To Our Barcodes, Inc. Customers and Communities:

As the COVID-19 epidemic continues to evolve, we want to let you know that Barcodes, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries has a comprehensive plan in place to continue to protect our employees and support the ongoing operations of our customers.  We are closely monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and local health officials around the world, and we will rely on their cumulative recommendations and expertise to inform our decisions. 

I want to share some of the actions Barcodes, Inc. is taking to help protect and support both you and also our employees. As a precaution, we are:

• Continuously monitoring our supply chain to understand any disruptions which could cause a delay in the delivery and support of your mission critical operations. We will continue to update our messaging to ensure our customers have accurate information to make appropriate decisions.

• Adopting work from home practices as needed as part of normal business operations and leveraging a complete portfolio of cloud-based systems, which will allow our dedicated account managers and staff to support their customers’ operations and critical business functions without undue risk.

• Modifying our paid time off policies to ensure that our employees-including hourly employees-who miss work due to illness or to care for sick family members do not suffer loss of income or other benefits.

• Implementing several measures to ensure the health and safety of our facilities, including suspending international travel and limiting non-essential domestic travel, reducing large customer events and gatherings, limiting visitors to the office, and maximizing health and hygiene activities across all office locations by maintaining sanitation supplies and encouraging an “if you are sick, stay home” mindset.

We deeply appreciate your partnership with Barcodes, Inc. We understand that this can be a very difficult time within your teams and communities. We offer our deepest sympathies to those who have already been affected. Rest assured that as circumstances continue to develop, one thing will remain the same: We will make our decisions with the health and well-being of our customers, employees, partners, and communities as our highest priority. 

Best Regards,
Daniel Nettesheim
President & CEO

Thank you to Honeywell for awarding Barcodes, Inc. the Honeywell US Partner of the Year and OCR Canada Ltd. as the Honeywell Canadian Partner of the Year. We are honored to be selected as the award truly recognizes the continued partnership between the companies.

Barcodes Group, Inc. CEO Dan Nettesheim, accepted the award on behalf of the companies. Also in attendance to celebrate the achievement were Patrick Finn – Vice President US Field Sales at Barcodes Inc.; Leslie Jaffray – Vice President Sales at OCR Canada Ltd.; Raul Cepeda Jr. – Vice President, Product Management & Strategic Alliances at Barcodes, Inc.; Sean Retallick – Director of Sales at Barcodes, Inc.; Patrick Balakas – Director of Sales at Barcodes, Inc; Jamie Langford – National Sales Manager at Barcodes. Thanks for a terrific 2019 and looking forward to an even better 2020!

A major transformation is happening in enterprise mobile computing. Thousands of companies and most top device manufacturers are migrating from Windows Mobile to Android. In fact, only 4% of new enterprise handheld computers come with Microsoft’s latest mobile operating system, Windows 10 IoT. Additionally, many app developers are also abandoning Windows in favor of Android. Here are the four big reasons why this is happening and why you may want to consider a similar switch to Android.

1. Microsoft’s Waning Commitment to Enterprise Mobile for Handhelds 

Until now, Windows Embedded Handheld and CE were the industry standards for enterprise mobile computing. However, Microsoft has ended or will soon end support for all versions of these platforms between January 2020 and April 2021. This doesn’t mean it’s time to panic, but it’s definitely time to assess the impact on your operations and determine the next steps for ensuring your mobile future. If you have an extended support plan, some manufacturers may be able to provide support beyond 2021. 

However, you’ll still need a plan for what to do once you’ve exhausted all your support options. Upgrading from legacy versions to Windows 10 IoT won’t be possible because apps for Windows Embedded Handheld and CE are not forward-compatible. The only option to remain with Windows is to take on the expensive and time-consuming process of reprogramming and migrating applications and databases. Given the difficulties and problems this poses and considering that Microsoft’s commitment to enterprise mobile for handhelds has been waning for years, the industry is switching to Android. As the world’s most popular mobile OS, Android offers an easy-to-use and intuitive interface along with many development tools and a global developer community that makes it much faster and easier to migrate applications and create new solutions.

