Barcoding News

Microscan, a global technology leader for precision data acquisition and control solutions, premiers the QX Hawk, the world’s first barcode imager to be fully integrated with liquid lens technology, enabling infinite focus flexibility. The QX Hawk imager easily reads any barcode or 2D symbol, including challenging 2D direct part marks (DPM), within seconds of installation.

With the introduction of the QX Hawk fixed-mount imager, Microscan now has the largest product line available of specialty imagers and verifiers focused on direct part mark reading. The revolutionary QX Hawk is the first high performance imager to have the full flexibility to read any mark at any distance and speed in any environment, and the first to fully integrate liquid lens technology. Advanced imaging technology, including liquid lens autofocus and modular zoom optics, removes the need for automation engineers to research multiple configuration options before deployment.

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Watch this video for a quick overview of features available in Honeywell’s new Dolphin 6100 mobile computer.

 

802.11n wireless network delivers gap-free security, field-proven reliability for critical healthcare applications, and support for current and future end-to-end mobility initiatives

The Enterprise Mobility Solutions business of Motorola, Inc. announced its 802.11n wireless LAN (WLAN) solution has been deployed at Memorial Medical Center (MMC) of Western Michigan, a community hospital located in Ludington, Mich.

Motorola’s innovative WLAN technology will enable end-to-end voice, video and data mobility across the entire healthcare facility, helping improve patient care, boost productivity and increase staff satisfaction. Patients and guests will also benefit from the new 802.11n wireless network by gaining high-speed Internet access, so they can stay connected while visiting the hospital.

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Cherry’s new J84-4300 “WipeKey” Cleanable keyboard addresses the growing need for cleanable keyboards in industrial, medical and institutional environments.

A study published in “Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology” journal found germs on keyboards in the healthcare environment to be common. Data from the report suggest that keyboards can be successfully decontaminated with disinfectants, and report authors recommend that “Keyboards should be disinfected daily or when visibly soiled or if they become contaminated with blood.”

Cherry’s “WipeKey” keyboard is resistant to moisture because of its rubber membrane design and moisture drain pattern. However, it offers the tactility and speed typing of a typical notebook keyboard.

WipeKey provides 10 million keystroke endurance in a compact, low-profile package of 14.5″ x 5.5″ x 0.75″. Its integrated rubber pointing device is also rated to IP55 for resistance to liquids and dust. The standard version is equipped with USB interface. It is ideal for applications in diagnostic equipment, medical carts, laboratories, factories and schools.

The challenge:
Acquire information from existing barcodes
Print labels easily and on demand

The solution:
Combine the opportunities brought by Zebra’s QL 320 mobile printer and Falcon 320 mobile terminal
Add printing options to Falcon 320 software

The results:
Compliance with labeling regulations Savings on staff time Flexible and time efficient label printing

The challenge
AHOLD Czech Republic’s aim was to improve labeling of pre-packaged meat products in their stores. On receipt of these meat products they only had one label indicating weight. Ahold also used to add an extra price label using a weighing machine.

In order to consolidate information on both these labels, Ahold had to change the way of attaching price labels. The only solution was to scan weight information from the original label and print a new price label based on the original weight.

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Sorting through the smart phones, PDAs and ruggedized computers available for business use is no easy task. Dozens of manufacturers offer hundreds of devices in thousands of configurations, but only one may be best suited for your particular environment and workforce. Rather than trying to stay on top of all the products that are being introduced and discontinued, the technologies and features being added, plus available peripherals and software, enterprises can quickly cut down to a few viable options by following five basic tips:

1. Consider the environment and the user
2. Stick to industry standards & certifications
3. Simplify support
4. Require flexibility
5. Pay attention to power

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Janam’s New XM66 and XM60+ Deliver Features Designed for the Front Line and Pricing that Drives the Bottom Line

Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, today announced two new XM Series rugged mobile computers: XM66 (with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1) and XM60+ (with Microsoft Windows CE 5.0).

With these two new Microsoft Windows devices, Janam is first to bring the powerful Freescale i.MX31 ARM11 processor and double data rate (DDR) memory to the rugged mobile computing space, resulting in computing performance that significantly outperforms the competition.

“As its name suggests, double data rate memory is twice as fast and power-efficient as conventional memory. We’re thrilled that Janam is first to migrate this leading cell phone technology to the rugged mobile computing space,” said Harry B. Lerner, CEO of Janam. “When you combine this winning feature with the fact that the XM Series are the only fully rugged mobile computers that offer a full 3.5” display at less than 10 ounces, we believe this product line has exactly the right features for the markets it serves.”

