Barcoding News

It is important to choose the right printing supplies to prevent any operational hang ups. It is just as costly to operate with the wrong supplies as to operating without them. When labels fall off, gets hard to scan, cripples the printheads, or jams the printer causes unnecessary bottlenecks, often times means downtime in your operation.

Learn about how Zebra supplies can help you avoid all that. If you want to learn more, feel free to contact our dedicated account manager for a free assessment on the type of printing supplies you should use.

Alien Readers are built for challenging environments that commonly appear in the real world. Robust, tough, and high-performing for even the most challenging conditions. Alien readers come with advanced filtering and intelligence which benefits users with less network traffic, fewer additional pieces of network equipment, lower setup, and lower maintenance costs.

The ALR-F800 is Alien’s self-optimizing enterprise RFID reader. With a discrete architecture that intelligently adapts and configures based on its environment. The ALR-F800 has the industry’s best Power over Ethernet transmit power and performance. The ALR-F800 has the flexibility for system enhancements and future proofing such as the industry standard MicroSD and USB slots for adding memory along with additional capabilities such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular.

ALR-F800 Features:

• Global EPC Gen 2 platform.
• DSA (Dynamic Self-Adapting) real-time read optimization.
• Alien GateScape ease-of-use.
• Power source agnostic and auto-switching.
• Automatic inventory optimization.
• Feature-rich Alien Reader Protocol.
• Dynamic Authentication of Higgs ICs.
• Exceptional sensitivity and performance.
• Automode, with on-board state machine.
• High read rates for demanding applications.
• Enhanced noise rejection for reliable data capture.
• RSSI & speed filters.
• Easy RFID software integration.
• Easily configurable and upgradable.
• Industrial, installation-friendly I/O connector.
• Antenna reflection cancellation optimization.
• Supports extended / custom Higgs IC features.
• Auto “Seek” function for low duty cycle applications.
• RoHS EU 2002/95/EC compliant.
• Plenum Rated (EAHS) per UL 2043.

The ALR-F800-X builds on the ALR-F800 with a revolutionary solution that simplifies RFID infrastructure installation, operations, and maintenance. Combines an Enterprise RFID reader and edge service to provide multiple-reader visualization and management. The ALR-F800-X comes with emissary which is Alien’s multi-reader configuration, management, and work-flow description solution. This means users can create names for each reader instead of using the standard serial number that a RFID reader normally identifies by. Making the management of multiple readers easy.

ALR-F800-X Features:

• Reader + Multiple Reader Configuration and Management in one device.
• Class leading Global EPC Gen 2 4-port RFID Reader.
• Same footprint as Alien’s ALR-F800 UHF Enterprise Reader.
• Built in handling of common chores.
• DSA (Dynamic Self-Adapting) real-time read optimization.
• Power source agnostic and auto-switching.
• Feature-rich Alien Reader Protocol.
• Dynamic Authentication of Higgs ICs.
• Exceptional sensitivity and performance.
• Automode, with on-board state machine.
• RoHS EU 2002/95/EC compliant.
• Plenum Rated (EAHS) per UL 2043.

With Windows’ end of life officially announced, it’s time to start thinking about your transition to Android. New changes are always difficult because it ultimately means you have to start looking at stages of deployment, performance, and care of the life-cycle for the new technology until everything runs smooth again.

With the mobile solutions ever changing, companies need to deploy the newest mobile technology solution to fully maximize efficiency, productivity, and workforce mobility. Luckily, the Honeywell Mobility Edge Platform can help you ease into the new system.

So what is the Honeywell Mobility Edge Platform? How can it help you?
Honeywell’s Mobility Edge Platform is a unified mobile platform that drives an integrated approach to assist you with deployment, performance, and the life cycle of your device.

Accelerate Deployment- Tools to simplify and ease the process of of taking the mobile computer from the box to the user. Validate once and deploy everywhere, instead of a burdensome task for each different device.

Optimize Performance- Softwares and services to enhance the productivity of the user and reliability of the mobile computer. (Data capture, Enterprise Browser and Terminal Emulation)

ExtendLifecycle- Features that enable the mobile computer to be used effectively over time expected by enterprises.

