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What are customers expecting from your home improvement store?

Posted June 1, 2021

After being confined to their homes for almost a full year, over half of American consumers undertook home improvement projects, leading to increased sales amounting to nearly $400 billion[1] in revenue in 2020. However, along with increased sales came new customer expectations, demanding more from home improvement stores. To keep up with current trends, retailers are expected to provide:

  • Stress-free tool rental – Reverse logistics has posed issues to many storefronts in the past, yet tool rentals have been expected to increase store revenue as customers are more likely to make additional purchases and refer retailers offering rentals. 
  • Faster customer assistance – While customers still expect amiable and personalized shopping experiences, the average expected wait time for customer service is around 2 minutes[2] or less.
  • Contactless curbside pickup – Following the COVID-19 outbreak, at least 59%[3] of consumers still plan to use contactless curbside pickup due to convenience and speed.

Build a shopping experience that exceeds expectations with Barcodes, Inc.

Product and price are no longer the only driving factors when it comes to retaining customer loyalty. That’s why Barcodes, Inc. partners with leading tech players like Zebra Technologies to optimize the entire shopping experience. Readapt home improvement storefronts to integrate…

  • Intelligent RFID store visibility – Facilitate shelf replenishment when you keep inventory accuracy rates at 99.99% with best-in-class technologies like Zebra’s RFID sensors. 
  • Wall-to-wall connectivity – Keep workers connected to each other and current inventory levels, preventing out-of-stocks while providing quick service with as many resources as needed available.
  • Contactless checkout – Reduce customer density and prevent germ spread with multiple contactless payment options such as self-service kiosks and curbside pickup.
  • Around the clock support – From initial solution design to ongoing maintenance, BarcodesEDGE services simplify device procurement and deployment for faster uptime and noticeable ROI.

See how Barcodes, Inc weaves Zebra’s best-in-class technologies into the modern storefront in our flyer.

Go beyond customer expectations with a modernization solution centered on your goals. Contact Barcodes, Inc. today for a free consultation to get started.


[1] Home improvement market size in the United States from 2008 to 2024. Statista

[2] “Servicing Customers Essential for Home Improvement Retailers to Differentiate, J.D. Power Finds”. J.D. Power. Jun 11, 2020.

[3] Jansen, Caroline. “After COVID-19, is curbside delivery here to stay?”. Retail Dive. May 14, 2020.

Choosing the Right Mobile POS

Posted May 27, 2021

With mobility solutions on the rise, there is no doubt that businesses of every kind are turning to mobile POS systems for the freedom of accepting payments virtually anywhere. From tablet‑enabled receipt printers to advanced all‑in-one systems, Epson provides an ideal mobile POS solution for nearly any business. Epson’s robust family of mobile POS products and services ensure your point‑of‑sale needs are covered as your business grows. Epson mPOS products are easy to set up, providing a wide range of connectivity options and broad OS support.

Ideal for businesses on the move, Epson mobile POS products feature a rugged, compact design with a long battery life, the convenience of printing high-quality receipts and barcodes directly from web browsers on tablets and mobile devices, and handheld, wireless printing technology. With the right mobile POS system, your business can have flexibility without sacrificing security. Download our infographic to help you choose the right mobile POS.

If you’ve determined your business is ready to transition to a mobile POS system, the next step is to figure out which one is right for you. Luckily, Epson has your back. Introducing the mSeries, Mobilink, and OmniLink POS solutions.

mSeries

With a cutting‑edge compact design, the mSeries receipt printers were engineered with mPOS in mind

  • Compact, stylish industrial design complements modern tablets
  • 2″ or 3″ receipt printing
  • iOS, Android, Windows mobile and desktop PC‑compatible
  • Flexible configuration: Top or front load
  • Connectivity options include USB, Ethernet, NFC touch‑to‑print, and more

Mobilink

Lightweight and portable, these rugged battery-powered POS receipt printers help drive transactional efficiency

  • Drop‑rated up to 6.5 feet
  • 2″ or 3″ receipt printing
  • OS, Android, Windows mobile and desktop PC‑compatible
  • Models available with Auto Cutter & Peeler
  • Connectivity options include Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth

OmniLink

Enhance any POS solution with intelligent OmniLink printer technology

  • For traditional and custom POS applications
  • Built-in processor supports the latest in POS
  • Online-ordering ready with Server Direct Print
  • USB POS peripheral device support
  • OmniLink Merchant Services (OMS) support

Contact us today to learn more about Epson’s innovative mobile point-of-sale solutions.

