| Setup | Open the browser. No app, SDK, or account. | Build and maintain scanner UI, routing, and hosting. | Install app or manage device rollout. |
| Input methods | Camera, Bluetooth/USB scanner (keyboard wedge on desktop or handheld), manual entry, or browser on rugged Android. | Depends on what you build. | Often tied to app or hardware support. |
| Workflow outputs | URLs, APIs, HTML render, iframes, validation beeps. | Custom code for every action. | Usually limited or vendor-specific. |
| BYOD cost | Reuse phones, refurbished devices, and optional scanners; defer buying dedicated industrial handhelds when workflows stay in the browser. | Possible, but you own development and support. | Often needs managed devices or paid scanner hardware. |
| Dedicated terminals and new hardware | Optional: use BYOD, refurbished devices, PC scanners, or rugged Android in the browser. No custom app required. | You own device strategy, drivers, and support for each class of hardware. | Often assumes new rugged handhelds, MDM, and vendor or custom apps. |
| Privacy | Workflows stay local. Scans go to your endpoint. | You must design and audit the data flow. | Depends on app/vendor storage and policies. |
| Demo and testing | Demo workflows and sample data are ready by default. | Requires test data, fixtures, and backend setup. | Usually needs app setup before testing. |