Built on the Mobility Edge Platform, the CT60 and the CN80 offers an intergrated, repeatable, and scalable approach based on a common hardware and software platform. Making the two ideal for warehouse, field mobility,  and other challenging enviornments. Read more about the two devices here on our previous blog to discover its full potential and how it can help your ideal operation.

                                         

For more information, availability, or a quote, please contact our dedicated account manager.

Automated patient identification is essential to protecting the well-being of patients and the integrity of the healthcare system. Wristbands plays a big part of this process. The wristbands must be durable enough to withstand the rigors of the busy hospital environment and exposure to daily usage of hand sanitizers.

When it comes to quality, Zebra put their wristbands to the test. The wristbands went under a severe stress testing to a wide range of exposures such as isopropyl, rubbing alcohol, water, and hand sanitizers.  It is tested that Zebra’s Z-band direct and the Z-Band UltraSoft wristbands are more durable against Purell Waterless Hand Sanitizer than the leading competitor.

Z-Band Direct Wristbands are latex-free and MR-safe. These direct thermal polypropylene wristbands are scannable up to 14 days even with the hospital’s busy environment and constant use of hand sanitizers.

Z-Band UltraSoft Wristbands are thermal synthetic bands that are MR-safe and latex-free.

ARDL conclusively found that both Z-Band Direct and UltraSoft were more durable than the leading competitors bands. The scanners were able to read the wristbands for a longer period of time before it becomes unscannable.

Quality Matters especially in the fast-pace environment, like the hospital. Zebra is committed to providing quality wristbands that meet the high standards for image durability, sustainability, and comfort. The Z-Bands are available in adult, pediatric, and infant sizes.

If you are interested in learning more about the wristbands or a compatible printer, feel free to contact one of our dedicated account managers for a quote or more info.

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate took effect on December 18, 2017. Since then drivers were given some leeway. If they were caught without the proper ELD equipment, documents, or training they were written up, but neither they nor the companies they drive for were penalized for it. That leeway officially ended on April 1^st.

Under the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability program (CSA) any driver now caught without the proper ELD equipment will have CSA points levied against them and their companies. Furthermore, according to Kerri Wirachowsky, Director of the roadside inspection program at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, trucks will be put into the penalty box, in most cases for up to 10 hours.

With the ELD Mandate drivers must have and be able to do the following.

1. Tell enforcement that there is an electronic user manual with instructions for using the device, on the device, in the form of help screens.
2. Be able to produce recent data and transfer it to an inspector electronically.
3. Instructions for reporting malfunctions and record-keeping procedures during malfunctions.
4. Have at least an eight day supply of blank forms for recording a driver’s hours of service in the event the mobile device fails.

April 1^st has come and gone, hence if drivers are not ELD compliant by now its important to do so. Mainly because just having an ELD does not mean the driver is in compliance. The driver must also be able to operate the ELD. Not being able to do so will be treated as if the driver didn’t have the proper equipment on board.

To comply with the ELD Mandate you’ll need a device, below are some of the newest mobile device options for ELD:

• Zebra TC56 rugged smartphone
• Honeywell CT50 rugged smartphone
• Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 rugged tablet
• Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet

To learn more about the ELD Mandate or to get a free consultation on an ELD hardware and software solution, reach out to one of our Barcodes, Inc. representatives.

Klaus Schwab founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum once said, “In the new world, it is not the big fish which eats the small fish, it’s the fast fish which eats the slow fish.” His words ring true, especially in today’s technology dependent world. Either move forward or get left behind.

Zebra Technologies does a great job explaining this revolution with, Transform Your Organization By Harnessing the Workforce Mobility Revolution. You’ll learn what this revolution looks like and the benefits it can provide to your organization. To fully realize the potential of workforce mobility your organization will need advanced mobile operating systems, mobile devices, and software solutions. Redefine how your organization gets things done by implementing faster and smarter processes that help propel your organization forward.

Gains to Expect:

• Productivity: From the use of advanced operating systems, devices and purpose-built software applications that speed up workflows.
• Efficiency: Via processes that eliminate waste or complexity.
• Accuracy: With advanced data collection capabilities that reduce the soft and hard costs associated with errors.

