Barcode scanners have been a key part of Laattapiste’s paperless warehouse operations for more than 15 years. Previously, the team used traditional warehouse scanners – large, pistol-shaped devices attached to forklifts with cables. These bulky scanners were prone to mechanical damage and not always ideal for fast, flexible work on the warehouse floor.
“The old scanners would fall off the forklifts dozens of times a month, sometimes even ending up under a three-ton truck. Cables came loose, connectors wore out, and we always had to keep spare devices on hand. Toward the end, failures became almost routine, and it was clear something had to change", recalls Antti Tarkkala, Supply Chain Director at Laattapiste.
Antti Tarkkala, Supply Chain Director at Laattapiste, and Warehouse Manager Marcus Pyykönen
The team needed a new solution to replace the easily damaged devices — one that could meet both the physical demands of warehouse work and the efficiency expectations of modern logistics.
Laattapiste already had a positive experience working with Signal Partners, and during discussions, the need for updating the barcode scanning solution came up. Once the right product was identified, it was a natural step to expand the collaboration and launch a pilot project with the ProGlove MARK 3 scanners.
Lightweight and efficient – designed for real work
Traditional pistol scanners had proven impractical, and the finger scanners commonly used in logistics weren’t an option either, as the warehouse work involves heavy lifting. The lightweight Mark 3 scanner, worn on the back of the hand, offers a perfect balance. I t keeps the hands free without getting in the way or putting strain on the wrists.
“The scanner is practically weightless. Your hands stay free, and you no longer have to look for the reader in the forklift cabin every few minutes,” describes Warehouse Manager Marcus Pyykönen.
Battery life was another key requirement. Each scanner comfortably fulfils the two-shift battery requirement on a single charge. They also perform reliably both indoors and outdoors, regardless of weather conditions or temperature changes between warehouses.
The scanners were successfully integrated into Laattapiste’s systems, paired with the forklift computers, and configured together with the experts from Signal Partners. Initially, there were some challenges reading laminated labels, but fine-tuning the settings quickly solved the issue.
Making daily work easier while boosting efficiency
Pyykönen describes how the new technology has transformed the work experience by eliminating unnecessary tasks:
“Work has become noticeably smoother. With hands free, the warehouse employees can handle more packages in the same amount of time. It’s a win for everyone: efficiency improves, and since the rewarding system is partly linked to the number of handled packages, it also boosts motivation. The work has become not only more agile but also more rewarding on a personal level.”
Warehouse employee Matias Hietamäki describes the boost in productivity:
“Especially in goods reception, the scanner makes the work noticeably faster and easier. With the barcode reader worn on the back of the hand, your hands stay free and the work flows smoothly without unnecessary back-and-forth movement.”
Warehouse employee Matias Hietamäki scans incoming goods effortlessly with the wearable ProGlove barcode scanner.
Easy deployment – no maintenance needed
The pilot began at the start of 2025, and by March all users had transitioned to the new solution. The rollout went smoothly, and by summer not a single maintenance request had been needed. Should any support or maintenance needs arise in the future, Signal Partners’ experts are ready to assist under the SignalOne service agreement.
Not everything went entirely without a hitch, though.
“As always, there was some initial change resistance. That’s just part of the process. But once users realised how much easier and more efficient their work became with the new solution, opinions shifted quickly,” says Tarkkala.
A recommendation to others: a choice that pays off
According to Tarkkala, ProGlove’s wearable barcode scanners are a particularly good solution for tasks that involve handling heavier items.
“Finger scanners might work well for lighter tasks, but in more demanding environments where a longer reading distance is required, ProGlove is the most user-friendly option. I can definitely recommend it to others with similar needs.”
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