AstralPool: Making a Splash with Automated Labeling
AstralPool is a leading international brand in the swimming pool and spa industry, manufacturing and supplying a complete range of equipment extending from pool pumps, pool cleaners, pool filters to pool heating.
AstralPool’s Noble Park manufacturing location in Melbourne, Victoria ships out approximately 2.6 million finished goods and components to around 4,000 customers across Australia and the world. They faced the challenge of switching from a manual to an automated label printing solution to better manage the growing number of different labels needing printing as well as the introduction of many varying labeling requirements for particular companies or markets across the globe.
Intermec’s CS40 Mobile Computer Retirement Notice
After a long run as a leading enterprise handheld mobile computer, the Intermec CS40 is finally coming to an end. Its compact, lightweight ruggedized design was the ideal solution for in-the-field applications like route accounting, field services, merchandising, and inventory tracking.
Users seeking a scanphone replacement to their CS40 mobile computers should migrate to the new Honeywell Dolphin 60s. As the newest offering in Honeywell’s Mobility scanphone, the 60s are perfect for anyone seeking an entry level price, hard key data entry, medium-duty scanning, and a durable, pocketable device. Additional features include: Microsoft WEH 6.5, 3G UMTS/HSPA, 802.11 a/b/n, 5 Mpx camera, BT, GPS, 2D Imager and extended battery pack.
Anyone interested in Honeywell’s latest enterprise hybrid device, the Dolphin Black 70e successfully marries size, style and usability of a consumer device with the reliability and longevity of a traditional rugged handheld. Additional features include: Microsoft WEH 6.5 or Android, 3G WWAN, 802.11 a/b/g/n, 5 Mpx camera, BT, GPS, 2D imager and extended battery pack option.
For assistance finding the right mobile computer for your needs, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
Intermec Refreshes the CK71 Mobile Computer with Improved Features
As an industry leading manufacturer of mobile computers, Intermec is continually improving their product lines with improved features and capabilities. With their most recent product update they have improved several features of the popular CK71 line as well as provide new scanning options.
The following product updates are available with the new CK71:
- Improved display – with better image quality, readability and lower power consumption.
- Improved keypad ergonomics – tactile feedback for more input confidence while maintaining the same indestructible laser-etched keys.
- Improved scan window durability – added scratch-resistant coating to provide better protection against abrasives.
Honeywell Introduces Android 4.2.2 to the CN51 Series
Android 4.2.2 (“Jelly Bean”) for the Intermec by Honeywell CN51 mobile computer is now released and orderable. In addition, conversion licenses (238-000-002) to convert a CN51 from Windows Embedded Handheld (WEH) 6.5 to Android 4.2.2 in the field are also now released and orderable.
The Android 4.2.2 firmware includes Google Mobile Services (GMS), and there is not an option to order these CN51 Android 4.2.2 configurations without GMS.
CN51 Android 4.1 configurations are no longer orderable and are not available for new unit shipments. Customers with CN51 Android 4.1 configurations may upgrade their units to Android 4.2.2 in the field free of charge.
For assistance finding the right Intermec mobile computer for your needs, contact us at BarcodesInc.
Five Things to Consider When Using Tablet Computers in Forklift Applications
Why Tablets and Purpose Built Forklift Mounted Computers Are Not Interchangeable
Tablet computing is one of the fastest-growing categories of consumer electronics and enterprise IT alike. The buzz is leading many businesses to explore new uses for tablet computers, and some are finding their way into evaluation trials on forklifts and other vehicle applications in the distribution center. With their large screens and available Windows operating systems, tablets can seem quite similar to the forklift-mounted computers that are widely used today. They can also be taken off the forklift and used on the floor, which some organizations find intriguing.
However, tablets should not be considered drop-in replacements for purpose-built forklift mounted terminals because there are several major differences between the product categories. If you are considering using tablet computers on forklifts, it is important to know these differences and how they may impact operations. Careful evaluation will highlight compromises in integration and everyday use.