To read the full white paper by Zebra Technologies, download your copy HERE!

To help improve your organizations Workforce Mobility please contact our dedicated account managers for mobile solutions!

Most ruggedized handheld devices are powered by legacy operating systems. The problem, the extended support for legacy OS is quickly approaching its end. For infrastructure and operations leaders responsible for mobile and endpoint strategies it’s recommended to stop buying equipment with legacy OSs and begin planning their migration strategies.

In Gartner’s report, Revisit Your Ruggedized Strategy Before You’re Hit by the End of OS Support,  industry analysts, Leif-Olof Wallin and Stephen Kleynhans go in depth on how to overcome key challenges and their recommendations for planning a strategic migration. Their research is based on a large number of inquiries with clients, as well as discussions with technology vendors.

Kleynhans’s and Wallin’s expert research:

• Explains what to stop buying and where to focus planning.
• Evaluates the business case for ruggedized equipment, based on actual requirements and a fully loaded total cost of ownership calculation.
• Outlines when to standardize versus when to diversify the ruggedized device portfolio.
• Describes how to protect current investments in software and systems with application virtualization technology.

To download and read the full Gartner report please click HERE.

Any questions concerning the end of legacy operating systems please contact our dedicated account managers.

There are a variety of options when it comes to consumables. Whether it be receipt paper, wristbands, labels, or tags each and everyone has their benefits when it comes to maintaining your printer. Printing supplies can impact everything from the printhead’s lifespan to the printer’s operational efficiency. It’s an important decision when it comes to maintaing the lifespan of your printer.

As a leading manufacturer of label printers and media, Honeywell provides a wide range of label materials to meet any need. When it comes to label printing the Duratherm series and Duratran Series provide cost-effective printing with various levels of durability, from un-coated paper to top-coated synthetic labels.

Duratherm and Duratran products are easy to use and demand less user intervention. There are no shortage of options to pick from and you can choose what best fits your application whether it be healthcare, shipping, inventory tracking, general purpose, or etc.

• Duratherm Receipt Paper – A direct thermal paper that provides excellent print quality. Well-suited for most general receipt applications, most notably for use in portable thermal printers.
• Duratherm Wristband -  The Duratherm wristbands are recommended for healthcare and provide the positive identification hospitals need for maximum patient safety. The full-coverage thermal print coating enables high quality printing on the entire length of the band, thus eliminating the need to reposition a sleeping patient just to scan their band.
• Duratherm II Label – A general purpose direct thermal paper label that delivers high-quality, cost-effective printing. Duratherm II is recommended for most general use applications where exposure to chemicals and moisture is not anticipated.
• Duratherm III Label – A top-coated direct thermal paper label that delivers high-quality printing and enhanced durability. Duratherm III is recommended for applications where high humidity, moisture contact and surface abrasion are concerns.
• Duratherm NIR Label – A premium direct thermal paper label engineered to deliver high-contrast images and enhanced durability. Duratherm III NIR is targeted for use in applications with challenging barcode scanning requirements and is well-suited for high-speed sortation applications.
• Duratherm II Tag - A general purpose paper tag providing high-quality, cost-effective printing. Duratherm II Tag is recommended for applications where labeling is not suitable. This product resists curling, even in high humidity environments.
• Duratran II Label – A paper label coated thermal transfer label that exhibits excellent print quality. Offered with a variety of adhesive options, recommended for applications with moderate abrasion, heat, or sunlight is present.
• Duratran II RFID Label – The flexible RFID smart labels provide a versatile architecture that can be used in open or closed loop environments. These labels can be deployed with confidence to meet a broad range of customer requirements including thermal transfer and direct thermal printing.

For any questions or a quote on any of your consumable needs, please contact us at Barcodes, Inc.

Today, April 22, is Earth day and it’s time to return the love to the planet we all call home. Thanks to Global Technology Systems (GTS) they will be providing a Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling program.

You may be asking yourself why do I need to recycle my batteries? Well, Lithium-Ion batteries consist primarily of chemicals and metals which in turn allow the battery to hold a long charge and remain light at the same time. These chemicals and metals consist of lithium, cobalt, and other materials that can be extremely harmful to the environment we live in. The improper disposal of these batteries as trash leads to water contamination, soil contamination, and among other things negative environmental/health outcomes.

