The road to unlocking the potential of your business is often an uncharted journey. It can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep up with operations, stay organized, and maintain customer satisfaction and team communications. Luckily, with our technology rapidly evolving, positive impacts can be made on daily operations with Android 13 and GMS. With some automation and a clear road map, you’ll know exactly where you want to go next. 

Meet GMS

Google Mobile Services (GMS) is a bundled suite of Google applications and APIs that enhance Android devices. It offers familiar tools like Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Play. Within our POS world, it also leverages tools like access to payment services with Google Pay or ML Kit which provides on-device machine learning APIs capable of barcode scanning or smart replies to suggestions. GMS works with powerful Android 13 to create robust, secure, and customizable solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of your industry. 

Restaurants & QSRs

Running a restaurant or QSR takes more than just great food. Keeping everything running smoothly is a huge challenge that businesses face daily. Between orders piling up and miscommunication between front and back-of-house staff, a lot can go sideways. Plus, in our age of convenience, customers’ expectations for quick service are higher than ever. The Touch Dynamics Nexus and Quest Handheld, both powered by Android 13 with GMS, are designed to address these challenges to help businesses streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction to keep them coming back.

Conquer Daily Operations

Juggling the daily chaos of a busy restaurant is a difficult task. The Nexus All-in-One keeps it simple with its sleek, interactive touchscreen that does it all—menus, self-ordering kiosks, or kitchen displays. Mount it on the wall or on a podium to best suit your set-up. Its MediaTek CPU processor keeps things running fast, so orders reach the kitchen instantly, cutting down on wait times.

Streamline & Mobilize

When your restaurant or QSR is packed, your team needs to be able to mobilize. The Quest Handheld lets them take orders on the go and process payments at the table without breaking stride. Multiple payment options—like Ingenico Moby 5500 and ID Tech VP3350—allow for faster transactions and happier customers. Plus, with GMS connectivity, you can stay plugged in throughout the restaurant.

Gaming

The gaming industry comes with its own set of hurdles. Customers want fast service, zero downtime, and seamless experiences across the board. Android 13 with GMS is perfect for these fast-moving environments, giving you the reliability you need and the flexibility your customers expect.

Driving Engagement

Casinos know that lagging tech is frustrating for both customers and employees, and keeping players engaged is the priority. The Quest Gaming Tablet helps you switch between apps and assist customers without a hitch. It’s a real powerhouse—fast, efficient, and always reliable. With its API-driven status lightbar and all-new kickstand, it creates a fun and comfortable gaming experience that keeps players captivated. Wireless connectivity ensures that your favorite games run with no bumps.

Is GMS Right For You?

GMS can help take your business to the next level, especially when combined with a POS solution that suits your needs. If your business relies on mobile payments, Android 13 with GMS can help expedite these transactions while offering security. Businesses that require tailored solutions will find that Android 13’s customizable interface can be fine-tuned to your needs. Finally, if you prioritize being on the cutting edge, Google’s regular updates of Android 13 and GMS ensure you’ll always have access to the latest tech.

Android 13 with GMS presents a unique opportunity to conquer daily operations, streamline & mobilize, and drive engagement across a range of industries. Whether you’re in restaurants, gaming, or retail, these technologies provide the tools to overcome industry-specific challenges. By integrating devices like the Nexus All-in-One, Quest Handheld, or Quest Gaming Tablet, you can unlock the full potential of GMS and stay at the forefront of your field. 

Get Started Today

Interested in how Android 13 with GMS on a Touch Dynamic system can transform your business? Contact us today to learn more about how the fully customizable Nexus 21.5″, Quest Handheld, and Quest Gaming Tablet can bring GMS to your fingertips.

Consider the typical workflow of a warehouse employee: picking items, verifying stock, and printing labels. Currently, employees must locate the item, go to a central location to print the shipping label and packing slip, and then return to the shelf to apply the labels.  If this sounds like your warehouse workflow, it’s time to enhance mobility in your environment and improve efficiency.

By embarking on a mobility transformation that includes implementation of mobile printers, scanners, or tablets, employees can complete warehouse tasks directly at the item’s location, saving time and improving workflow. Alternatively, mobile workstations can be introduced to bring technology to more convenient locations, increasing overall productivity. Let’s explore mobile technology solutions that can enhance warehouse efficiency, increase productivity, and provide real-time visibility into inventory levels.

