For Pickware WMS, you need an iPod or an iPhone, which is used as a barcode scanner for scanning when paired with the appropriate case. You can purchase suitable barcode scanner cases, charging stations, and protective covers through our Hardware Shop. Additionally, you need a document printer and optionally a label printer. You can find more information in the sections below.
iPhone / iPod
The WMS App by Pickware was developed for use with iOS devices and supports iPad, iPhone, and iPod. If you want to use our barcode scanner cases, we recommend using an iPhone. In general, you need an iOS device that supports at least iOS 15.
The number of devices you need depends on the number of employees working in your warehouse or store. To make optimal use of Pickware across the entire process chain, we recommend equipping each workstation with one device. We also recommend having an additional device as a backup for peak workloads.
Barcode scanner case for Pickware WMS
To connect the barcode scanner case to your iPod or iPhone, simply open the barcode scanner case by pulling off the top part, place your device inside, and close the case again. No further steps are necessary. You can find more information about the barcode scanner in the respective manufacturer's manual for the Linea Pro 5 or Linea Pro 7. You can find the name of your model on the case's packaging.
As long as you don't yet use one of our professional barcode scanner cases, you can use the camera of your iPod / iPhone to scan barcodes. To open the camera, tap anywhere on the screen and hold until the barcode is captured.
Scanning shipping labels with the POS handheld scanner
If you also use the POS handheld scanner in the Pickware WMS App — for example, to scan shipping labels during the shipping step — the app may show an error message and fail to recognize the label. This is because, by default, the scanner also transmits additional control characters (e.g. brackets) contained in the shipping label's barcode.
In this case, activate Data As Is mode: the scanner will then transmit the barcode unchanged, and the shipping label will be recognized correctly. To do this, scan the barcode below with the handheld scanner. You can also find it in the manufacturer's manual.
The manufacturer's operating manual also contains many additional configuration options, which you can easily set by scanning barcodes.
Document printer
For optimal use, we recommend using a network printer that supports the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). This applies to most network printers, and you can usually find information about this in your printer's manual.
The printer should have two separate trays for the paper sizes A4 for delivery notes and invoices, and A5/A6 for shipping labels, so that documents in these formats can be printed. You can also use different printers for each format. Additionally, when using multiple devices, it is possible to use a different printer for each one.
If your printer is not network-capable or does not support IPP, or if you want to print under Windows, you can use a print server.
The printer can be selected in the WMS App configuration. You can get help with printer issues here.
Label printer for shipping labels
To connect label printers for creating shipping labels, we use the printer language from manufacturer Zebra (ZPL), which is also supported by other manufacturers such as Dymo or Brother. A proven model is the Zebra ZD420, which, however, is now only available used. Alternatively, we also recommend its successor model, the Zebra ZD421.
The requirement is therefore that your device is network-capable and supports the ZPL printer language!
Setting up a Zebra printer
With a Zebra printer, you can print labels directly from Pickware, e.g. for products, storage bins, or shipments. Here, we'll help you set up your Zebra printer for the first time and connect it to Pickware.
Installing Zebra Setup Utilities
Download the Zebra Setup Utilities from the official Zebra website:
Install the application on your computer.
Open the program after installation.
You can find more information in the Zebra installation guide.
Connecting and adding the printer
Connect the printer to your computer — via USB, network (LAN/WLAN), or Bluetooth.
Open the Zebra Setup Utilities.
Click Install New Printer and follow the instructions in the wizard.
Select your printer model and complete the installation.
You can find a detailed step-by-step guide from Zebra here:
Adding a printer via Zebra Setup Utilities
Performing a test print (optional)
Open the Zebra Setup Utilities.
Select your printer.
Click Open Printer Tools → Print Test Page.
Check whether the label is printed correctly.
Connecting to Pickware
Once the printer is installed and tested, it will be available in your system as an available printer, and you can use it in Pickware as a label printer for shipping labels.
Troubleshooting
Check whether the printer is switched on and connected correctly.
If necessary, run a calibration via the Zebra Setup Utilities.
The Zebra support area offers further help.
Label printer for storage bins and products
Pickware gives you the option to create labels for storage bins and products, further simplifying your processes. The PDF files created in this process are optimized for label printers. A commonly used model, for example, is the Dymo LabelWriter 450 Duo. How best to print the generated PDFs afterward depends on the device used and the manufacturer's printer software.
You can find more information on generating labels here: