Webinar

Improve Returnable Container Tracking with RFID

Thursday April 20^th 1:00-1:45pm Central

PRESENTED BY:

Christopher Vassilos – Senior Solutions Architect, Barcodes Group

Michael Daily – Senior Solutions Engineer, Impinj

RFID-Based Container Tracking

Upon delivery, it’s common for reusable containers to not be returned to the sender, with annual shrinkage rates often exceeding 10%. Keeping track of your Returnable Transport Items (RTIs) can be challenging, especially when logging their location depends on manual processes like scanning.

In this webinar, discover the benefits of RFID-based container tracking:

• Reduce the number of misplaced pallets, kegs, and boxes. Less new delivery assets need to be purchased, and shipments are not interrupted due to lack of totes.
• Track each asset as it leaves and returns to the warehouse, allowing you to determine its exact location immediately and whether they have yet to return.
• Calculate the flow of returnable assets to fully understand your shipping capacity for the present and future.
• Improve utilization of workers since it takes way less time to scan RFID tags than barcodes, due to its fully automatable reading without line-of-sight requirements.

Watch the Full RFID Webinar Recording

For many organizations, Enterprise Mobility Management is a standard set of solutions to deploy mobile devices and applications in the field. But true Enterprise Mobility Management goes beyond just deploying apps—it’s also about empowering your team with the tools they need to improve efficiency and productivity while making better decisions in the field.

What is a True Enterprise Mobility Management Solution?

True Enterprise Mobility Management is a comprehensive service from industry-leaders Barcodes & Zebra that provides an end-to-end mobility solution for your organization. The fully managed solution includes a broad spectrum of Enterprise Mobility Management services, including device procurement, device deployment, device management, device integration, app distribution, content management, remote security, and more. Barcodes can provide a solution that:

• Optimizes your devices
• Reduces IT spend
• Improves operational efficiency, and
• Increases your data security

Barcodes delivers this service as a single source provider, so you have one point of contact for all your mobile needs.

Quality You Can Trust

From the start, your project is managed by an industry veteran who ensures every Zebra device is staged, configured, and kitted to arrive ready to use exactly where you need them. This approach ensures consistent quality control across your devices, eliminating the need for internal support and allowing you to reallocate your valued in-house IT resources. Since you won’t have to manage devices or software updates or train staff on how to use mobile devices – your time will be free to focus on more critical tasks.

Support You Can Count On

Barcodes is different from other Enterprise Mobility Management providers. Our devices come pre-configured, fully integrated with Zebra technology, and ready to use immediately. Other providers waste valuable time for you & your staff because they require you to set up your own devices or hire someone else to do it for you. Barcodes also provide full in-house remote support. There’s no need to hire outside experts if you encounter a problem; we’re here for you 24/7!

Barcodes: The Industry Leader in Enterprise Mobility Management

Barcodes offers a true Enterprise Mobility Management solution you won’t find anywhere else. Learn more about how our true Mobility Management service with Zebra devices can make a difference for your business. Get started today by contacting a Barcodes Mobility Expert online or calling us at (855) 233-2917.

When choosing the right tablet for your business, you need durability, data capture, and accessory capabilities to provide the perfect environment for your workers, apps, and operations. In addition, customers now expect swifter services, meaning your business has to keep up with technology that keeps pace as demand grows. 

The Zebra ET51 enterprise-grade tablet is the thinnest and lightest of all Zebra rugged tablets. The tablet is built to handle all-day, everyday business, combining the thin form factor and lightweight build of a consumer-grade tablet with the powerful components of a business device.  

Enhance Productivity and Efficiency With the High-Quality Zebra ET51

The Zebra ET51 combines the best in styling with all the enterprise-class features and flexible options you need to meet your business needs. The Zebra tablet is perfect for workplace applications such as in-store, field, and warehouse operations. The ET51 enhances workforce efficiencies with features including:

Advanced Touchscreen Technology

The high-resolution screen delivers sharp text and clear graphics for superior readability. In addition, the ZT51 has more precision, and every input mode works, even when wet or wearing gloves. 

Fastest Wireless Connections

Wherever there’s a hotspot, the ET51 allows access points to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. The worry-free WiFI delivers near-instant application response times, unmatched roaming performance, and more.  

Advanced Data Capture

With the integrated SE4710 scan engine, you can scan 1D and 2D barcodes – setting the bar for enterprise-class scanning. Moreover, with PRZM intelligent imaging, fast capture of any barcode in practically any condition is delivered the first time, every time. 

