Barcode and RFID Scanning in One Rugged Handheld
f your team needs a scanner for RFID and barcode workflows, the Datalogic PowerScan 9600 RFID is built for exactly that.
It gives workers one rugged handheld scanner that can read standard 1D and 2D barcodes, OCR, and UHF RFID tags. That matters for teams that still rely on barcodes every day but also want better RFID visibility without adding a separate device for every task.
The value is simple: one scanner can support barcode scanning now, RFID workflows where they make sense, and hybrid operations where both are needed.
They are somewhere in the middle.
A warehouse may use barcodes on cartons but RFID tags on pallets. A manufacturer may scan standard labels in one area and RFID-tagged parts in another. A retail team may need RFID for inventory visibility but still scan barcodes during checkout, returns, or exception handling.
That is where a hybrid scanner can help.
Instead of switching between a barcode scanner and an RFID reader, workers can use one handheld device for both. That can reduce extra equipment, simplify training, and make it easier to add RFID into workflows that already depend on barcode scanning.
Meet the Datalogic PowerScan 9600 RFID
The PowerScan 9600 RFID is a rugged handheld scanner designed for barcode and RFID data capture.
It supports standard barcode scanning and UHF RFID tag reading in one device. It can be used in RFID-only workflows or hybrid workflows where workers need to capture both barcodes and RFID tags.
The scanner is built for environments where data capture cannot be fragile, slow, or limited to one type of label.
That makes it a practical fit for teams that want the flexibility of RFID without giving up the barcode workflows they already use.
Built for Tough Industrial Workflows
The PowerScan 9600 RFID is designed for demanding work environments.
It offers a rugged design, IP65 and IP67 sealing, and drop resistance for industrial use. It is built to handle the kind of daily movement, drops, dust, moisture, and rough handling that can come with warehouses, logistics operations, manufacturing floors, and healthcare settings.
It also includes Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for cordless use, with fast data and image transmission from the base station.
For workers, that means less being tied to a fixed station and more flexibility while scanning items, packages, tools, parts, or inventory.
Where the PowerScan 9600 RFID Fits Best
The PowerScan 9600 RFID can support several industries where barcode and RFID workflows overlap.
Retail
Retail teams can use RFID to improve inventory visibility and support faster operations. Barcode scanning still matters for checkout, returns, product identification, and exceptions.
A hybrid scanner gives teams the ability to work with both.
It can also support return management by helping confirm that the original product matches the return, which can help reduce fraud and process mistakes.
Transportation and Logistics
In transportation and logistics, teams often deal with fast-moving packages, damaged labels, manual updates, and shipment verification.
The PowerScan 9600 RFID can read both RFID tags and barcodes. Some models also support display and keypad input, color picture capture for damaged packages, and signature capture.
That can be useful in complex shipping, receiving, delivery, and logistics workflows where workers need more than a basic scanner.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing teams need traceability.
The PowerScan 9600 RFID can support RFID tag reading for parts, products, tools, and process tracking. RFID can also help when barcode labels or DPM codes are damaged, unreadable, or slowing workers down.
For manufacturers trying to improve traceability, RFID gives another way to capture movement and status without relying only on visible labels.
Healthcare
Healthcare workflows can benefit from faster and more reliable identification, especially when items are difficult to scan one by one.
One example is surgical tool tracking. The PowerScan 9600 RFID can help count multiple surgical tools at once, reducing scan time and helping avoid double counts.
In settings where accuracy matters, that kind of RFID support can be valuable.
Key Features That Make It Practical
The best barcode and RFID scanner is not just the one with the longest feature list. It is the one workers can actually use in real workflows.
The PowerScan 9600 RFID includes several features that support that:
Reads standard 1D and 2D barcodes
Reads and writes UHF RFID tags up to 1 meter, or 3.2 feet
Supports RFID-only or barcode and RFID workflows
Bluetooth 5.2 cordless connectivity
Display and keypad options for feedback and manual input
Rugged IP65 and IP67 design
Contactless charging to reduce failures from charging contacts
Compatibility with PowerScan 9600 family accessories
The point is not just that it can scan more things…
The point is that it gives workers a rugged scanner that can support barcode scanning, RFID reads, manual input, feedback, and industrial use in one handheld device!
Barcode Today, RFID Ready for What Comes Next
RFID does not always replace barcodes.
In many operations, RFID and barcode scanning work together.
Barcodes are still practical, low-cost, and widely used. RFID can add speed and visibility when workers need to read multiple tagged items, track movement, or capture data without a direct line of sight.
That is why a hybrid RFID and barcode scanner can make sense.
It lets a team keep the barcode workflows they already trust while adding RFID where it can improve speed, traceability, or visibility.
If you want to see how RFID can fit into your warehouse, click here to learn how to get started with RFID.
FAQ
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A hybrid barcode and RFID scanner can read both RFID tags and standard barcodes. The Datalogic PowerScan 9600 RFID is one option built for rugged handheld barcode scanning and UHF RFID tag reading.
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The Datalogic PowerScan 9600 RFID is a rugged handheld scanner that supports 1D and 2D barcode scanning, OCR, and UHF RFID tag reading in one device.
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Yes. The PowerScan 9600 RFID can read standard barcodes and UHF RFID tags, making it useful for hybrid workflows where both technologies are used.
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The PowerScan 9600 RFID can read and write UHF RFID tags up to 1 meter, or 3.2 feet, depending on the tag, environment, and setup.
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Yes. The PowerScan 9600 RFID is built for rugged industrial use, with IP65 and IP67 sealing and drop resistance for demanding environments.
Where Barcode Factory Can Help
Barcode Factory can help you decide whether the Datalogic PowerScan 9600 RFID is the right fit for your workflow.
Some teams need a rugged barcode scanner. Others need an RFID reader. Some need one device that can handle both.
Our team can help compare barcode scanners, RFID scanners, rugged handhelds, mobile data capture tools, RFID tags, labels, software, and accessories based on how your team actually works.
If you are looking for a scanner that can handle both barcode and RFID workflows, fill out the form below or contact us to talk to an expert!