Android Tablet to USB Printer & Barcode Reader

[russy01]

Good Afternoon,

In my business (ecommerce) we operate multiple packing benches. At the moment each packing bench consists of a PC, Monitor, Zebra Label Printer & Symbol Barcode scanner. The Printer and Barcode scanner are connected to the PC via USB.

We want to use a new app to help process orders, but said app will only run on android, not PC.

I am happy to replace each PC with an android tablet, however didn't really want to replace the printers and Barcode scanners at the same time (it would cost a bomb!)


Is it possible to reliably connect these two USB devices to a new android tablet/device? If so, how?

Many thanks.

FYI Zebra GK420d & Symbol DS9208

[somouk]

Considered putting Chrome OS or Chrome Flex OS on the PCs?

You can usually use USB C on modern android tablets in to a USB A hub for the devices, depending on if there are universal drivers available for them will depend on whether they work. One of those plug in and see issues most likely.

[imck]

Use Android tablets for our field techs
They have a USB-C to Ethernet and USB Hub for connecting USB devices and to network devices.
Something like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07YWTTP9L

For all day use, you may need to look at something that can also supply power to the tablet.

To avoid any physical connections to the tablet
Printing, you could look at USB print servers to enable network print
Bluetooth scanners. Some cheap ones on Amazon. Do you need hands-free scanning?

[russy01]

Cheers, Im going to grab a tablet today and give it a quick go with one of these adapters - we have them all over the place for the macs in the office.

[ZedLeg]

What system is it?

The system we have uses android for picking and a web app for packing and dispatch.

As others have said you can get android working through chrome on a desktop. I do that if I need to do anything with the app from home.

[russy01]

The system is bespoke and in development...

I have managed to get the USB Scanners working through a USB C adaptor today, so this is OK.

However I cannot get the Zebra printer to work via USB and the tablet doesnt recognise a printer - I have started searching to see whether I can get a driver for Zebra GK420D on android, but its unlikely.

[imck]

Try Zebra support. They are very helpful.

You may need a newer model.
https://www.zebra.com/gb/en/products/software/barc...

Might be worth trying a USB print server and seeing if you can print over network rather via USB.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/WAVLINK-Networking-Ethern...

Was a couple of years ago but got my Mum's Kindle Fire printing to a printer over network

[sgrimshaw]

russy01 said:

I have started searching to see whether I can get a driver for Zebra GK420D on android, but its unlikely.

Which version of the GK420D do you have?

If you have one with Ethernet as well as USB then a Print Server of some kind might be a solution.

Zebra do one, but a cheap Linux box (even a Raspberry Pi) might be a good starting point.

My Android tablet will happily connect to network (TCP/IP) printer.

ETA, you can use USB only printers with a print server, however if you have multiple printers then you run into logistical issues such as USB cable lengths.

Edited by sgrimshaw on Friday 3rd March 14:04

[sgrimshaw]

russy01 said:

The system is bespoke and in development...

Have to ask ...

If the Android solution is bespoke and still in development, can't they use the tablet's camera as a barcode scanner?

[Mr Pointy]

sgrimshaw said:

russy01 said:

The system is bespoke and in development...

Have to ask ...

If the Android solution is bespoke and still in development, can't they use the tablet's camera as a barcode scanner?

It would be way less ergonomic. It's much easier to point a hand held scanner which can read at any angle than try & contort yourself to get the tablet lens to see the barcode.