Durable, Portable, and Powerful: The Brother RuggedJet 4

The Brother RuggedJet 4 mobile label and receipt printer raises the industry standard with a smart new way to manage and deploy printers, housing design and market leading technology, performance, ruggedness and connectivity. Quickly print labels and tags up to four inches from handhelds, tablets, and smartphones. Mount these rugged mobile printers in forklifts and vehicles, carry them on shoulder straps, or hook them to belts. Key features of the Brother RuggedJet 4 barcode label printer:

• Remarkably compact design
• Ultra-rugged construction
• Enhanced print speeds of up to 5ips
• Remote updates and configuration
• Smart Li-ion battery lasts a full day shift
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options
• AirPrint using iOS

Flexible Printing Anywhere, Anytime with the Brother PocketJet 8

If portable, full-page thermal printing in the field is a requirements, consider a leader for its high quality prints, impressive speed, and expanded connectivity options, the Brother PocketJet 8. This versatile printer offers a broad range of paper and label capabilities, with everything you need to work efficiently backed by the confidence of lifetime technical support. The PocketJet 8 is smarter, faster, and up for the job wherever it takes you. Key features of the Brother PocketJet 8:

• Up to 300dpi high-resolution print technology
• Print speed up to 13.5 pages per minute
• Single USB-C connection for power and communication
• Operate cord-free via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
• Print from existing systems with multiple OS compatibility

Conclusion

Mobile technology offers a comprehensive solution to enhance warehouse productivity and efficiency. By implementing mobile printers, scanners, or tablets, businesses can streamline workflows, reduce labor costs, and improve overall operations. With devices like the Brother RuggedJet 4 and PocketJet 8 mobile printers, organizations can enjoy the benefits of portable, high-quality printing wherever they need it. By embracing these innovative solutions, warehouses can stay competitive, meet customer demands, and drive growth.

As your true end-to-end solution partner, Barcodes Inc. has you covered from the assessment and planning phase of your mobility journey, to the support and renewal stages, and everything in between. Contact Barcodes Inc. today to learn more our mobility solutions and more!

Modernizing warehouse operations has become essential for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced and dynamic market. According to Zebra’s 2023 Warehousing Vision Study, supply chain leaders are increasingly focused on reducing unnecessary tasks and equipping workers with the right tools and technology to streamline operations. Let’s explore the key challenges warehouses face and how innovative solutions can address them.

Key Factors Driving Warehouse Modernization

The rise of e-commerce has significantly impacted warehouse operations, leading to higher shipping volumes, greater demand for inventory visibility, and more returns to manage. Along with this, customer expectations for fast shipping and accurate order fulfillment have soared, intensifying the pressure on warehouses to boost efficiency and stay ahead of the competition. These challenges are compounded by labor shortages, making it crucial for warehouses to offer a worker-friendly environment that retains talent while optimizing workforce productivity through automation.

Automating Repetitive Tasks: Print and Apply Technology

As labor shortages persist, automation is increasingly vital to ensure workers can focus on critical tasks. Barcodes Inc’s Print and Apply systems automate tasks like preparing and labeling boxes, enhancing accuracy and speed while reducing the burden of manual labor. AI-powered machines can take over these routine processes, allowing workers to focus on higher-value tasks that require human attention.

Enhancing Speed and Accuracy: Wearables and Vehicle-Mounted Computers

With increased shipping volumes and heightened consumer demands for quick and accurate order fulfillment, technologies like wearable and vehicle-mounted computers are transforming warehouse operations. These tools add mobility and efficiency to tasks such as order picking, sorting, packing, and put-away. They also prioritize ergonomics, ensuring workers can perform their jobs comfortably and productively, leading to greater job satisfaction.

Providing the Best Equipment: Rugged Tablets and Scanners

Equipping employees with the right technology is crucial for both attracting and retaining workers. Rugged tablets and barcode scanners, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of warehouse environments, are ideal for improving employee performance. These durable devices ensure operational continuity while helping employees work more efficiently.

Streamlining Warehouse Operations with Barcodes Inc’s Solutions

Investing in cutting-edge technology is essential for overcoming the challenges of modern warehouse operations, from managing customer expectations to addressing labor shortages. With decades of industry expertise, Barcodes Inc offers comprehensive solutions, from consulting and project management to procurement, deployment, and device configuration. Our end-to-end services ensure optimal performance, reducing downtime and enhancing your warehouse’s efficiency and competitiveness.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of a revolutionary innovation that transformed global commerce—the barcode. In 1974, the first barcode was scanned at a grocery checkout, and today, barcodes have become ubiquitous in industries worldwide. According to GS1, the organization responsible for maintaining barcode standards, barcodes are scanned an astounding 10 billion times a day—more than 115,000 scans per second. That’s double the 5 billion scans reported just ten years ago. Let’s take a look at the history of barcoding and explore its future as a critical technology.

The History of Barcoding: How a Pack of Gum Revolutionized Retail

The concept of using optical patterns to encode data for machine reading was first developed in the late 1940s by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver. George Laurer later improved this work, developing the Universal Product Code (UPC) in the early 1970s to streamline the labor-intensive checkout and inventory processes. Retailers quickly embraced the UPC, allowing cashiers to scan products at checkout instead of manually entering prices.

On June 26, 1974, a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum became the first item scanned with a UPC at a Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio, marking the beginning of a new era in retail. Barcodes soon expanded into other industries, from retail to healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, and logistics. By 1988, micro-barcodes were even used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Honeywell to track honeybee movements.

The Evolution of Barcodes: From UPC to QR Codes

Although traditional 1D barcodes revolutionized retail, the demand for more data led to the development of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes. In 1994, Masahiro Hara from Denso Wave introduced the Quick-Response (QR) code. Unlike UPCs, QR codes can store much larger amounts of information, including URLs, product details, and payment links. They can be scanned with smartphones, making them highly accessible for consumers. QR codes became standardized in 2014, and GS1 continues to drive global adoption.