Making a Splash with Automated Labeling
AstralPool is a leading international brand in the swimming pool and spa industry, manufacturing and supplying a complete range of equipment extending from pool pumps, pool cleaners, pool filters to pool heating. Their products are distributed in over 170 countries and available at more than 100 sales offices and branches located across 30 countries.
At AstralPool’s Noble Park manufacturing location in Melbourne, Victoria, 3,500 line items and a total of around 2.6 million finished goods and components are shipped out to approximately 4,000 customers nationally and internationally.
Marva Maid Dairy Expand their Reach with Mobile Route Accounting
Industry: Dairy
Application: Proof of Delivery
Marva Maid Dairy’s advances in route accounting and delivery confirmation help expand company’s reach.
Executive Summary
Marva Maid Dairy was looking for new mobile devices for their route sales representatives. The devices needed to be rugged to withstand the day to day delivery schedules, and integrate with their existing software platform to allow all systems to interact and communicate effectively. Needing a better way to manage their delivery schedules and confirm receipt of shipments by their customers, Marva Maid started looking for a partner who could assist them in mobility and route accounting. Barcodes Inc successfully developed a solution deploying a rugged mobile project that works effortlessly with the existing platform.
The Benefits and Advantages of Security Labeling
Industry Need
Brand owners face many challenges in developing and maintaining a positive impression with their customer base. Strategies for product performance, reliability, and value must be carefully developed and flawlessly executed to remain effective. However, counterfeit goods can tarnish positive perception in the marketplace, while gray market redistribution can undermine pricing and profitability. Intermec’s suite of security media products can strengthen defenses against these threats.
Security can have one or several layered attributes to validate chain of custody from a brand owner to the consumer. Serialization from variable information printing, the core of bar code and RFID applications, verifies code synchronization with trading partners. Overt designs convey consumer confidence, while covert features such as small hidden characters or UV fluorescing inks are known only to the brand owner.
Thermal Printing Cuts Cost and Adds Value for DSD
An important part of the value of automating direct store delivery (DSD) operations comes from having the ability to give customers delivery receipts, order forms and invoices on the spot. Printing documentation at the time of the visit helps ensure accuracy, reduces paperwork and clerical labor in the back office, and accelerates the cash cycle. In some countries, it is a legal requirement that DSD companies to provide and maintain a printed record of each transaction. The actual value companies can attain by mobile printing depends on the printer itself. For example, the media used in thermal printers typically costs 45 to 50 percent less than multi-part forms used in dot matrix printers, and the total cost of ownership (TCO) for ruggedized mobile printers is 58 percent lower than for non-ruggedized models.
Media cost, reliability, ease of use and compatibility with mobile computers and DSD applications give businesses a lot to think about when selecting a printer to support their operations. The decision is also made challenging because there are more technology and product options than ever. For companies that already use mobile printing in their DSD operations, product choices may have changed considerably since the last replacement cycle. Many first generation DSD automations included a vehicle-mounted dot matrix printer. Today DSD printers can be worn, carried or remain mounted in the vehicle, and thermal print technology is selected for the majority of new and replacement rollouts.
Operating System Strategy for Mobile Computers
After more than a decade of stability using mobile computer operating systems based on successive versions of Microsoft Windows Mobile and its predecessors, the current situation is far more dynamic. Major players in the consumer smartphone market are migrating users to rich interfaces focused on screen interaction rather than keypads. Powerful multi-core processor architectures enable highly responsive applications. The tight integration of sensors, wireless connectivity, and application services frameworks are driving a new paradigm, allowing developers to easily integrate key functionality into their apps via standard system APIs. A large ecosystem has emerged to provide apps, resources, and tools to facilitate development.
But what does this mean for the enterprise? How does a changing user base drive new application interfaces? Which ecosystem should IT embrace for mobile devices? These are questions with no singular answer, yet multiple alternatives are offered for consideration. This paper will outline several options and provide guidance as to which ones may best fit the needs of each individual enterprise.