Hardware manufacturers and businesses such as Zebra, Home Depot, and Whirlpool have taken this simpler and less costly approach, giving workers a more familiar and user-friendly experience in the process.

2. Security Risks

The end of support for any OS means no future updates or security patches, so migrating to a new platform will eventually be an absolute must to avoid data security threats. 
Mobile device management gives businesses complete control over Android devices, applications, and connections. Emkat collaborates with the top manufacturers to provide up to 10 years of security updates and support, long after the standard five-year Android consumer support period comes to an end.

3. Better Mobile Productivity and Efficiency 

A switch to Android offers a remarkably positive impact on worker productivity and efficiency. Android’s simple, touch-screen interface is much easier to use, which helps simplify and streamline workflows. For example, Zebra’s new TC8000 touch computer combines Android simplicity with a combination barcode scanner and mobile computer that increases worker productivity by 14%. Workers no longer have to tilt a scanner to see its screen and confirm scanning results, and its virtual keyboards help them achieve 40% faster data entry with 60% fewer errors. Android is also familiar to many workers because they use it on their home devices, so it speeds up training and makes onboarding new employees easier.

4. Support Multiple Apps on One Device  

Android OS will give users the ability to run core ERP/WMS apps while additionally running communications and productivity apps such as email and messaging. This will allow you to effectively support and optimize warehouse functionality, manage your business, and communicate effectively all on one OS.  

Now’s the time to assess your mobile future and start developing an OS strategy, and our experts at Barcodes are here to help. Contact us now to schedule a free one-on-one consultation with one of our expert engineers to help guide you to the best course for your business. 

When it comes to getting a scanner for loyalty apps in a retail store. You need a scanner that is reliable enough to scan off of smartphones and have omnidirectional reading to scan in any directions. The Airtrack S2 QR code scanner can do it all, this affordable and ease of use solution can be the scanner that your retail store needs.

That is why Haagen Dazs, the well known ice cream brand, trusted in Airtrack for their national scanner rollout for their new loyalty app. Barcodes worked with Haagen Dazs and their POS provider figured out how to program the popular Airtrack S2 for their retail stores. The Airtrack S2 barcode scanner provides a fast, precise, and reliable scan from barcodes that are displayed on products or on smartphone screens.

The popularity of reading barcodes off smartphones and loyalty cards have increased over the years and have been spreading across all market segments of the data capturing industry. The Airtrack S2 barcode scanner can help your business futureproof your scanning technology and optimize scanning capabilities with QR and other barcodes. Contact Barcodes today to find out how you can advance you point of sale solution and take the advantage to lower cost of ownership and greater product reliability over time.

 

Apply the power of RFID (Radio frequency identification) in your retail environment! RFID technology goes beyond barcode scanning. It automates data collection without the risk of human error. With an RFID handheld scanner, you can read tags simultaneously and without direct line of sight increasing efficiency and productivity in a store.

All RFID tags within range can be tracked and located immediately to ensure the correct location from supply chain to on the floor. Retailers can have access to product information, item location, availability, item level tracking, stock maintenance to ensure greater efficiency and sufficient supply level to meet consumer demand.

Introducing the Alien ALR-S350 Sled RFID handheld reader, it is an robust, simple, cost effective RFID reader that is designed for all day use. Supports Apple iOS or Google Android via smart device you will be able to gain the flexibility and accuracy you need on the retail floor. Unlike competitive sled units, the Alien ALR-S350 RFID reader comes with everything required to begin to use, the kit comes with charging kit, cradle dock, and micro USB cable. All the user need is the smart phone or tablet device to bring visible information on the go.

Features:

• Capable of scanning 1D and 2D barcodes (QR codes)
• Reads up to 200 tags per second
• 3 LEDs and buzzer for user feedback
• Supports Apple iOS and Google Android Devices
• Robust Design IP54 feat Quadlock for phone mounting
• Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity for simple smart device pairing
• Up to 24 hours of intensive use- long battery life

Manually scanning barcodes or counting products is time extensive, employees must move aisle to aisle, locating items individually. With RFID scanners, workers can read tags as far as 20 feet away and at hundreds of tags per second. Contact Barcodes to learn more about how the Alien ALR-S350 Sled RFID reader can help you to increase accuracy and gain more visibility in your data collection.

