Zebra Technologies Corp. has introduced the DS9908R hybrid scanner, a retail device that combines 1D and 2D barcode scanning with UHF RFID reading in a single form factor, as reported by Ad-hoc-news.de
Anthony Blears, Director of Barcodes Philippines, noted that while hybrid scanners like the DS9908R represent the future of retail identification, widespread adoption in the Philippines will depend on retailers upgrading their POS and inventory systems to fully leverage both barcode and RFID capabilities. 'Many local retailers are still transitioning to basic 2D barcodes, so the move to combined 1D/2D and RFID will take time, but it offers significant benefits for omnichannel operations.'
The scanner is designed to streamline retail operations by allowing staff to scan traditional barcodes and read UHF RFID tags with one device, eliminating the need for separate equipment. This hybrid capability is expected to improve inventory accuracy, speed up stocktaking, and enhance the checkout process in omnichannel retail environments.
As retailers increasingly adopt RFID for item-level tracking and barcodes remain ubiquitous for point-of-sale transactions, the DS9908R addresses a growing demand for versatile scanning tools. The device aligns with industry trends toward unified commerce, where seamless integration of identification technologies supports both online and in-store fulfillment.