To operate and interact with your Pio, you’ll need to purchase additional technical equipment.
iPad
Scanner
Printer
Service PC
Safety harness
The equipment needed will vary based on your grid configuration, picking workflow, and software integrations.
For example, you will need one iPad for each Port on your grid, but if you only pick and pack from one of the ports you will only need one label printer.
Pio has been tested and is compatible with the following equipment. If you choose to purchase equipment not included in the following recommendations, we cannot guarantee that Pio will be compatible, nor will we be able to support you with any issues related to the devices in question.
Apple iPad
Each port needs its own iPad, and you may want additional ports if you're using Shelf picking in Pio.
You don't need the latest, but we recommend at least a 10th Generation iPad or newer to ensure security updates for a few years. Air and Pro models are also suitable.
We also recommend investing in an iPad stand that will suit your desired port workstation setup.
Other devices, such as Android tablets, are not supported by Pio.
Bluetooth Scanner
Even if your products do not utilize barcodes, at least one scanner is required for bin insertion when your Pio is installed (all bins are marked with a barcode that must be scanned when inserting the bins into the grid for the first time). You may also want to consider if the batteries are hot-swappable so that you aren't interrupted in the middle of the day if someone forgets to charge.
Since the Pio app runs on iPads, Bluetooth scanners that can easily be connected to the iPads are highly recommended.
Here are some scanners that have successfully been used with Pio:
Zebra DS 2278 digital scanner
This is the fastest scanner we have tested with Pio. It can be used as a handheld scanner or with a docking station next to the port. It reads barcodes easily from different angles and distances.
Socket Mobile - Socket Socketscan S700 1D
Small and cost-effective scanner. It is lightweight and can be used for all scanning processes with Pio.
Hand or finger scanners
Wear the scanner on your hand, secured on a glove. This frees up your hands for more efficient processes. We've used the Proglove and Unitech models.
Printer
Below are some printers recommended for shipping label printing. The label printer does not need to connect directly to the iPad, as the Pio app is not triggering any printing directly. Printing is handled either by the shipping software (like Webshipper) or a printing software like PrintNode.
Zebra ZD421 Barcode Label Printer
This printer can be used both by USB connection and wirelessly with a Zebra ZD421 Kit Wireless module Wifi module.
A useful accessory is the 'label dispenser' module for this printer that automatically peels off labels after printing, which is called the Zebra Kit Upgrade Dispenser ZD421d.
Zebra GK420d Barcode Label Printer
This is an older version of the ZD421 printer and can also be used for shipping labels.
PC/Mac for Webshipper or PrintNode client
Please note that if you are utilizing Webshipper or PrintNode/ShipStation for printing labels, you will need a laptop, PC (or Mac), to install and run the Printer Client application.
Set up and configure the label printers on one or multiple PCs using the Print Client app. Then, in Pio Admin > System > Software Integrations > PrintNode / Webshipper, map the correct printers to their ports.
Service PC
A Windows laptop is required to use the Customer Console to start and stop the system manually, and to access the grid.
The recommended PC requirements are:
- Windows 11
- Ethernet port (built-in is preferred over dongle)
- 10th gen (2020) Intel Core i5 @ 4.5GHz
- UHD Graphics 630
- 16 GB RAM
Safety harness
A full-body harness and energy-absorbent lanyard is required for operating the Service Trolley on top of the grid.
Example of harness with lanyard: