During stocktake time, people start recycling old POS equipment. Often, no one has given much thought to the batteries that keep some of your POS equipment going, such as the portable data terminals (PDTs). They came from storage, and a few people had problems. The problems were not big, but if the stocktake was planned for last Sunday and the PDT could not be fixed until Monday, you can see the situation these people faced. We specifically told people to check their equipment first. Some did not.
Let's chat about battery care - it's not as dull as it sounds, I promise!
Lithium-ion batteries are today's unsung heroes. They are everywhere: in phones, laptops, PDTs, and more. But like any piece of equipment, they need a bit of TLC.
Proper battery care can result in significant cost savings. We need to maximise battery life and reduce unnecessary battery replacements.
POS battery care
1. Store Smart, Stay Safe
Where you keep your batteries matters. They don't like it too hot or too cold. An excellent spot that is cool and dry is just right. Please keep them away from anything that might catch fire. Improper battery care can be a fire hazard; if it's next to something that burns, you may have a problem.
2. Charge with Care
Unplugging is underrated. Once your PDT is fully charged, disconnect the charger. If connected, it can cause problems.
3. Cool It Down
After a busy day of scanning and tapping, your PDT will feel the heat. Let it cool off before charging.
4. Watch for Warning Signs
Your battery might be trying to tell you something. Keep an eye (and nose) out for these red flags:
- Strange smells
- Colour changes
- Excessive heat
- Shape changes
- Leaks
- Odd noises
If you spot any of these, it's time to retire that battery. Better safe than sorry!
POS system battery care
While maintaining your batteries is not difficult, it does require some TLC.
These simple steps will help you keep POS systems working and reduce the need for replacements.
