history for specific items. This feature noticeably simplifies the stock-level management process.
4. AdvancePro Inventory
The AdvancePro Inventory iOS app is free for all AdvancePro Tech Inventory Management PC software users. This user-friendly app was developed for convenient inventory tracking, providing real-time updates to stock levels and shipping operations. Users can also perform product lookup and cycle count operations.
5. Scandit Flow
Scandit Flow is a simple barcode scanning solution for all warehouse and logistics workers. It runs only on iOS smartphones and is completely free. The app eliminates the need for carrying a dedicated barcode scanning device and is fully configurable to meet your personal needs. Apart from the primary feature, the app facilitates convenient inventory management and asset tracking.
Top 5 Stocker and Order Filler Add-On Accessories
Consider adding these accessories to your new mobile device to make the working process even more convenient.
1. Bluetooth Headset
Communication is key to a streamlined workflow, so stockers and order fillers must constantly be in touch with colleagues. However, talking on the phone brings work to a halt because a person can’t use both hands. A Bluetooth headset is a simple solution to the problem, allowing stockers and order fillers to communicate with colleagues without taking a break.
2. Power Bank
Short device battery life is a major concern for many professionals. Power banks can prolong your phone’s lifespan for a couple of extra hours, ensuring you don’t lose connection mid-shift. Ideally, pick a power bank with Quick Charge support.
3. Smartwatches
A smartwatch connected to your mobile device lets you check important updates, receive reminders, and communicate with colleagues without reaching for your phone. Smartwatches typically connect to the phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and should run on the same operating system.
4. Phone Pouch
Phone pouches allow quick device access and prevent it from slipping out of your pocket while walking or climbing a ladder. Some pouches even have extra space to carry your cards, ID, keys, and other small essentials.
5. Stylus
Inventory management apps usually feature tables with dozens of lines and small fonts, which are hard to see and manage on a smartphone’s screen. A stylus is a lifesaver when you need to tap a button or edit text too small for your fingers. It also helps if you work outdoors in cold weather and the phone’s screen doesn’t support gloves.
How to Get a Bulk Discount on Rugged Phones
Most businesses employ several stockers and order fillers, so upgrading only one device doesn’t make much sense. However, purchasing multiple smartphones at once is costly. Energy Electronics strives to offer the best prices on bulk orders to make your investment more bearable. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation on which devices better suit your needs or a bulk order quote.
Talk to a Technology Expert
Energy Electronics proudly offers a wide selection of rugged smartphones and handheld computers to meet different needs and budgets. If you’d like to purchase some of the devices mentioned in this guide, fill out the form below and get a quote within one business hour.