Plan Now: Solutions to Extended Lead Times & Rising Costs

Posted May 14, 2021

Many industries are experiencing supply chain challenges from the unprecedented events of the last year; and unfortunately, our industry is also experiencing extended lead times and cost increases.  The major industry suppliers are communicating extended lead times on electronic hardware, ribbons, and labels due to component and raw material shortages and increased demand.  In some instances, these lead time notices are three (3) to nine (9) months or longer.

We encourage you to reach out and develop a mitigation plan with our experts here at Barcodes, Inc. By forecasting your supply chain needs now, we can work to secure supply and lock-in pricing for your future needs to provide you a more predictable and reliable supply chain.  Many customers are creating stocking agreements with us and we urge you to evaluate this option.

Barcodes is committed to helping you mitigate cost increases and ensuring you the high quality services and products you need to operate.  Please contact us to identify specific supply chain options, the latest pricing, alternative sources, and actions that can offset extended lead times.

How important should contactless service be for your restaurant?

Posted May 12, 2021

Even after the COVID-19 crisis, nearly 40%[1] of customers still plan to use contactless services since they are one of the most convenient ways to shop. As a result, quick-service-restaurants (QSRs) are adapting at an accelerated pace to combine safety and ease in today’s food service. To meet new demands for seamless touch-free dining, QSRs have been encouraged to implement:

  • Self-service kiosks – By empowering customers to build and pay for their own orders, self-service kiosks can also diminish wait times while freeing up team members to focus on other tasks.
  • Efficient curbside pickup – Six out of ten[2] patrons plan on continuing to use curbside pickup even after restaurants re-open for dine-in. This means teams must be able to communicate seamlessly amongst each other and with the customer to ensure food quality fits within the customer’s schedule.
  • Accelerated drive-thru lanes – 42%[3] of customers view drive-thrus as more sanitary than alternative pickup options, yet longer lines often push patrons away. Consequently, QSRs are investing in faster connectivity and data processing to speed up drive thru lanes for a better customer experience.

See how Barcodes, Inc. maximizes these and more in our video:

Optimize every touchpoint for touch-free efficiency with Barcodes, Inc. and Zebra

To facilitate QSR optimization, Barcodes, Inc. partners with tech innovators like Zebra Technologies, simplifying device integration to…

  • Shorten lines in and out of the restaurant
  • Speed up payment processing within a secured network
  • Remotely update digital menus in real-time
  • Verify stock counts for quick replenishment with RFID visibility

Download our brochure to see how Barcodes, Inc. simplifies touch-free dining.

Contactless food service is just one of the many new changes in the post-pandemic world. Contact Barcodes, Inc. to learn more about how you can adapt your QSR with technologies that turn challenges into opportunities.


[1] Appetize Contactless Technology Survey: Customer Trends in Restaurants, Stadiums, and Holiday Shopping During Covid-19. Appetize. Nv 11, 2020.

[2] How the Restaurant Industry Continues to Adapt to the Pandemic. Restaurant Business. Dec 7, 2020.

[3] What Customers Really Think About Drive Thru. QSR Magazine.

Seamlessly Accomplish Daily Operations with Honeywell’s CT40 XP Mobile Computer

Posted April 27, 2021

With customers constantly moving between online and offline experiences, it’s important that there is an efficient solution that supports both. Honeywell’s CT40 XP Enterprise Mobile Computer is a one stop productivity solution for store associates and mobile workers. The device seamlessly accomplishes daily workflows from inventory lookup and in-store merchandising to last mile delivery. The CT40 XP is an essential, connected, all-purpose business tool designed for hours of comfortable, productive use without sacrificing functionality, performance or ruggedness.

The sudden explosion in ecommerce makes it imperative to empower associates and highly mobile workers with mobile devices that allow them to deliver speed, accuracy and visibility for customers. Built on Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform, the CT40 XP is a smart, versatile enterprise mobile solution with a rugged design that enhances productivity, offers longer lifecycle and better security. Featuring Device Finder solution, the CT40 XP can easily locate lost or misplaced devices even when the batteries are drained after a certain period of time.

Select CT40 XP models are now available with disinfectant-ready housings and can withstand being cleaned regularly with a wide range of cleaning solutions.