Simplify business processes while improving accuracy and efficiency with the freedom of mobility. A pocket barcode scanner is ideal for flexible inventory control, asset management, and point of sale applications. Drop the cords and find out the benefits of a pocket barcode scanner. Benefits of a Pocket Barcode Scanner:

1. Compact in size and easy to carry around
2. Mobility without the tangle of cords
3. Avoid costly mobile computer costs
4. Reliable data collection in wireless or in offline batch mode
5. Fits comfortably in the palm of workers hand for all day use

Airtrack’s line of pocket barcode scanner can help capture the data you need to provide visibility in your inventory, assets, and transactions. It enables users to make barcode data collection easy and efficient. These flexible portable scanners have the option to scan 1D or 2D barcodes independently store in memory in batch mode or connect wirelessly to your smartphone and tablet for immediate data access. The Airtrack pocket barcode scanners delivers fast and accurate scanning performance and incorporates a rugged design against moisture and dust with an IP 42 enviornmental sealing withstanding 5-foot drops to concrete. Airtrack SP1-C Pocket 1D linear imager Features:

• 1D barcode scanning capability
• 1 inch OLED screen 128×64
• 2MB of memory, stores about 20,000 barcode scans
• Lightweight at 1oz
• Bluetooth range of 33ft (capable of pairing with Windows and iOS devices)
• Scan up to 5,000 scans per charge

Airtrack’s SP1 Pocket 1D Laser Scanner Features:

• 1D laser scan engine
• Easy Pairing
• 2MB of memory, stores about 20,000 scans
• Lightweight at 2 oz
• Bluetooth range of 30ft (capable of pairing with Windows and iOS devices)
• Battery to last up to a full shift of 8 hours

Airtrack’s SP2 Pocket 2D Imager Scanner Features:

• 1D and 2D scanning capabilities
• 1 inch OLED screen 128×64
• Storage for 10,000 scans
• Easy Pairing
• Lightweight at 2oz
• Bluetooth range at 30 ft (capable of pairing with Windows and iOS devices)
• Battery to last up to a full shift of 8 hours

Discover how you can increase speed and accuracy in data collection. Contact us if you have any questions or if you would like to learn how Airtrack’s pocket barcode scanners can help improve productivity and efficiency in your daily tasks.

Summing up our 2nd Annual Sales Kickoff, from March 4-6th, 2019 was a big success! This year our theme was Living on the Edge,  this event provided an interactive and engaging opportunity for all our partners and attendees. Our manufacturer partners came into Barcodes Headquarters and hosted unique workshops to share their latest mobility solutions for distribution, warehouse, supply chains, retail, and channel management. As well as, putting on a grand showcase of all their products for our attendees to test it in action. Barcodes would like to thank to our manufacturers and sponsors at Honeywell, Zebra, Epson, Citizen, Janam, Gigatrak, Elo, SOTI, Impinj, Sato, Datalogic, and Panasonic for sponsoring our event! Thanks to all our manufacturer partners who helped us create this engaging environment and networking opportunity to learn all about the latest products and mobility solutions.

PRESS RELEASE

March 5, 2019

OCR Canada Ltd. and QSG Inc.  have approved a definitive agreement in which OCR Canada will acquire QSG effective March 5^th, 2019.

Under the Barcodes Group, OCR Canada has seen incredible growth, continuing to be Canada’s leading value-added reseller.  Executive management is confident that this acquisition will allow OCR Canada to best serve the Canadian Market in its entirety, providing the best solutions and service available.

Dan Nettesheim, President & CEO of Barcodes Group, the parent company of OCR Canada, stated, “We are excited to add the talented individuals of QSG to the OCR Canada team. Together, we will serve the customers of QSG and bring forward the resources of a global company to meet their needs. This merger makes OCR Canada the leading solution provider of data capture and wireless technologies and services in Canada.”

