Case study

Warehouse task tracking with barcode scanning

Mobile and handheld (PDA) app that warehouse operators use to log each task by scanning barcodes, with timed sessions and a reliable history.

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LaravelMobile / PDA appBarcodes
Project

From paper logs to real-time tracking

In a warehouse, knowing what each operator is doing and how long it takes often relies on logs filled in late or from memory. The goal was to capture work as it happens, from a phone or handheld device, with a gesture as quick as scanning a code.
01

Challenge

Track warehouse tasks and their real duration without adding admin work for operators.

02

Approach

A mobile and PDA app where each task starts and ends with a barcode scan, backed by Laravel timing every session.

03

Outcome

A history of tasks and times per operator and task type, ready to query and analyse.

Warehouse app workflow: task start scan, timed session, closing scan and history in Laravel and MySQL
Simplified workflow: each task opens and closes with a scan from a phone or PDA.
Technology

A stack chosen for the problem

The Laravel backend centralises tasks, sessions and times, and the mobile and PDA app uses barcode scanning as its main input so shop-floor use is immediate.

LaravelMySQLMobile / PDA appBarcodes
Impact

Operational data that did not exist before

The value of the system is turning daily warehouse work into searchable information, without asking operators to change how they work.

Instant logging

Each task is logged when scanned, not at the end of the shift.

Real times

Timed sessions reflect the actual duration of each task.

Fewer errors

Scanning a code avoids typing references by hand.

A basis to improve

The history helps spot bottlenecks and plan better.

Recreation of the warehouse app on a PDA with a timed task and barcode scanning, next to the work sessions dashboard
Illustrative recreation of the PDA app and the sessions dashboard (fictitious data to protect client confidentiality).
Outcomes

What changed in the warehouse

This case is anonymised, so we do not publish client figures. These are the changes the system brought to daily operations.

Real-time logging

Before: paper logs filled in later. Now: every task is logged on scan.

Measurable times

Before: estimated durations. Now: sessions with recorded start and end.

Searchable information

Before: scattered or missing data. Now: history per operator and task type.

Simple shop-floor use

Before: logging took extra time. Now: a barcode scan is enough.

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