Features & Benefits:

  • 13-megapixel, auto-focus camera and 8-megapixel front-facing camera
  • Incorporates a powerful 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor
  • Easily upgradable to Android 11 (R), with a commitment to support Android 12 (S) and 13 (T), subject to feasibility
  • Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Integrated Near Field Communication (NFC), Push to Talk (PTT)
  • Ability to capture barcodes from within a few centimeters to the retail top shelf up to 10 meters (32.8 feet)
  • 1920 x 1080 pixel full high-definition display
  • Warm swap capability
  • Can survive repeated 1.8 meter drops

Whether in or out of the storefront, count on dependable mobility and connectivity with Honeywell’s CT40 XP Mobile Computer. From design to deployment to support, empower teams with a mobility solution that’s committed to increasing productivity, lowering operational cost and providing better customer service.

Choose Enterprise-ready mobility with Honeywell’s CT40 XP Mobile Computer. Contact us today to begin capitalizing on a dependable productivity solution.

3 Signs Your Operations Need to Speed Up Efficiency

Posted April 27, 2021

In the age of instant gratification, speed and accuracy are imperial to keeping businesses competitive. However, the rising number of omnichannel shoppers has posed a challenge to maximizing speed and accuracy at the same time. Inefficient speed can be harmful to supply chains, which is why Barcodes, Inc. helps small and growing businesses recognize the signs of ineffective acceleration through the following signs:

  1. More inaccurate orders are leaving the loading dock
  2. Workers are consistently overwhelmed
  3. Inventory counts are rarely accurate or updated

While there are multiple optimization routes businesses may take to streamline operations, Barcodes, Inc. recommends starting with simplified inventory labeling.

Accelerate productivity and maximize accuracy with Zebra Mobile Printers  

When inventory is readily and accurately identified, workers can quickly move products down the supply chain without wasting time. Zebra’s mobile printers go a step further by bringing optimized labeling to every point of the warehouse along with:

  • Dramatic reduction in travel and wait times since workers no longer need to walk over to centralized printing stations.
  • Long-lasting battery power that makes sure workers can count on continuous uptime throughout longer shifts.
  • Faster printing speeds and easy media loading to eliminate any technical complications and downtime.
  • Easy Bluetooth tap-to-pair for faster connectivity with your mobile devices.
  • Pre-installed PrintSecure that protects any sensitive data printed through your device by warding off unauthorized users.

In their commitment to strengthening small and growing businesses, Barcodes, Inc. strives to lower operational costs with future-forward solutions that grow with your operations. See how you can speed up productivity when you contact Barcodes, Inc. for a free consultation of your workflows to target growth opportunities.

Improve Operational Efficiency with Honeywell Consumables

Posted April 27, 2021
Honeywell consumables

It’s no secret that all businesses, big and small, want to cut down on costs. Honeywell offers a wide range of printing consumables designed to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and quality suitable for use in all major industries, whether for shipping, healthcare, retail, or inventory and asset tracking.

If operations aren’t efficient, you could be losing time and money. Designed to simplify operations and reduce cost of ownership, Honeywell’s labels, tags, receipts, ribbons, and wristbands can support a variety of applications from mild to harsh environments. With these consumables offered as stocked solutions, you can easily replenish your materials as needed, keep your teams mobilized and get better results.

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 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.

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.

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.

Contact us and find out how you can save on your consumables. We can help you find the consumables you need to keep your business moving!

6 Key Performance Indicators Every Small and Medium Business Should Track

Posted April 26, 2021

No matter the operation’s size, every business strives for better profitability and customer retention. To do so, companies often track several key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and forecast business growth. While there are many viable KPIs to track, small and growing businesses are often encouraged to monitor the following indicators:

  1. Order accuracy rates address how often orders are shipped with the correct products to the correct customer within the correct allotted time.
  2. Inventory turnover rates can record the fluctuating demands for any particular product while assessing your ability to move goods down the supply chain.
  3. Gross profit margins provide a clear picture of final profits after operational expenses such as labor, shipping, and the like are paid off.
  4. Cash flow forecast assists small businesses in predicting the costs of high demand, so they can make adjustments accordingly before profits are hindered.
  5. Funnel drop-off rates allow you to see how many potential customers abandon purchases to optimize business tactics.
  6. Market share clearly depicts how your business compares to competitors by measuring company sales with total industry purchases.

To track multiple KPIs in real-time without costly errors, Barcodes, Inc. recommends simplified and scalable digitization

Track it all with Barcodes, Inc. Digitization Solutions – built with Zebra’s Scanners

Unlike paper-based systems, digitized warehouse management curbs the likelihood of manual data entry errors, misplaced files, missed sales, late deliveries, and bottlenecks. Zebra’s enterprise-ready scanners successfully transfer all your crucial data into the digital system of your choice, all for…

  • Faster order throughout
  • Increased order accuracy rates
  • Sharable data with minimized workflow disruptions
  • Easy configuration for faster deployment
  • Faster onboarding thanks to their intuitive user-friendly build

At Barcodes, Inc., digitization doesn’t have to be complicated. Take a closer look into how we make optimized inventory management seamless, simple, and scalable with Zebra’s rugged scanners. Contact us for a free assessment.

