Five Unitech Rugged Mobile Computers Earn Summit Cisco Certification
Unitech, a worldwide leader in the automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) industry, today announced that five of its rugged mobile computers have been certified as compliant with Cisco Compatible Extensions, or CCX. All five devices use CCX-certified Wi-Fi solutions from Summit Data Communications.
“Having market-leading Wi-Fi capabilities is important in the competitive AIDC market,” said Howard Weng, product manager of the Unitech mobile computer line. “Our strategic alliance with Summit enables our devices to leverage the latest Summit solutions and their technological innovations, including CCX support.”
All Summit Wi-Fi solutions are certified for Version 4 of CCX, the highest level of Cisco compatibility for business-critical mobile devices. CCX V4 certification signifies not just interoperability with enterprise Wi-Fi infrastructure products from Cisco but also support for Cisco Wi-Fi innovations in areas such as security, mobility, quality of service, and network management.
“In the Wi-Fi world, today’s Cisco innovations often are tomorrow’s standards,” said Chris Bolinger, Summit’s VP of Business Development. “A Wi-Fi standard is valuable only if a broad set of devices support that standard. As more and more client devices achieve CCX certification, the Cisco innovations in CCX can be transitioned to standards, and that improves Wi-Fi for everybody.”
RFID Improves Inventory Visibility
Handheld RFID readers are 90 percent faster than using barcode scanning guns for taking inventory.
Drivers whose windshields get too dusty don’t hesitate to clean the glass and improve their view. So why are retailers content to operate their businesses for months at a time with hazy information about their true in-stock positions?
Many executives assume that this is the best that can be done. After all, full inventory audits are costly and cumbersome. And retail shrink, cashier error and hard-to-detect shipment discrepancies are chronic problems that show little sign of abating. What these executives don’t realize is that a solution exists today that can give them clear visibility 365 days a year.
The solution that is creating this step change in visibility is called RFID, short for Radio Frequency Identification. Employees who use handheld RFID readers are able to take inventory over 90 percent faster than counterparts using traditional barcode scanning guns, and with greater accuracy, too.
TEKLYNX Introduces LABELNET Browser-Based Network Printing
Web-based label printing application eases administration and simplifies printing
TEKLYNX, the world’s leading developer of software products for the Automatic Identification & Data Collection (AIDC) marketplace, today introduced TEKLYNX LABELNET, a configurable, server-based interface that controls workflow access to production labels and the ability to print from network-accessible workstations worldwide.
LABELNET allows companies to create a workflow-focused web interface that minimizes the risk of user error and reduces the time spent performing labeling tasks. The interface is entirely server-based, which eliminates client installs and IT overhead. Operators can access the application using a standard browser that is readily accessible on most standard computers, from any workstation that is linked to the network – worldwide.
Star FVP-10: Voice-Enabled Receipt Printer
The Star FVP-10 receipt printer is designed to bring an array of new benefits like front loading, onboard USB, receipt compression for paper saving and multiple mounting options due to its “platform” design combined with the high quality and high-speed printer performance that POS users have come to expect from Star.
Star Micronics has developed the FVP-10 to assist users who:
- Have counter space challenges
- Require a splash and dust resistant printer
- Need to print a receipt as fast as possible to decrease customer wait time
- Want to communicate to staff and customers in a language they understand
The FVP-10 features an ultra high print speed of 250mm/sec and front paper loading for easy paper roll changing. Its square design & front paper loading allow for it to be easily under-counter mounted or used as a platform to mount other devices. The FVP-10 can support up to 7 pounds of accessories on its top.
The front loading design of this printer has allowed for the repositioning of sensitive internal components of the printer and secures them against liquid spills. Star has received IPX1 certification for the FVP-10.
Socket SoMo 650 Handheld Computer Used at the Point of Care
Breakthrough technology provides accurate, state-of-the-art lab results directly to a handheld mobile computer in about 30 seconds
Socket Mobile announced an agreement with Epocal, a leading provider of point-of-care blood diagnostic products, to supply a unique version of its SoMo 650 handheld computer as an integral component of Epocal’s Blood Analysis System. The contract is targeted to generate more than $3 million in sales over the initial two-year contract period.
The epoc® (enterprise point-of-care) Blood Analysis System provides wireless bedside measurement testing solutions for blood gas and electrolytes. Utilizing the Socket SoMo® 650 handheld computer, CompactFlash Scan Card™ Series 5 and easy to use, low-cost disposable smart cards, the epoc System produces laboratory quality results in critical and acute care settings in about 30 seconds.
Improve Truck Freight Carrier Productivity and Cost-Effectiveness with Mobility Technology
The Case for Automating Freight Logistics
In today’s tough business conditions, over-the-road freight carriers are looking for ways to increase productivity, decrease operating expenses, and retain customers. The cold truth is that unpredictable fuel costs, rising labor rates, and other expenses continue to whittle away at freight trucking profit margins. Just as challenging, truck freight customers demand supply chain management solutions that offer reverse logistics and forward/backward traceability.
