Barcoding News
Data tracking news, product updates, tips, and more
The New Denso AT20Q Full 2D Imager
Denso, inventor of the QR Code, launched a new and more versatile AT20-Q handheld scanner, which offers high-speed scanning of both 2-D barcodes, such as the QR Code, as well as conventional 1-D barcodes.
The AT20Q features a high-speed shutter that eliminates the effect of camera shake and allows quick reading from any direction, increasing operator efficiency. Anti-reflection technology enables reliable reading of barcodes on mobile-phone LCD screens.
By combining the latest Denso algorithms with an increased number of pixels, the AT20Q provides trouble-free scanning of wide barcodes, such as those used for utility and medical bills. A newly developed scanning module easily accommodates 1-D barcodes with resolutions down to 0.125 mm and 2-D barcodes down to 0.167 mm, further extending the AT20Q’s application range.
New Study Finds Men Shop and Scan More Than Women on Mobile Devices
New research into the mobile consumer buying habits of men and women reveals that, not only do men shop more via mobile devices than women, but they also make more use of barcode scanners.
As mobile devices become the most common way people get online, uSamp decided to conduct a survey of the mobile shopping habits of 1,100 men and woman, ages 18 – 75. The results may surprise many people in that it found men to be the bigger online mobile shoppers.
What was everyone buying?
- 27% of males purchase consumer electronics on mobile vs. 8% of females
- 23% of males purchase movie and event tickets on mobile vs. 11% of females
- 30% of males purchase digital content on mobile vs. 20% of females
- 13% of males purchase food and drinks on mobile vs. 8% of females
- 8% of males purchase office supplies on mobile vs. 4% of females
Another interesting result from the study was that 91% of the time men were scanning barcodes with their mobile purchase versus the 85% of women. The survey found that men and woman who scan barcodes with mobile devices are shopping at these types of stores:
- Electronic store: 27% male vs. 12% female
- Convenience store: 7% male vs. 3% female
- Health & Beauty Store: 6% female vs. 2% male
More info on the study can be found here.
Start Taking Mobile Payments With ID Tech’s Shuttle
Everything is moving more and more to mobile platforms and payment processing is no different. Taking the point-of-sale wherever it is needed can be easily done with the right tools for your Apple, Android, or Blackberry smartphones.
The ID Tech Shuttle is a magnetic stripe reader that communicates with mobile devices via the headphone jack. The Shuttle utilizes ID Tech’s proven MagStripe reading technology, providing bi-directional card reading of up to two tracks of information and supports TDES and AES encryption using DUKPT Key Management. The Shuttle is the only audio jack MSR with firmware upgradeability in the field and compatible with over 100 different phones and tablets which is critical to ensure device functionality with the widest variety of host devices in the market today. You can find a complete list of compatible devices here.
PCI Compliance Explained!
Point-of-Sale businesses are paranoid, with good reason, about protecting sensitive customer and company information. Financial institutions require that any company that stores, processes or transmits credit card information complies with the PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry, Data Security Standards).
Companies that fail to comply are subject to fines, lawsuits, and can even be banned from processing credit cards. Even worse, companies that are breached can find themselves in the news headlines, significantly impacting goodwill with customers, partners and shareholders. Ensuring your POS system and wireless infrastructure are in compliance is crucial.
The objective of the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards is to protect cardholder data. The standards are developed and published by the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC), which consists of hundreds of industry participants who have a vested interested in reducing vulnerabilities in the card-processing ecosystem.
Introducing the Unitech MS910 Wireless Scanner
Do you need to scan barcode data into your Smartphone or Tablet quickly and easily? Then check out the Unitech MS910 mini wireless Bluetooth barcode scanner.
Unitech launched its ultra compact or mini barcode reader the MS910, which is being recognized as the smallest and most elegant design in its class. The MS910 is an “out of the box” data collection solution as well as a stylish accessory. It provides the convenience of wireless technology with the simplicity of a single-button scanning design which makes barcode data collection simple, reliable and efficient for all users. Furthermore, the MS910 features Unitech’s high speed decoder paired with an aggressive scan engine, which provides outstanding scanning performance up to 240 scans per second.