Why the Zebra ET51 Matters

Your workforce is truly unique in its operations.

A highly responsive and powerful mobile computing device, such as the Zebra ET51, that will run all of your applications seamlessly, provides staff with the tools they need and the capabilities you need to run an efficient operation. Contact us today to start streamlining your business.

Warehouse operators know creating a connected workforce is the key to greater efficiency. Research for a Zebra Technologies 2024 Vision Study found that 77% of warehouse decision makers see equipping their teams with mobile devices as an onramp to automation.

Furthermore, 80% have planned investments in new tech to increase their competitiveness. However, at a time of economic uncertainty, making the best use of those investments counts. The Device as a Service model is a budget-friendly, future-proof way to equip a mobile workforce with warehouse tablets. 

Warehouse Tablets Enable Organizations to Meet Today’s Challenges 

Deploying warehouse tablets is the key to solving some of the industry’s biggest problems. It eliminates paper-based processes that add time to workflows and create human error opportunities. Additionally, warehouse tablets increase employee productivity, which is particularly important during the labor shortage. They also allow a warehouse team to update inventory data in real-time, providing management and customers with much-needed visibility for smart decision making. 

To provide maximum value, however, warehouse tablets must be purpose-built. In addition to a rugged design for standing up to use in a harsh environment, warehouse tablets must be ergonomic. Employees need both hands to do their jobs safely and efficiently, so it’s often more practical and safer to mount tablets on forklifts or workstations on wheels or provide an easy way to carry them, such as wearing a holster. 

Rugged tablets for the warehouse also include multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, 4G or 5G, and Wi-Fi 6. In addition, they include security features, such as multifactor authentication (MFA), to ensure that only authorized personnel can use them.  

The evolution of warehouse tablets has also given administrators more effective ways to deploy and keep them operational. Services enable centralized management for fast configuration and provisioning and for providing insights into device health, security, and usage. With these solutions, warehouse operators always have the assurance that tablets are charged, in good operating condition, and secure. 

The Device as a Service Model Breaks Down Barriers to Tech Upgrades

Although warehouse tablets have evolved into valuable tools for competitive businesses, making a capital expenditure (CAPEX) for new devices can put an upgrade out of reach for some companies. The Device as a Service model eliminates those barriers and makes new technology upgrades possible.

With the Device as a Service model, companies:

Replace a CAPEX with an OPEX

Instead of paying for devices outright, warehouses pay a monthly fee to use tablets. The provider bundles everything the warehouse needs, including hardware, software, and management tools, into one package for one cost. Replacing capital expenditures with an operating expense makes it more likely for CFOs to approve new devices more quickly. 

Leave maintenance and service to the provider

The Device as a Service model includes solution service and support. As a result, the warehouse’s IT team isn’t burdened with deploying and maintaining new devices – and there aren’t any surprise costs for repairs that devices occasionally need due to everyday use. In addition, with the provider covering maintenance, repairs, and support, warehouses typically see a lower TCO when they choose a Device as a Service solution than when they purchase solutions outright and maintain them with in-house staff. 

Aren’t locked into obsolete technology

The rate of technological advancements is accelerating, making an outright purchase riskier. The Device as a Service model allows businesses to upgrade after their contract term, often 36 months, so they always use the best tech available for their operations. 

Can scale more easily

This model allows a warehouse to deploy the tablets it needs now and plan strategically to add more devices as demand increases. The Device as a Service provider can manage that plan economically and according to the company’s technology roadmap. 

Will benefit from the provider’s lifecycle management services

An experienced provider will manage warehouse tablets from selection to decommissioning, safely removing data and handling recycling or disposal responsibly.

Barcodes, Inc. Makes Deploying Warehouse Tablets Easy

As an experienced Device as a Service provider, Barcodes, Inc. is ready to provide you with the hardware, software, and services you need for a hassle-free, affordable warehouse tablet deployment or upgrade.

For three decades, Barcodes, Inc. has leveraged its industry and technical expertise and relationships with top manufacturers to successfully provide warehouse tablet solutions, tailoring them to meet specific customers’ needs. We also offer unparalleled customer service, proactively monitoring Device as a Service deployment and ensuring they always operate in peak condition.  

The Device as a Service model allows competitive warehouse operations to upgrade tablets for more efficient, productive operations. Contact us to see how this model can work for you. 

Returnable Transfer Items (RTIs), or returnable containers are critical assets for almost all manufacturing and logistics organizations. RTIs transport stock and commodities from one site to another. However, keeping track of your RTIs is a different story. Well-known manufacturers and logistics expert still often rely on manual methods, such as traditional scanning, spreadsheet, or pen and paper.