Gilles Guadreault, CEO and Owner of QSG Canada, added, “We felt our customers would be best cared for by Barcodes Group’s OCR Canada team going forward. OCR Canada has an excellent reputation for putting the customer first, shipping on time, having deep technical resources and providing superb value-added services. I trust in Dan’s leadership to take the QSG business forward to reach its full potential.”

QSG:  
QSG is a Canadian specialty systems integrator focused on field and supply chain mobility.  A reseller of thermal printers and recognized as a Tier 1 provider in enterprise mobility solutions, specializing in complex projects and companies with a wide network of manufacturing plants and distribution centers. They were founded in 1995 under the name, Viascan and over the years we have merged with several companies including Étiquettes Uno, Lazertherm, Qdata and QSG. In 2016, by repurchasing their Canadian assets they became QSG Inc.

Barcodes Group:
Barcodes group, parent company of Barcodes, Inc. and OCR Canada, Ltd., headquartered in Chicago, IL and with corporate offices across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, is a leading information technology solution provider with more than a 25-year history of providing products and services to automate businesses. The Company’s data capture products, which include barcoding, RFID, mobile, people identification, and wireless networking devices, and integration and managed services enable customers to improve productivity and profitability in their businesses. Barcodes has partnered with Odyssey Investment Partners to leverage their private equity capital and experience to drive strategic growth.

For more information contact:

USA:

Lorna Maljia, Marketing Manager
[email protected]
Phone: 1-312-582-4893

OCR Canada:

We are joining Zebra on their sales kick off in Washington D.C. from Jan 29-30th! As a premier partner with Zebra we are pleased to be asked to join this event at the Zebra Sales kick off this year. This internal Zebra event is a unique opportunity to meet with all the Zebra sales representatives in the North and Latin America Region. We will be able to capture and learn about all the latest mobility solutions for distribution, warehouse, voice picking, supply chains, and store and channel management and share them with our valued customers. Last night we sponsored the Zebra Sales Networking Event to start the kick off for the next few days. Make sure to follow us on our social media to catch all the latest mobility solutions that we encounter!

Customer Benefits

Barcodes is proud to announce RACO is now Barcodes! Please read our customer benefits below for more info! Feel free to also contact us if you have any questions!

Business as Usual
RACO’s rebrand to Barcodes simply means you have more resources and support at your disposal. You’ll continue to receive your industry leading sales and support staff. Aside from a new email address for your dedicated Account Manager, it is business as usual.

Customer Service
We are, first and foremost, customer-focused and measure our success by how well we deliver quality solutions that meet each customer’s unique needs. We dedicate an Account Executive or Account Manager to every managed account. Complete customer satisfaction is our top priority.

Integration Services
We have the largest professional services team in the industry. Our deployment and installation services manage device roll outs from cradle to grave. With a Midwest configuration office outside Minneapolis, MN and services offices across North America, we enable you to realize the full value of your technology through dedicated, efficient deployment management, full service onsite installation and training, and lifecycle support so that your teams have immediate and full use of their mission critical devices.

TrueSupport
This platinum support service provides you with guaranteed help desk access, technical support, and repair management. Our experienced TrueSupport teams maintain many industry certifications to help you triage device issues and manage the repair process for you.

Supplier Relationships
Barcodes holds premier partner relationships with all the top brands and has close working relationships with many of the OEM engineering teams. These relationships enable us to deliver inventory ahead of competitors, offer the best technologies available in the industry, provide quick fixes to device issues even if it requires engineering support, and offer competitive pricing for small to large projects while maintaining industry-leading service and support.

Digital Platform
Our customers have access to the most robust digital platform in the industry. Our online platform consists of our website for secure ordering, authorized team logins and special pricing, an online portal for returning and tracking devices in services, and asset management software to track assets.

Technical Knowledge
We have deep technical knowledge and industry certifications to help you design, deploy and support your barcoding, RFID and printing solutions.

Experience & Financial Stability
We started in 1994 as a barcode integrator and have grown every year since our founding. We have tens of thousands of active customers, from SMB’s to Fortune 100 clients. Our largest customer accounts for only a few percent of our revenues. We are one of the top 5 partners for all the key brands in barcoding and RFID and we are backed by a top-tier private equity fund with capital for investment.