Automating Your Field Force : Paper vs. Automation
The global mobile worker population exceeded a billion people in 2010, according to a recent report from VDC Research. That growth, research director David Krebs wrote at the time, reflects “the increasingly flexible, distributed and dynamic workflows occurring in virtually every industry sector.”
But those mobile workers are surprisingly ill-equipped.
According to VDC, the level of penetration of enterprise mobility solutions among mobile workers is between 5 percent and 15 percent, depending on the regional market.
The Cipherlab CP30 Enterprise Mobile Computer
Built to Boost Workflow Efficiency in the Retail and Mobile Workforce with All-in-One Wireless Communication and Free Programmable Software
CipherLab’s CP30 enterprise mobile computer was designed for the demanding retail business packed with Windows Mobile 6.5, 3.5G WWAN, WLAN, and WPAN wireless connectivity, as well as free programmable software into one powerful unit. This device also makes the perfect companion of mobile workers for field sales and field services.
Preloaded with CipherLab Smart Shell, the CP30 brings the new user experience of leveraging all the advantages of a mobile device based on user preference. The option of 2D imager answers the blooming needs in ticketing and payment slips in the retail industry. The built-in 3.2 megapixel auto focus camera enables easy capture of service items and product issue proofs into the workflow to boost productivity and eliminate potential disputes.
Empower your Workforce with the Unitech HT660e
Develop your own applications and manage your own integration with the HT660e. This feature-rich handheld terminal is designed to give you more flexibility and control over your mobile data collection applications.
The HT660e is designed for single or two-handed operation in manufacturing, retail and transport and logistics sectors. For scan intensive applications such as warehousing there is an optional gun grip. Choose the set up that’s best for you or mix and match to meet the requirements of each application.
Pharmacy Pill Bottle Labeling
Industry Need
Advancements in pharmaceutical science enable improved health, better management of medical conditions, and even extended life spans for many. However, realization of these benefits relies on accurate identification of medicines and dosing instructions; mistakes can have severe health repercussions. Specialized pill bottle labels fulfill this critical identification and information role.
Pharmaceutical labeling has a unique set of product requirements. Durability is key. Frequent handling, contact abrasion (such as jostling with purse contents), or storage in warm, moist environments must not degrade the printed image or adhesion. Many common label materials are quickly degraded by contact with hand lotions or other environmental exposures.
Pharmaceuticals are typically fulfilled through two channels, each of which contributes additional unique requirements.
IntelliTrack Deploys Android OS Mobile Computer Client
IntelliTrack announced its bold move to support and add the Android Operating System (OS) into its mobile computing platform. Freed from the usual proprietary OS restrictions, Android OS can support applications that are simple, intuitive, and designed to meet the specific needs of the small to medium sized business served by IntelliTrack. Over the last 18 years, the company has served businesses well through proprietary OS and languages such as UPG, MS-DOS, Pocket PC, Windows Mobile and Windows CE. But, as soon as Android OS evolved into an enterprise product, IntelliTrack incorporated it into a state of the art computing client for its scanning and tracking inventory applications.
Wasp Barcode Technologies Launches Inventory Counting Software
Wasp CountIt leverages barcode technology to quickly and accurately verify inventory counts.
Wasp Barcode Technologies, a leading provider of small business productivity solutions, announced the launch of Wasp CountIt, new inventory counting software for QuickBooks. Used in conjunction with any Wasp mobile computer, CountIt is a convenient and efficient tool for SMBs to eliminate the inefficiencies of a paper-based inventory system.
Wasp CountIt uses barcode technology to expedite the inventory counting process while also increasing accuracy. The software then automatically syncs with QuickBooks or Microsoft Excel and sends existing data to any Wasp mobile computer. The Wasp mobile computer is used to quickly scan barcodes to count inventory items. Once the inventory is counted, CountIt transfers the new inventory data back to a PC, updating the existing inventory file and creating a variation report if needed. The CountIt solution can be used with physical counts, cycle counts and monthly or year-end inventory counts.
Scanning at the Point-of-Sale: Keys to Improving the Customer Experience
Industry Need
What can customers get in your stores that they can’t get online?
Retailers who cannot easily answer this question risk losing business to e-commerce competitors – more than 3,100 U.S. retail stores closed in 2011 and more than 5,000 more are projected to close in 2012, according to published industry reports. Retailers who are answering the question successfully are focusing on creating an excellent customer experience. They are creating and enhancing customer loyalty programs, offering new services, seamlessly merging sales channels and providing exceptional customer service.
Creating a positive customer experience also requires satisfying the desire for immediacy. Successful retailers have products available for customers to touch, try and take home right away, without having to wait for shipment.
To create this experience, retailers need to keep their products on the shelves and their staff on the floor. It requires a workforce that is knowledgeable, flexible and highly responsive. Retailers should demand the same from their equipment.
Motorola MC2100 Now RedBeam Compatible
RedBeam, Inc. announced that its fixed asset tracking software has successfully achieved Motorola Compatibility status on the MC2100 mobile device. Compatibility is a program designed to verify application behavior on Motorola Solutions, Inc. devices to ensure hardware-software interoperability.
“We are excited to support the Motorola MC2100 Series Mobile Computer. It’s value priced and has many features usually found in more expensive devices” said Steve Bissonnette, President of RedBeam. “The Motorola Compatiblity status will help to assure partners and their customers of fixed asset tracking system interoperability between the MC2100 and RedBeam software.”
Recommended Configuration:
MC2180-MS01E0A – Motorola, MC2180, 1D Laser, Color Touch QVGA Screen, 128/256MB, 27 Key, CE 6.0
Note: Touch Screen Required for Use With RedBeam Applications
Intermec Introduces Industry’s Smallest, Lightest Mobile Receipt Printers
New PR2 and PR3 printers provide mobile workforces with all day comfort for significant productivity advantages
Intermec, announces the new PR2 and PR3 mobile receipt printers — the smallest, lightest and most durable receipt printers in their class. Designed for all day comfort for mobile field professionals in direct store delivery (DSD) route accounting, field service, mobile point of sale and electronic citation, the two-inch PR2 and three-inch PR3 mobile printers provide the ideal companion to Intermec’s broad portfolio of mobile computers with shared charging, docking, accessories and remote management capabilities for a lower total cost of ownership and increased efficiencies.
Enterprises are able to tailor the printers to their unique business environments with a complete line of modular accessories, while also delivering competitive advantage with invoice printing and secure payment capture capabilities. Additionally, the printers are fast, with the fastest time to first receipt in their class. They are also built for all day comfort and reliability — easily worn all day using the included belt clip, optional belt loop or shoulder strap for additional ease.
Scannable Barcode Portraits
Artist Scott Blake has a series of portraits completely made from scannable barcodes. The images are of various cultural icons and are not just a simple print.
If you scan the codes in the portraits with a scanner or smartphone you can watch videos, listen to audio clips, and read up on the subjects in the image.
“I have made more than 30 large-scale digital portraits of cultural icons using actual barcodes connected to some aspect of their lives. My Barcode Elvis portrait is made with barcodes from his music CDs. Barcode Bruce Lee and Barcode Marilyn Monroe are comprised of barcodes from their movie DVDs. Barcode Oprah is made with the ISBN barcodes from her book club. Interact with my art. Move beyond form to function. Scan the barcodes with your smartphone. Hear, watch and read as my subjects tell their stories.” – Scott Blake