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Microscan, a global technology leader for precision data acquisition and control solutions, introduces the new point-and-shoot Mobile Hawk handheld imager which quickly reads any 2D barcode, including direct part marks (DPM). The Mobile Hawk DPM imager expands Microscan’s specialty product line of imagers and verifiers focused on challenging, low contrast direct part mark applications. Direct part marks are typically 2D Data Matrix symbols permanently marked by methods such as dot peen or laser/chemical etch onto substrates including metal, plastic, rubber or glass. These marking methods often result in low contrast visibility of the symbol or inconsistent imprints that can be challenging to decode through traditional imaging technology.

Using advanced technology, the Mobile Hawk combines patent-pending MAXlite machine vision illumination with aggressive X-Mode DPM algorithms. MAXlite leverages NERLITE® experience in machine vision lighting with an integrated, optimized multi-axis lighting solution. These exclusive Microscan lighting and algorithm technologies combine to deliver a truly plug-and-play mobile imager that is easy to use and extremely reliable for low-contrast DPM applications.

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The Datalogic Magellan 1100i barcode scanner is a new, improved version of the Magellan 1000i scanner utilizing the latest in imaging technology to achieve new levels in performance, features and value.

Perfect for convenience store, drug store, specialty store and other medium volume scanning applications, the Magellan 1100i scanner provides unique features including:

• The patented Green Spot good read indicator
• llumixâ„¢ intelligent illumination technology
• A true 360° targeted scanning for close proximity bar codes.
• Faster reading performance on all 1D and 2D barcodes.

Datalogic Scanning Announces the Magellan 1100i Omni-Directional Imaging Bar Code Scanner

Introducing Illumix, a new intelligent illumination technology

Datalogic Scanning, the global leader in point-of-sale bar code scanning, is pleased to announce the latest enhancement to the renowned Magellan family of high performance scanners, the Magellan 1100i bar code reader. This innovative imager demonstrates each of the three primary Magellan brand attributes – high performance, exceptional reliability, and distinct value. The Magellan 1100i imager represents the second generation offering of the world’s first imaging based presentation scanner, the highly successful Magellan™ 1000i imager.

The Magellan 1100i reader is designed with a very compact form factor, the latest solid state electronics and innovative imaging technology that allow it to scan the most challenging bar codes in traditionally harsh retail checkout environments. A major result of this advanced technology is the aggressive data collection of 1D and 2D bar codes and the ability to be used as either a presentation or sweep mode reader. This ability to read almost any bar code and its small footprint, make it a natural fit for scanning applications found in convenience, specialty and drug stores.

Emerging trends in Retail Mobile Commerce require businesses to accept e-coupons, admission tickets and boarding passes being presented on the displays of cell phones or PDA’s. The Magellan 1100i imager introduces Datalogic’s new Illumix™ intelligent illumination technology which enables the ability to read bar codes from backlit displays found in mobile phones, PDA’s, PDT’s etc. This feature not only supports fast paced consumer lifestyles, but also “green” initiatives to go paperless.

For the first time in a Magellan line product, Datalogic’s patented ‘Green Spot’ technology is available when ordering this reader. In small, noisy workspaces it can prove to be difficult to hear the “beep” of a scan. The ‘Green Spot’ technology provides additional visual good read feedback to the user right on the item being read.

“Datalogic Scanning continues to offer value to our customers in products that exceed their data capture needs for today, while anticipating the demands of the marketplace in the future,” states Matt Schler, General Manager, Fixed Retail for Datalogic Scanning. “We are happy to be able to add this new innovative imager to our world leading Magellan line of high performance retail scanners.”

More information on Datalogic’s page

The Motorola MK4000 micro kiosk equips enterprise organizations with a variety of interactive self-service features for customer- and employee-facing applications to help redefine the shopping experience.

MK4000 Micro Kiosk Redefines Customer Service

The new MK4000 is a multi-functional micro kiosk that enables enterprises to put the power of self-service in the hands of the customer. Delivering an interactive customer experience, the MK4000 is well-suited for businesses looking to better connect with customers, increase employee productivity and in some instances to help ensure compliance with local government regulations.

The versatile MK4000 micro kiosk is ideal for a multitude of service-driven industries. On the retail sales floor, customers can check pricing, verify gift card balances, order a product from the store website and print out personalized coupons without waiting for assistance. In airports, car rental offices, stadiums and theme parks, the MK4000 helps speed customers through check-in without a long line at the gate or counter. In the hotel lobby, the kiosk serves as a personal electronic concierge, helping guests with check-in/check-out, restaurant reservations, turndown service and more. Patients in a hospital or clinic can use the self-service kiosk to check in or schedule an appointment. In addition to a customer self-service kiosk, the MK4000 can act as a workforce management tool as well as a promotional point of presence. For example, employees can view training videos or presentations on new products or policies, punch in and out and access on-demand information to assist customers. In customer-facing areas, when the multimedia kiosk is not in use, it can also play videos to promote company branding, advertise upcoming events and offer customers value-add information.

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