When deciding on an ID card printer purchase, a typical question is whether you intend to print on one side or both sides. Many sellers fail to dig deeper into the problem and ask if you intend to print color on one or both sides of the card.

If you intend to print color on one side and black on the back, all dual sided printers can offer a ribbon to accomplish that.  For example, the Datacard SD360 allows for printing on both sides and the standard ribbon is the YMCKT-KT. However, this choice of printer and ribbon doesn’t solve the need for full color on both sides of the card. If you know that dual sided color printing is the only way you intend to print, a single sided printer (Datacard SD260) with a full color ribbon (YMCKT), where you put the card through the printing process twice is your best bet. The process uses twice as much ribbon as a standard print, but does save you the cost of a dual sided printer.

Until a dual sided color printer becomes available, your best bet is to use a full color ribbon and run the card through the printing process twice.  Always feel free to contact one of our ID professionals with any questions on what is the best printer and ribbon combination for you.

Successful data acquisition for barcode reading or part inspection depends on the ability of the data acquisition device, such as a barcode reader or machine vision camera, to function at peak performance within the restrictions of the application. In applications where barcode reading or machine vision inspection processes are embedded inside of equipment, limited integration space puts a unique set of restrictions on how a device can be installed, not to mention demands on the size and capabilities of the device itself. Before installation, it is important to choose a device with optimal specifications to ensure inspections can be done accurately and consistently throughout the life of the machine. This post outlines the five things an engineer should know before choosing a data acquisition device for embedding into equipment, including:

1. Barcode Type and Orientation
2. Inspection Requirements
3. Application Speed
4. Integration Space
5. Data Communication Needs

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Now is the perfect time to put your aging printer to even better use by trading it in for up to a $500 rebate on a new Zebra printer.

It’s a common misunderstanding that holding on to equipment for as long as possible is the best means to a positive return on investment. While this has some truth to it in many cases, aging equipment can often become a hindrance with hidden costs and time spent on the equipment. With a well timed hardware refresh you gain the advantages of new features and added efficiency. Especially in the case of thermal barcode printer technology, current models are engineered to:

• Gain visibility across the enterprise
• Expand business intelligence
• Increase staff productivity
• Reduce downtime
• Lower maintenance costs

The GO Zebra Trade-In rebate will be available for all eligible printer purchases until the end of this year. For more details on the rebate feel free to contact one of our printer specialists at Barcodes Inc. or the GO Zebra page.

Finding a rugged tablet that best fits your application and environmental needs is key to ensuring you get the best performance and long term value from your investment.  Given the wide range of features and options available for each model, getting a clear overview of what each tablet can do is challenging when looking at individual specification sheets.

This convenient chart breaks down the main features of some of the most common rugged tablets. No matter the environment or harsh conditions you need to handle, there’s a tablet to meet whatever your requirements are. For additional assistance finding the right tablet, contact one of our mobility specialists at Barcodes Inc.

Click here to see the Comparison Chart
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Finding the right tablet for your point of sale application is key to ensuring you get the best performance and value from your investment.  With a host of options available for each model, getting a clear overview of what each tablet can do is challenging when looking at individual specification sheets.

This convenient chart breaks down the main features of some of the most common POS tablets. From point of sale transactions to on-site applications there’s a tablet to meet whatever your requirements are. For additional assistance finding the right tablet, contact one of our mobility specialists at Barcodes Inc.

As the leading manufacturer of industrial label printers, Zebra has a wide range of printers to meet the needs of any environment. From a small warehouse to a high volume distribution/logistics center, there’s a Zebra printer that will handle the speed and print quality requirements of the application.

Choosing the right printer for the job can be challenging when several models and a range of options are available for each. This handy comparison chart is a great starting point to narrow down your selection. As always, feel free to contact one of our printer specialist to find the best fit Zebra printer for your needs.

There is no doubt that the advent of the WLAN controller was one of the greatest advancements ever for wireless networks. But the next best thing is being able to have that functionality without paying for the hardware or licensing!

Wait. What? You can still have zero-touch deployment, central management, and analytics of a wireless network without any additional costs other than the APs? For small networks, YES!

Enter the Virtual Controller! Aruba Networks and Motorola/Symbol Technologies have made this possible for deployments of 25 or less access points. Simply assign one of your Aruba Instant or Symbol/Motorola WiNG5 Access Points as a Virtual Controller and it will automatically adopt new APs as you add them to your network. and configure them for you! While there are some advanced features missing compared to a full controller solution, the bulk of the features are still there to help manage and troubleshoot your network!

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One of the most common applications for iPads beyond general consumer use has been as a POS terminal. Their low cost and the host of POS applications available for them makes the iPad a perfect solution for many small business looking for an affordable option to process transactions.

Almost every iPad based POS system requires a dedicated printer to create receipts for each transaction. . Star’s TSP650II BTi is one of the most commonly purchased for iPad systems due to their easy integration and high quality print results. See how simple it is to get up and printing receipts on your iPad in the following video.

Star’s TSP100futurePRNT line of receipt printers come with a host of tools to allow you to easily customize your printed receipts without the need of any additional software. With futurePRNT, you can add logos, coupons, and watermarks for unique receipt branding specific to your business and customer needs. With the embedded text triggering function you can even customize the coupons per receipt depending on what the customer purchased.

This video shows how easy it is to create dynamic receipts all within the Star printer.

These days, paper coupons being used in stores or restaurants are dwindling. More and more customers have turned to using  their smartphones to take advantage of coupons they have received in their emails or that they have found online for their discounts.  It is important to find the right barcode scanner that can read barcodes from these mobile devices at your point of sale in order to keep your retail business relevant with this growing trend. This infographic is a quick overview of the key Motorola mobile couponing scanners and their main features to get you started finding the right unit for your needs.