Based on an Android 14 smartphone, the clip-on grip makes this an ideal option for businesses, both small and large; in fact, for anyone who needs to keep track of inventory. Setup is fast, and integration with inventory applications such as Sortly is easy. Used with that App for adding self-generated barcodes, it’s quick to create an inventory management system.

Pros

• Exceptionally easy to use

• Fast scanning

• Rugged design

Cons

• -

  Relatively expensive

• -

  No bundled inventory software

• -

  Some knowledge is needed to set up and use

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Munbyn AceScan AS01: 30-second review

The Munbyn AceScan AS01 is an Android barcode scanner that will suit any business or individual needing to keep track of inventory. The system is essentially based on a standard Android 14 smartphone, and in the box, along with the phone unit, comes a purpose-built trigger grip that securely holds the phone in place, making scanning items quick and easy.

Once done, there’s the M-Scan application that is pre-installed, and a link between the Zebra scanner on the front of the unit and whichever inventory application you choose is easily established. For the purpose of this review, I linked it with Sortly using my own custom barcodes for my inventory system.

It is a shame that Munbyn hasn't taken the App design a step further by creating its own inventory software. In addition to the scanner, you will need to subscribe to your own application or bespoke solution.

However, whichever route you choose, the M-Scan app makes the connection between your inventory application and the scanner exceptionally easy and essentially automates the entire process, unlike some other barcode scanners, which can be quite tricky to set up.

If you're used to barcode scanners, you might have mixed feelings about the fact that this is essentially an Android user interface. As well as being used as a barcode scanner, it can also double as a smartphone, which some people might find useful, but could present issues for larger-scale operations when it comes to security. For small businesses, where people work in stockrooms or warehouses, having a barcode scanner that also functions as a phone could be a real asset.

In my case, keeping track of photography equipment, I’ve been using it on a smaller scale and generating my usual barcodes for kit. I was able to add these barcodes in Sortly under the free subscription option and assign them to a product name, including adding an image of the item. Once the label was printed and attached to the kit, I could then use the AS01 to quickly scan the item and add it to the inventory.