This leads to a major issue: inventory shrinkage.

Mismanagement of returnable containers owing to theft, unrecorded damage, or simply the inability of consumers to return empty pallets, kegs, and boxes costs a fortune.

How are Your Returnable Transfer Items Being Tracked Currently?

Barcode labels used to tag the cargo of a container during shipment are often non-permanent. Traditional barcode scanners and labels identify the contents of the container, but seldom provide reverse logistics tracking for the containers themselves.

Using permanent barcode labels as the foundation for a container monitoring system is not feasible. I know that might be strange to hear from a company called Barcodes, Inc. But scanning labels at various stages of the supply chain sometimes necessitates extra human effort, which is even more difficult when empty containers pile up.

One solution is to establish a tracking system utilizing modern asset tracking technology.

Reducing Yearly Inventory Shrinkage with RFID

“15% of all pallets in circulation vanish” or “20% of all packaging/equipment is lost owing to consumers retaining them for their own use or third parties removing them for their own use.”

SLS RFID 2016 Study

Inventory shrinkage is a major issue in the management of returnable transfer items (RTIs), which include all types of shipping containers, packaging, pallets, kegs, and boxes.

Shrinkage due to theft, unreported damage, or just consumers failing to return empty containers is a serious concern in this field.

Estimated annual shrinkage rates are anywhere from 3 to 9%. If you’re constantly replacing lost or stolen RTIs, the impact on profitability is a huge problem.

For organizations to decrease RTI shrinkage, RFID is appealing due to completely automated scanning without line-of-sight, as well as mass tag reading. The key advantage of RFID-based container monitoring systems is an improvement in container return rates. New containers are purchased in smaller batches and less frequently.

What Data Can Be Tracked with RFID Tags?

Integrating the RFiD Discovery system with your ERP system enables company-wide visibility of your RTIs, ensuring that essential assets are accessible at the relevant locations to fulfill any transportation request.

Exactly what the RFID ultimately tracks depends on your unique tracking requirements. Here are some examples of the depth of data you can store in a small RFID tag:

• Container Name
• Size
• Location
• Weight
• Item Quantity
• Container Properties

User memory on tags stores data. The serial number field can be pre-programmed or user-assigned.

The air-interface protocol standards for passive HF and UHF tags, such as UHF EPC Gen 2, define basic functions like read-write and which memory banks or blocks can be written to. Reader manufacturers include these low-level commands with higher-level subroutines in their software development kits for application developers.

How to Use RFID to Tag RTIs

RFID labels are long-lasting and more durable than traditional labels. RFID tags attach exceptionally well to returnable cargo and resist machine washing operations as well as harsh elements for much longer.

Any RTI equipped with an RFID tag can be detected by a small number of strategically located readers. The location data is delivered back to the central RFID Discovery database, where it may be evaluated.

This database allows you to discover how many RTIs have been sent to a specific supplier or customer, so you know which trade partner to approach when requesting a return.

When shipping containers are in range of an RFID reader, the information on the tags can be automatically acquired using a wide variety of methods:

• Fixed reader installed at a warehouse entrance or loading dock
• A mobile reader installed on a forklift
• Handheld reader brought inside a business partner’s facility for rapid inventory

What are the Main Advantages of Using RFID for Returnable Asset Tracking?

There are several advantages of using RFID to track returnable assets.

1. Recoup Billions of Dollars in RTI-Related Losses

Reusable assets are returned to the sender after delivery, usually full of new goods and not empty. Entire industries are dedicated to capitalizing on reverse logistics and maximizing the value of containers.

So why do we pay far less attention to reusable assets compared to sold commodities and container space? In order to get a bird’s eye view of costly shrinkage areas, your immediate shipping capacity, and overall supply chain health, it’s critical to assess the flow of returnable assets as well.

If RTIs arrive in the incorrect place or are lost, the transfer of products becomes difficult or impossible, thereby causing delivery delays. And massive container replacement costs.

These misplaced assets represent billions of dollars in losses, since new delivery assets must be acquired. We will say again: RFID saves billions of dollars.

2. Track Every Asset Location With a Detailed Evidence Trail

While we like to imagine most people are honest and good by nature, the reality is that customers and suppliers are not going to eager to assist when the subject of locating your missing valuables is brought up. Tough luck.

Instead of playing the blame game, utilizing an RFID system to track each asset as it leaves and returns to the warehouse allows you to instantly establish its specific location, and whether it has yet to return.