As many businesses have already discovered, mobility technology delivers exceptional benefits to a wide range of operations. Handheld computers, networking, and mobile thermal printers are proven productivity enhancers. When deployed to truck freight carriers, drivers could quickly enter information into networked handheld computers, scan labels, or tag shipments with bar code or radio frequency identification (RFID) labels. In fact, personnel throughout a trucking enterprise could benefit from instant access to accurate information—while in the office, at the customer location, or on the road.
This white paper discusses key considerations when selecting mobility solutions, and unveils how mobilityenabled operations can improve freight trucking efficiency, reduce operating expenses, and boost customer satisfaction.
The Business Value of Mobility Technology
To help identify, classify, and categorize the benefits of mobility technology across a trucking organization, Zebra developed the Zebra Business Value Map. The map relates how mobile computing and printing applications affect people, processes, and profits.
Free Windows Mobile 6.1 Upgrade for Socket SoMo 650 Mobile Computer
We are pleased to offer Socket SoMo 650 Windows Mobile 6 customers Service Pack 6 (SP6) free of charge. This release is full of New & Improved Features and Performance Enhancements. We encourage all customers to take advantage of SP6 to maximize your SoMo 650 investment.
- Compatible only with SoMo 650 devices running Windows Mobile 6.
- Customers using Windows Mobile 5 can purchase an upgrade DVD, SKU# SW1241-893
Socket Barcode Scanners Help Humanitarian Groups
By MICHELLE MAN
When you think of adopters of mobile technology, charities may not immediately come to mind, but Socket is seeing a rising number of international humanitarian organizations that deploy our mobile solutions. Some government agencies in the U.S. have also begun using Socket devices in their international relief work.
Businesses in healthcare, hospitality, and other industries usually choose to implement mobile technology as a way to eliminate inefficient paper-based processes, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are no different. Humanitarian organizations typically need to collect a lot of data from beneficiaries to assess people’s needs, measure the effectiveness of programs, and ensure the fairness of aid distribution.
Most NGOs generate high volumes of paperwork by collecting data in handwritten forms, which clerks need to transcribe into a spreadsheet or database. Adopting mobile technology enables organizations to spend less time in administrative paperwork, thus allowing them to serve more people and/or improve the quality of aid while also improving accountability to donors, board members, and other parties. Many NGOs are also involved in research studies or complex logistical operations which greatly benefit from mobile computing and data collection technology.
The Task Force for Global Health, based in Decatur, Georgia, uses Socket bluetooth barcode scanners in its program to eradicate lymphatic filariasis (also known as elephantiasis), a parasitic, disfiguring disease that afflicts more than 120 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of permanent and long-term disability in many tropical countries.
Health workers use Socket barcode scanners with GPS receivers and PDAs or laptop computers to track mosquito specimens as well as to scan wristbands and blood/urine samples while visiting households, schools or other sites within a community.
Zebra Mobile Printer Batteries Tips
Frequently asked questions and tips for your Zebra mobile printer batteries
Why is it beneficial to use a Zebra-branded battery?
Zebra batteries provide maximum run-time, they assure maximum cell life, and they utilize protective circuitry to guard against premature failure.
What is the difference between the various battery technologies?
| Battery Technology | Used in | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) | Older, end-of-life Zebra products such as the PA™/PT™ series | Older, but reliable, battery technology. Must be conditioned. Can be damaged by repeated charging without fully discharging. This is called the “Memory Effect.” |
| Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) | Encore (EOL), Cameo, PS 2100™ series base | These batteries offer capacities up to 30% higher per charge than NiCd batteries of the same physical size. They are less likely to be damaged by the “Memory Effect.” |
| Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) | QL™ Plus series, RW™ series, MZ series™ PS 2100™ series controller | The newest rechargeable battery chemistry available. The “Memory Effect” does not affect Li-Ion. It can deliver the same capacity and run time in a smaller, lighter pack. The chemistry is most popular in cellular phones, PDAs, data terminals, and laptop products. |
CognitiveTPG Printer & Labels Help Skiers Race Through the Rental Process at Copper Mountain
Challenge
Copper Mountain Resort needed a system to effectively manage its rental equipment inventory between five store locations and to expedite the rental process for its skiers and boarders.
Scenario
Copper Mountain Resort was using an inefficient system to track and manage its inventory of ski rental equipment between each of the five different rental locations. According to Gary Deetz, Warehouse Supervisor, the self made system was faulty and labor intensive. Basically they combined 3 pieces of construction paper to determine store location, shelf location, and product information – the color paper represented the store location.
They needed a system to effectively manage its rental equipment inventory between five stores and to expedite the rental process for its customers. The system had to operate as a stand alone because of limited workspace to include a computer. They also needed to print serialized labels and be able to easily enter the variable information on the spot for the replacement labels. Finally they needed a label that would adhere to the ski, pole, boot, or snowboard without falling off due to the wide array of environments from freezing cold to 70 degrees and very wet conditions.
Solution
CognitiveTPG worked directly with Gary Deetz and his team to find a customized labeling solution to meet the ski resort rental facilities’ requirements. The C Series printer (4” Cxi) was the printer of choice because of its durable construction, LCD user interface menu, and its ability to attach a keyboard/scanner peripheral for a stand alone solution.