The Importance of Enhanced Security and Encryption Protocols for Wireless Hardware
In the storefront, at the office, throughout the warehouse, and on the road, wireless technology is a critical tool for conducting and improving business. Yet, despite its ubiquitous presence in business, we still read, almost daily, about hackers breaking into large network databases—heightening concerns about identity theft and credit card fraud. Security risks associated with wireless networks have forced businesses to comply with new, more stringent regulations for network security and data encryption. This document outlines the risks your wireless network faces and summarizes current state-of-the-art wireless hardware security systems. It also highlights critical factors to consider when selecting hardware partners to protect your future investment in wireless technology.
The Business Case for Wireless
The use of 802.11 wireless devices has been a driving force in the advance of worker efficiency. It has also brought higher levels of service to retail and commercial customers alike. The unassailable benefits of wireless devices are driving the growth of 802.11 technology. According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, chipsets sold on an annual basis to support wireless technology will grow to one billion units by 2012 (Ref. ABI Research). Clearly, companies that ignore the value of wireless technology will be left behind as their competitors benefit from its many advantages. However, the use of wireless technology is not without risks, and astute companies will take measures to mitigate these risks before wholly embracing wireless devices.
Open Source Beer Recipe in a QR Code
The applications you can put QR Codes to use may range from coupons to advertising campaigns but this has got to be one of the more unique applications.
The New Zealand brewing company Yeastie Boys incorporate several QR Codes on the labeling of their Digital IPA. These codes lead customers to various web pages including Facebook and Twitter accounts but one of the QR Codes lead to the full recipe of the beer, which essentially makes Digital IPA the world’s first open source beer!
If you are looking to incorporate 2D barcodes in your business and need help getting started, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
Enphase Energy Uses the Socket 7Xi Scanner with Apple iPhone for Solar Panel Installation and Tracking Solution
Socket announced that Enphase Energy — a manufacturer of microinverter technology for the solar industry with more than 44,000 installations around the world — has incorporated the Socket Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner 7Xi barcode scanner into its ArrayGun mobile solution for solar panel installation. Enphase is demonstrating the solution this week at Solar Power International 2012 in Orlando, FL.
Enphase microinverters are semiconductor-based solar panel components that provide remote monitoring of energy harvesting performance through the Enlighten web-based platform. In order for technicians to view performance, diagnose issues or pinpoint maintenance needs on a module-by-module basis, the serial number and location of each microinverter must be recorded during solar panel installation. The new ArrayGun installer toolkit solution enables installers to quickly and accurately scan and connect large numbers of microinverters using the CHS 7Xi and an iPhone or iPod touch running the Enphase Installer Toolkit app.
Reduce Bottom-of-Basket Loss with the Datalogic LaneHawk
LaneHawk InCart presents one of several solutions provided by the LaneHawk family product line. InCart does from above that which LaneHawk BOB does from below. It recognizes the items going through the check-out lane and notifies the cashier in real time when the item has not yet been paid for. InCart uses the same patented ViPR recognition engine as LaneHawk BOB. This allows it to run on the same server to capture items left on the top basket of a shopping cart, in parallel with LaneHawk BOB detecting items on the bottom of the basket. When InCart recognizes an item, it first checks to see whether the item has already been rung up in the POS system. If, by the end of the transaction, the item has not been scanned, LaneHawk notifies the cashier that the item was missed. Like LaneHawk BOB, InCart can produce several different reports to track cashier usage in order to target suspicious activities and reinforce best practices.
Intermec PM43c Now Shipping
The Intermec PM43c industrial mid-range printer, a compact version of the PM43, is available for orders and is now shipping.
The PM Series are shipping with multi-command language firmware that includes Fingerprint and Direct Protocol, IPL and competitive emulations for ZPLII and DPL. While customers can take advantage of the ease of use provided by multi-command language firmware, only Fingerprint and Direct Protocol offers the most features and best performance: fastest throughput, easiest configuration, wizards and tools, XML, and Smart Printing and INprint for printing without a host application. Fingerprint and Direct Protocol is recommended for all new applications and current custom applications where a change is possible.
The full-sized PM43 is a direct replacement for the PM4i, and the compact PM43c directly replaces the PF4i industrial printer
For more information or to order a new PM43c feel free to contact us at Barcodes Inc.