How to Maximize Visibility and Minimize Costs at the Same Time

Posted March 25, 2021


Inventory management is a prominent struggle for most businesses, especially small and growing warehouses. Inconsistent stock counts can severely impact customer loyalty as they lead to surprise out-of-stocks, shipping delays, and misplaced products within the warehouse. Since the effects of improper inventory management can be detrimental, enhancing operational visibility is key to remaining competitive in today’s high-demand markets. To do so, businesses have sought to eliminate:

  • Paper-based systems – Small data entry errors can yield enormous costly consequences over time.
  • Disparate spreadsheets – Although digital spreadsheets are less likely to contain errors compared to paper-based systems, disparate logs can cause more confusion in the future as employees must navigate through several databases to find needed information.

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Barcodes, Inc. simplifies inventory management for small and growing businesses with Zebra’s adaptable mobile computers.

Increasing Visibility With Zebra Mobile Computers

Reduce the number of deployed devices and increase digital visibility when you optimize your inventory management system with Zebra. No matter which device you choose to integrate, Barcodes, Inc. closely assists you in connecting your workflows on a digitized platform, enabling:

  • Streamlined data capture and processing – Capture barcodes and upload data immediately via your handheld computer to eliminate wait times for faster order fulfillment.
  • Greater data security – Not only does Zebra’s fortified Android facilitate onboarding, but it also protects your data with government-grade encryption and recurring security patches.
  • Sustained communication systems – Keep your teams unified with integrated push-to-talk capabilities along with long-range WiFi connectivity.
  • Maximized uptime from day one – Barcodes, Inc. works alongside your team from design, to deployment, to ongoing support to make sure your visibility solution remains functional whenever and wherever you need it.
  • Mobile device management – Barcodes, Inc. can help augment your IT staff by loading mobile device management software, pushing out updates and troubleshooting devices that are down in order to keep your mobile workforce fully operational.

Contact Barcodes, Inc. today to see how you can start optimizing your crucial tasks with technologies built for more efficiency and affordability.

How to Create a Printing Solution That Grows With Your Business

Posted March 16, 2021


Compared to other prominent warehouse tools like mobile computers and scanners, labeling systems are relatively low-cost, yet they play a vital role in securing inventory accuracy for proper stock counts. As supply chains become more fast-paced, growing businesses may require a scalable and easy-to-use identification solution to:

  • Eliminate manual data entry
  • Prevent downtime from printer jams
  • Maximize printhead lifespan
  • Shave off wait times from printing stations

To remain competitive in today’s demanding market, printing and labeling solutions must be adaptable, scalable, and cost-effective, much like Zebra’s Warehouse Printers featured in our video below:

Assessing Your Printing Solution

When evaluating your options, Barcodes, Inc. recommends that you consider the following questions:

1. Can printers handle sudden high printing volumes?

As seen in previous years, order demand can change drastically in a matter of days, automatically ruling out consumer-grade printers as an optimal choice. Enterprise-grade printers such as Zebra’s barcode label printers come in varying sizes to fit different workspaces while harnessing durable printheads, intelligent printing software, and trusted security to prevent breakdowns and cyberthreats during peak seasons. The result is a printing solution that can readily handle greater demand without compromising uptime.

2. Can printers be mobilized?

While industrial and desktop printers can successfully deliver needed labels, they may not be the best mobility choice. Past studies have shown mobile printers to boost processing time by as much as 62% while reducing picking times by almost 50%. This frees up your staff to accomplish other important tasks faster while increasing printer availability without more wait times.

3. Which labeling supplies will I use?

Lastly, efficient printing systems heavily depend on your chosen consumables since they directly impact your hardware’s printhead. Inferior consumables can scratch printheads over time, leading to jams and downtime. On the flipside, smoother quality thermal ribbons protect printheads while retaining legibility in varying conditions, ultimately decreasing operational costs.    

As leaders in scalable optimization for big and growing businesses alike, Barcodes, Inc. is ready to assist you in navigating through these questions to create a tailored printing solution that matches your needs. Contact us today to see how you can begin your solution design for seamless deployment and maintenance. 

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