CRN Exclusive: Zebra Lifts Curtain On New 3600 Rugged Scanner Series Optimized For Partners

Zebra Technologies on Monday unveiled its newest ultra-rugged scanners for partners in the warehouse and manufacturing segments: the 3600 series.

John Britts, senior director of product management for Data Capture Solutions at Lincolnshire, Ill.-based Zebra, said the purpose-built scanners' rugged features and productivity capabilities will give them a boost with customers who work in harsh environments.

"Customers are looking for ultra-rugged devices that can survive 8-foot drops, or environments with dust and water," he said. "Scan performance … and allowing users to manage their devices are other features we improved in the 3600, based on what customers said they wanted."

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The 3600 series comes in 12 models, said Britts, which gives partners a variety of application options. The models are being rolled out in phases, with the first model hitting the market this week and the final one becoming available in the fourth quarter. They range in price from $550 to $1,445.

The 3600 series is available in 1D and 2D versions with corded and cordless options for fast performance in picking-packing-shipping work in progress; inventory tracking; cross-docking; and point-of-sale applications.

Zebra said its scanners are 23 percent more durable than any other scanner in their class -- and are IP67-rated, capable of enduring complete water immersion for up to 30 minutes.

The scanner series is available with Zebra's PowerPrecision+ smart battery technology and Zebra's OneCare support services.

Zebra touts a broad lineup of bar-code scanners, including multi-plane scanners, general purpose scanners and fixed-mount scanners, as well as health-care and companion scanners.

Britts stressed that the channel is critical for driving sales and offering innovative solutions for Zebra's newest scanner products.

"The great part about Zebra's scanner portfolio is that the majority goes through the channel," he said. "We're highly dependent on the channel and partner solutions to address customer needs."

Corey Sharek, regional sales manager at ScanTexas, an Allen, Texas-based Zebra partner, applauded the new scanners for their faster scanning performance and rugged features.

Mobile needs are evolving but ruggedness is the key, he noted.

"While the mobile computing landscape has been changing recently, [having] a rugged scanner attached to a forklift, for example, allows operators to do their jobs effectively with minimal downtime," Sharek said.

"In the warehouse environment, rugged means everything," he said. "Zebra is leading the charge in presenting [partners] with products that thrive in this environment."