As barcodes have evolved, so has the technology surrounding them. Barcode scanners have moved from checkout counters to wireless handheld devices, offering mobility and flexibility. Barcode printers now include rugged models designed for demanding environments like warehouses, providing both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing options.

Barcodes Inc: Your Partner for Advanced Barcode Solutions

For over 25 years, Barcodes Inc has been a leader in providing cutting-edge barcode technology solutions. From improving inventory management efficiency to enhancing consumer experiences, Barcodes Inc offers the latest scanners, printers, and software to optimize your operations. Our long-standing partnerships with trusted manufacturers ensure that we deliver high-quality products, backed by our world-class customer support. Barcodes Inc is dedicated to helping you harness the full potential of barcode technology to drive your business forward.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, wireless networks are the backbone of enterprise communication, enabling seamless mobility by connecting devices, applications, and users. However, maintaining a strong wireless infrastructure comes with its own set of challenges. Many organizations face difficulties related to network design, equipment longevity, and performance, leading to frustration for both IT teams and end-users.

Are Your Devices Connecting Efficiently?

Understanding how devices connect to your network is crucial for identifying potential problems. With the rise of IoT devices, smartphones, and laptops, the demand on wireless networks has skyrocketed. Are these devices connecting without issues, or are there bottlenecks causing delays and dropped connections? Assessing device compatibility and performance is essential to meet your organization’s connectivity demands.

What Kind of Wireless Network Are You Running?

The type of wireless network you operate greatly influences its performance. Whether you’re using a legacy system or a more modern setup, your network’s design must align with your current and future business needs. Is your network built on outdated technology struggling to keep up with modern applications, or are you utilizing the latest advancements like Wi-Fi 6? An outdated network can hinder your organization’s ability to scale and adapt to new technologies.

When Was the Last Time Your Equipment Was Refreshed?

Network hardware has a limited lifespan, and outdated equipment can lead to poor performance, security risks, and increased maintenance costs. Networks typically get refreshed every 4-6 years. If it’s been longer since your last upgrade, now might be the time to evaluate whether your current equipment can still handle today’s demands. Modernizing your infrastructure can greatly enhance performance, security, and manageability.

Who Manages Your Network?

The management of your wireless network is crucial to its overall performance. Is your network managed internally, or do you rely on external support? Modern wireless networks often require specialized expertise to ensure optimal operation. Without dedicated resources or expert management, issues may go unnoticed until they disrupt business operations.

Do You Have Connectivity Issues?

Connectivity problems—such as slow speeds, dropped connections, or dead zones—are common for many organizations. These issues can disrupt business activities and frustrate users. Regular monitoring and troubleshooting are necessary to identify and fix these problems before they affect productivity. If connectivity issues persist, it may be time to re-evaluate your network’s design and configuration.

Have You Conducted a Recent Site Survey?

A wireless site survey is key to verifying coverage and spotting potential issues with your network’s performance. If it’s been a while since your last survey, you may lack a clear understanding of how well your network is functioning. A thorough survey can reveal areas with weak signals, interference, or insufficient capacity, helping you make informed decisions on necessary upgrades.

Planning for Expansion? Consider Network Design

If your organization is expanding or adding new locations, this poses unique challenges for your wireless network. How will you design, configure, and implement cabling to ensure seamless connectivity across all areas? Proper planning is critical to avoid disruptions and ensure your network supports future growth.

How’s Your Wi-Fi Experience?

User experience reflects your network’s overall performance. Are users consistently satisfied, or do they encounter issues that slow down productivity? A well-designed network should provide reliable, high-speed connectivity with minimal downtime or disruptions across your entire facility.

Is It Time for a Network Refresh?

If your network is struggling to keep up with current demands, it may be time for a full refresh. Upgrading your infrastructure can address many of the issues mentioned above, giving your organization a future-proof wireless network built for growth.

How Barcodes Inc Can Help

At Barcodes Inc, we understand the challenges of managing a high-performance wireless network. Our comprehensive services cover everything from planning and procurement to deployment and ongoing support. Our team works closely with you to ensure your network architecture aligns with your business goals, optimizing your wireless network for today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth.

Networking Architecture

We design scalable, robust network architectures that meet both current needs and future technological advancements. Our engineers specialize in a range of services including active, passive, and predictive WLAN site surveys, wireless bridging, cellular network solutions, and WAN & LAN planning. With Barcodes Inc, your network will empower your business to thrive in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

Wireless Site Surveys

Our technicians conduct detailed surveys of your facility, analyzing coverage, user density, data rates, and network capacity and security. This allows us to optimize hardware and strategically position access points for a secure, high-performing network. If a recent survey has been done, we’ll review the results to ensure they meet your business requirements.

Tailored Solutions for Every Need

Barcodes Inc offers a versatile range of services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need full-service management from point-of-manufacture to point-of-sale or assistance with a particular project component, we provide the expertise and flexibility to help you achieve your goals.