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Five Things to Consider When Using Tablet Computers in Forklift Applications
Why Tablets and Purpose Built Forklift Mounted Computers Are Not Interchangeable
Tablet computing is one of the fastest-growing categories of consumer electronics and enterprise IT alike. The buzz is leading many businesses to explore new uses for tablet computers, and some are finding their way into evaluation trials on forklifts and other vehicle applications in the distribution center. With their large screens and available Windows operating systems, tablets can seem quite similar to the forklift-mounted computers that are widely used today. They can also be taken off the forklift and used on the floor, which some organizations find intriguing.
However, tablets should not be considered drop-in replacements for purpose-built forklift mounted terminals because there are several major differences between the product categories. If you are considering using tablet computers on forklifts, it is important to know these differences and how they may impact operations. Careful evaluation will highlight compromises in integration and everyday use.
Motorola Vehicle Terminals – Infographic
Meeting the physical demands of a warehouse environment, especially in the case of forklift use, can be a daunting task for most mobile computers and tablets. Many mobile devices may have a rugged outer case but dealing with vibration and misuse on a vehicle/forklift requires even more specific design changes few devices have.
Motorola offers a range of terminals designed for vehicle use and can handle every application from the warehouse to cold storage and even the outdoors. This infographic is a quick overview of the key Motorola vehicle terminals and their main features to get you started finding the right unit for your needs.
Get a Free Printhead with a New CL4NX Purchase in July
During the month of July, Sato is celebrating the success of their newly launched industrial thermal printer by giving away one free CL4NX printhead with the purchase of every new CL4NX.
After ordering and receiving your new printer, follow this link with the serial and model number and complete the form to receive your free printhead.
For any assistance finding the right CL4NX for your specific needs, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
Panasonic’s Fully Rugged 5″ Tablets: FZ-X1 and FZ-E1
Panasonic has announced the U.S. launch of its fully-rugged, 5-inch handheld tablets. The Toughpad FZ-E1, powered by Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld, and the Toughpad FZ-X1, running the Android 4.2.2 operating system, are enterprise-class handheld tablets — with voice and data connectivity — designed for mission-critical mobile workers. With 14-hour hot-swappable batteries, FIPS 140-2 Level 1 security, and sunlight-readable HD touchscreens that work even with gloves, the Toughpad FZ-E1 and Toughpad FZ-X1 are purpose-built to improve efficiency and productivity for mobile professionals such as first responders, military service members, and those in transportation and logistics, utilities, manufacturing, retail and field services.
The Toughpad FZ-E1 and Toughpad FZ-X1 represent a significant expansion of Panasonic’s Toughpad line, the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of enterprise-focused tablets. Like Panasonic’s market leading Toughbook laptops and convertibles, Toughpad tablets are engineered to deliver performance, security and reliability in extreme operating environments where consumer devices would fail. They are also built for easy integration into existing IT infrastructures and for smooth deployments and ongoing support, and provide organizations with longer life cycles, translating to lower total costs of ownership.
What is Apple MFi Certification and Why is it Important?
Apple’s MFi Program (“Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad”) is a licensing program for developers of hardware and software peripherals that work with Apple’s iPod, iPad, iPad mini and iPhone, the so-called iDevices. The name is a shortened version of the original long-form Made For iPod. Companies joining the MFi program are required to pass certain requirements and certification tests. Once approved by Apple, they are able to display certain MFi-related logos on their product packaging.
Using a MFi certified receipt printer ensures full compatibility with Apple devices and an easier set-up with more features in any mobile application.
Zebra’s QLn Series is Now MFi Certified and Healthcare Approved
Zebra’s popular QLn Series, QLn220/QLn320/QLn420, of printers has recently been enhanced with exciting new features. Now “Made for iPOD/iPhone/iPad” (MFi) certified, these printers support Apple mobile operating systems as well as Android and Windows Mobile platforms. What’s more, the complete family of QLn printers now leverages Zebra’s Link-OS environment, making it easier than ever to integrate into operations and manage from any location around the globe! And best of all, you get all of these new features without having to pay extra – the cost is the same as the older models!
And as if that weren’t enough, Zebra is also excited to announce the release of their QLn320 and QLN220 Healthcare Printers, which is an extension of their user-friendly QLn printers that have been designed specifically with healthcare facilities’ needs in mind. They are constructed using durable, disinfectant-ready materials so they can be cleaned quickly and easily between each use. Collecting and labeling information at the patient’s bedside has never been more efficient!
For assistance finding the right mobile Zebra printer for your needs, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
Datalogic Introduces the Elf Healthcare PDA
Datalogic has announced the availability of their new Elf Healthcare PDA. This ergonomic PDA boasts an enclosure made of chemical resistant plastics – enabling it to withstand daily cleaning with harsh disinfectant solutions commonly found in various healthcare settings such as Sani-cloth cleaners, CaviWipes and others.
The Elf Healthcare PDA is a product line extension of the robust Datalogic Elf PDA, capitalizing on its ergonomics and proven reliability. The Elf Healthcare PDA is equipped with the Datalogic patented ‘Green Spot’ and a vibrating alert providing good read feedback while avoiding noisy beeps. These two features help to ensure quiet, restful scanning during patient bedside applications.
Microscan’s Vision MINI Xi – World’s Smallest Machine Vision Camera
Microscan has announced the availability of the Vision MINI Xi industrial compact smart camera with embedded Ethernet. As part of Microscan’s award winning AutoVISION machine vision product suite, this tiny powerhouse is packed with features for close-range industrial auto ID, inspection, and other machine vision applications.
Microscan’s new industrial Vision MINI Xi is the world’s smallest fully-integrated smart camera with embedded Ethernet, measuring in at 1 in (25.4 mm) x 1.8 in (45.7 mm) x 2.1 in (53.3 mm) and weighing 3.2 oz (91 g). The Vision MINI Xi features both Ethernet and serial connectivity, a 24-volt interface, and optically isolated I/O in one compact package.
New Pop-Up iOS Keyboard using Socket Mobile Bluetooth Barcode Scanners
Many Bluetooth barcode scanners have a serious drawback when used with an iOS device due to the fact that Apple products recognize the scanner as a wireless keyboard and disable the the built-in virtual keyboard. This essentially means that anytime you want to manually type any information you have to uncouple the Bluetooth scanner to gain access to the on-screen keyboard again.
Obviously, this is a major problem for most users and counter acts any benefits gained with the scanner.
Luckily there are some manufacturers, like Socket, that have scanners capable of acting as a HID Bluetooth device which retains the virtual keyboard functionality by double tapping the power button to allow simultaneous scanning and keystrokes.
Check out this short video for a simple demonstration of this unique feature with Socket’s Apple certified CHS Series scanners
How to Select a Receipt Printer for Mobile POS
Is your restaurant or retail store ahead of the technology curve?
Be honest – is it even close?
In this day and age, customers expect to see their favorite restaurants and stores using technologies similar to the ones they use on a daily basis. That’s why today’s top retailers and restaurateurs are turning to tablets and Apple iPads to run their businesses.
In 2014, this concept of mobile point of sale (POS) is very flexible. Mobile elements, such as mobile POS devices and mobile POS printers, can be mixed and matched with your existing assets to accommodate your specific business and/or budget needs. Mobile POS can include:
- A mobile device secured on a stand, integrated with a stationary printer and cash drawer
- A mobile device integrated with a magnetic stripe reader and a portable printer
