Veljekset Keskinen , Finland’s largest department store and a popular travel destination, is always buzzing with activity. With more than six million annual visitors, the logistics team responsible for shelving at Veljekset Keskinen keeps up a brisk pace week after week. 

The team scans around 8,000 barcodes every month, and Logistics Manager Olli-Pekka Hautamäki has been keen to improve efficiency, as barcode scanning was a source of frustration for a long time.

Focusing on usability when choosing a barcode scanner

Over the years, the logistics department has tested many different types of scanners in search of the perfect balance between usability and comfort.

“We work with reach trucks, so the pallet isn’t always nearby when we need to scan barcodes. Moving the truck just to reach a barcode is time-consuming, so scanning distance is a big advantage when choosing the right scanner,” Hautamäki explains .

Previously, the team used a wired scanner connected to a truck-mounted computer. The cable limited movement and created unnecessary handling and repositioning work. Switching to Bluetooth scanners marked a clear improvement.

“They were always close at hand, and the scanning distance was decent. The problem was that the scanner often got lost in a pocket full of tools and keys, or hanging from a retractable lanyard you had to grab each time,” Hautamäki recalls.

Next, the team tested ring scanners.

“Those had their drawbacks, too. The device often caught the edge of a box when reaching in, and since it was worn on one finger, the weight could strain your hand if it got snagged,” he adds.

The wearable barcode scanner proved to be Veljekset Keskinen's best choice 

 When Hautamäki first heard about wearable barcode scanners, he admits he was sceptical. The idea of attaching a device to the back of the hand seemed awkward, so the scanner was first taken for a free trial. Initially, the staff were hesitant to use it. But once they tried it, that changed quickly 

The wearable barcode scanner travels conveniently with the employee and is ready to use whenever needed. Photo: Tuukka Kiviranta 

“The difference was immediate. Once we got used to it, the ProGlove scanner turned out to be much handier than expected. It’s intuitive to use, light to wear, and doesn’t get in the way,” Hautamäki says.

Because scanning is a constant part of shelving work, having the device always ready to use makes a real difference in efficiency. New employees also learn to use it quickly.

“We’ve really come to like the ProGlove scanner. Even though we chose the mid-range model in terms of distance, it easily reads codes from far enough away without needing to press it right against the product,” he adds.

Logistics Manager Olli-Pekka Hautamäki scans a barcode from the shelf, demonstrating the wearable scanner's reading distance. Photo: Tuukka Kiviranta

Warehouse staff have praised ProGlove for its usability and improved ergonomics

Beyond its long scanning range, the ProGlove scanner performs exceptionally well when reading through plastic wrapping.

“Some scanners struggle with glare or reflections on plastic surfaces, but we haven’t had that issue with ProGlove,” says Hautamäki.

Easier scanning has reduced the amount of unnecessary bending, stretching and crouching required during work.

“The ease and comfort of use have a huge impact on how physically demanding the job feels, and ProGlove has clearly improved the ergonomics,” Hautamäki summarises.

ProGlove's wearable scanner reads barcodes exceptionally well also through plastic surfaces. Photo: Tuukka Kiviranta

The shelving team has also praised the battery life, which easily lasts through a full workday. At the end of each shift, the scanners are returned to their charging docks and picked up fully charged the next morning. Compared to other wireless scanners, ProGlove stands out simply because you never have to fish it out of your pocket.

Hautamäki estimates that the time saved is 1–2 seconds per scan, which adds up to 2–4 hours saved per month.

“The most important thing for us is that the work has become faster, easier and more ergonomic since adopting ProGlove,” he concludes.

The benefits witnessed in shelving have inspired plans to expand the use of wearable scanners to other areas of logistics, such as order picking and clothing logistics.

“With a bit of software development, we’ll be able to use the scanners more broadly and make our operations even more efficient,” says Hautamäki.

The wearable barcode scanner is also planned to support other logistics tasks in the future, such as order picking and clothing logistics. Photo: Tuukka Kiviranta.

When it comes to collaboration, Hautamäki highlights the reliability and responsiveness of the partnership.

“We’ve been in touch and asked for help several times, and we’ve always received it. Deliveries have always been exactly as agreed, and overall the cooperation has worked very well so far,” he says.

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