This goes for both goods sold as well as the RTIs carrying them. Put another way, your returnables are much more likely to return.

3. Increase Visibility of Container Locations, Available Stock, and Overall Condition

Though shipping should be a precise science, we know that’s not always the case.

Businesses depend on RTIs everyday, but lack visibility over the availability, location, and quality of their RTIs.

When organizations incorporate careful pallet monitoring, tote box tracking, and stillage tracking, it’s much easier to manage a large pool of RTIs without bleeding money. Additionally, there is no longer a need to keep just-in-case containers on the sidelines, because of increased visibility into the “who, what, where, and how many?” questions.

4. Improve Labor Utilization at Every Level of the Supply Chain

Scanning RFID tags takes substantially less time than scanning barcodes. Similarly, RFID is a more appealing identifying solution for reusable assets since users do not need to manufacture new barcodes or print new labels.

Logistics and operational leaders can simply re-encode the same RFID tags again and again without increasing headcount or allocating redundant processes to busy workers.

Lastly, RTLS on RFID can significantly reduce the amount of time workers spend searching for specific inventory. In a field such as healthcare, nurses estimate they spend at least an hour per shift finding equipment. That really adds up when looking at overall labor utilization.

Evaluating and Deploying an Effective RTI Tracking System

Tracking RTIs with RFID helps prevent your assets getting lost or stolen, reduces disputes between trading partners, enables rapid inventory cycle counting, and quickly identifies shortages. Your organization could be saving billions of dollars.

Barcodes, Inc. is your trusted RFID partner and integrator. Contact us when you are ready to elevate your RTI management and discover the magic of RFID tracking. It’s easier to deploy with a partner you can trust.

Your business needs new technology to keep up with changing customer needs.

With Zebra’s TC53 mobile computer, you can collect data in a whole new way. The TC53 offers lightning-fast speeds, lots of processing power, and the most up-to-date wireless connectivity so that your teams can get to the data they need from anywhere, at any time.

It also comes with accessories that mark the beginning of a new era of mobility.

With the the TC53, your employees can do more with their computers.

TC53 Mobile Computer: The Main Benefits

The TC53 rugged mobile computer is designed for use in harsh environments and demanding applications. The latest touch solution for the enterprise runs Android, is built tough, and lasts for entire shift durations without a hiccup.

The mobile computer from Zebra is built to withstand drops, spills, dust, and other hazards that may be encountered in the field. The TC53 is also equipped with a range of features that make it well-suited for use in a variety of applications:

1. Robust construction: The TC53 is built to withstand drops, shocks, and other physical impacts, making it ideal for use in rough environments
2. Powerful processor: The TC53 is powered by a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which enables fast and reliable performance
3. Large display: The TC53 has a large, 5-inch display that is easy to read, even in bright outdoor conditions
4. Long battery life: The TC53 is equipped with a long-lasting battery that can last for an entire shift, making it ideal for use in applications where access to power is limited
5. Advanced scanning capabilities: The TC53 is equipped with a range of advanced scanning technologies, including a high-resolution camera and a long-range laser scanner, which enable fast and accurate data capture

For a detailed list of TC53 touch computer features, download the TC53 spec sheet.

See How the TC53 Touch Changes the Game

Overall, the TC53 is a rugged, feature-rich mobile computer that is well-suited for use in a variety of applications, including logistics, field service, and retail.

Contact us for a customized consultation, great prices, and rapid enterprise deployment.

The ZQ600 Plus mobile printers produce high-quality label and receipts anywhere, whether in the order picking fleet in the warehouse, or on the road in a delivery driver’s arsenal.

ZQ600 and ZQ610 Plus printers improve Zebra’s popular QLn platform by adding new technology and design that make them easier to use, more productive, and easier to manage.

The ZQ series printers never fall asleep on the job thanks to a feature called “instant wake-up.” Also, your mobile workforce gets the fastest and most reliable wireless connections.

Your IT department will find it easier to integrate, set up, and secure the printers thanks to Zebra’s Link-OS operating system and powerful Print DNA suite of applications, utilities, and developer tools.

It’s safe to say that the ZQ600 Series printer is the gold standard for printing labels and receipts from a mobile device.

What are the Main Benefits of the Zebra ZQ600 Plus Printer?