The Recycling Process:

• GTS will provide customers involved in the program with free battery recycling boxes at each enrolled facility.
• Once the battery recycling box is filled, simply call the toll-free phone number on the box and it will be picked-up and properly disposed of by a GTS-certified recycling firm.
• Once a recycling box has been provided to the recycling firm another recycling box will be provided to continue this free service.

Help make our Earth a better place to live, recycle the batteries that help power all of your mobile operations.

For more information on how to start recycling those Lithium-Ion Batteries please Contact Us!

Combine the advantages of consumer PDAs with industrial mobile computers and you get Honeywell’s set of rugged mobile computers. Honeywell’s mobile computers include the latest Android or Windows operating system technology, their SmartSystems device management software, and superior industrial design and ruggedness. Whether you have a small business or an enterprise, Honeywell’s mobile computers are easy to deploy, easy to use, and easy to support.

The Dolphin CT60 is designed for enterprises that require anywhere, anytime connectivity, and fast data capture in a highly durable, long-lasting form factor that’s built for maximum up-time and productivity. Packed with features to keep users connected and productive throughout the work day. With an advanced network connectivity that facilitates large file transfers, video streaming, and quick remote access to business applications with enough battery power to last an entire shift. Has accurate 1D and 2D scanning and data capture is possible even on the most damaged barcodes.

CT60 Features and Benefits:

• Mobility Edge Hardware and Software Platform.
• Industry-Leading Future Proof Protection.
• Optimal Power and Connectivity.
• Unparalleled Scanning Performance.
• Rugged, Ergonomic Design – Built to Last: Fits easily in to a pocket, IP67 rating against dust and water spray, withstands multiple 1.5 meter drops to concrete and 1,000 1 meter tumbles.
• Future Proof: Support for four Android generations starting with Android 7.1.1. As well as an easy Windows to Android migration without sacrificing reliability, performance, or management features.
• Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor.

Currently there is a transition from a keypad-centric mobile device to a full touchscreen device. The problem, keys are still essential in many logistics, warehouses, and field mobility organizations. In comes the ultra-rugged Dolphin CN80, a mobile computer that can help bridge that gap. A large 4.2 inch vivid color touchscreen and the option to choose between numeric or QWERTY keypads gives users the option to select which input method is best for their everyday environment. At the same time users will benefit from the use of the touchscreen for touch-centric applications in the future. With fast data processing, 1D/2D scanning, advanced network connectivity, and a battery life that lasts twice as long as previous generations; users will be connected and productive throughout multiple shifts.

CN80 Features and Benefits:

• Mobility Edge Hardware and Software Platform: Common hardware and software platform delivers enhanced operational efficiency and reduced TCO. Deploy the same applications on multiple products across your enterprise.
• Forward-Compatible, Future-Proof: Support for four Androd generations – N through Q. Customers using Windows based operating systems can migrate to Android without sacrificing reliability, performance, or management features.
• Best of Both Worlds With Keys and Touchscreen: If you have high transaction rates, an environment where workers wear gloves, or applications or workers accustomed to working a certain way, keys are a necessity. The Dolphin CN80 offers productivity with a real numeric or QWERTY keypad for fast and easy data entry plus a full touchscreen for new or future application migration.
• Unparalleled Scanning Performance: Enhanced 1D/2D scanning/data capture with read ranges of 0.15m to 15.2m (6in to 50ft) typically required in today’s warehouses. Optional scan handle for flexibility to switch between handheld and pistol grip operations.
• Rugged, Ergonomic Design: Designed to withstand the harshest environments and the toughest users, the Dolphin CN80 minimizes downtime and lost productivity with extreme longevity. Withstands 2.4m (8ft) drops and 2,000 1.0m (3.3ft) tumbles. IP65/IP67 ratings against dust/water spray. Cold storage and non-incendive options available.
• Long Battery Life Drives Productivity: Long shifts, extended talk-times, and heavy GPS usage are no match for the Dolphin CN80. Long battery minimizes workflow interruptions and drives efficiency.

To learn more about Honeywell’s Mobile Computers, contact our dedicated account managers.