The Zebra ZQ600 Plus is a mobile printer designed for use in a variety of operational settings. Some potential benefits for operational leaders include:

• Rugged design: The ZQ600 Plus is built to withstand rough handling and harsh environments, making it ideal for use in field operations or other demanding settings
• High-quality printing: Each EQ600/610 Plus produces high-quality, crisp and clear prints, which can be important for producing accurate and professional-looking documents in operational settings
• Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth and WiFi make it easy to print from other devices in the field or on the go
• Customization options: The ZQ600 Plus can be customized with a range of accessories and options, such as label peelers and cutter options, to suit the specific needs of different operational settings
• Easy to use: ZQ600 printers include a simple and intuitive interface and easy-to-load media, which allows leaders to quickly and easily train new users on the printer, reducing downtime and increasing productivity

For a detailed list of features and specifications, download the ZQ610 printer spec sheet.

See the ZQ600 Plus Printer in Action

This coming year, rely on Zebra mobile printers to get the job done quickly and efficiently, anywhere your workforce goes.

Contact us to discuss your mobile label, tag, and receipt printing needs.

Powered mobile carts for retail eliminate the challenges of stationary point of sale infrastructure, providing the best customer experience possible. Here’s how (free infographic included below).

Are You Prepared to Adapt Your Checkout Technology?

POS in many stores tend to be anchored to checkout aisle stations. You have a monitor, printer, a handheld barcode scanner, stationary conveyor scanner, and a touchscreen payment terminal. The cash register, network, and wiring do not give you much leeway to reconfigure checkout for optimal revenue in peak shopping periods.

Customers won’t be eager to return to a checkout environment with long lines and suboptimal item scanning.

Introduce curbside pickup, e-commerce fulfillment and returns, and the need for a clear picture of inventory counts at all times – soon the need to mobilize a wireless, all-in-one checkout station becomes apparent.

4 Impactful Ways to Incorporate Powered Mobile Carts in Retail Environments

Newcastle Systems has long been an industry leader in mobile carts (picture computer, printer, scanner, and shelves on wheels with no power cords).

Powered mobile carts for retail applications are no different.

Here’s 4 ways to elevate your retail experience with powered mobile carts.

Mobilize Your Checkout and Inventory Management Today

Keep customers returning day after day with shorter lines, easy checkout, accurate stock information, and more. The NB Series from Newcastle is among many powered mobile cart solutions that does just that. Ready to learn more?

The ZQ300 Plus mobile printers produce high-quality label and receipts anywhere, with a user-friendly design, improved print speeds, and easier device management for operational leaders.

Zebra’s ZQ300 Plus printers give your retail team members freedom of movement anywhere on the store floor.

Mobile receipt printing enables customer sales and quicker stockroom deliveries for drivers.

With on-the-spot label printing, store employees can do markups, markdowns, and shelf label checks more quickly and accurately.

The Zebra ZQ300 Plus Series has the same features and specs as the ZQ300 Series, but it uses updated circuitry to make sure that the products will still be available in the long run.

What We Love About the Zebra ZQ300 Plus

With the ZQ300 Plus printer, you can improve the retail customer and employee experience in a variety of ways:

• Its simplicity makes it easier to train employees, with clear instructions, a beautiful onscreen display, and low learning curve
• The ZQ300 Plus printer prints personalized receipts, labels, and other materials for customers. Customers will have a more personalized and memorable experience as a result
• The ZQ300 Plus reduces wait times and increase overall store efficiency, improving the customer experience by reducing frustration and streamlining the checkout process
• Easy to maintain and clean, ensuring optimal performance and high-quality prints every time
• The ZQ300 Plus printer can be used to provide further value to customers by printing coupons or loyalty cards

For a detailed list of features and specifications, download the ZQ300 printer spec sheet.

Watch the ZQ300 Plus Printer Video

Zebra mobile printers get the job done quickly and efficiently, anywhere your workforce and customers are.

Contact us to discuss your mobile label, tag, and receipt printing needs.

About this Webinar

Your Returns Process: 3 Simple Tips to Increase Speed & Accuracy

Wednesday, November 16th, 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Presented By:

Kevin Ledversis – Vice-President Sales, Newcastle Systems

Make Returns Both Faster and More Accurate

While you watch a truck departing from your shipping dock, two more are returning orders on your receiving dock! Typical scenario. Now’s the time to increase the speed and accuracy of your returns process to manage the onslaught valued at ~$800 billion in 2023.

What you will learn in this webinar:

• The basics of reverse logistics
• The obstacles that are costing you time, money, and customer satisfaction
• 3 tips to increase speed and accuracy
• Low-cost technology options, such as mobile carts, to improve your returns process now

Watch the Full Customer Returns Webinar with Newcastle