In healthcare, it’s no secret that successful patient outcomes depend mainly on the nurses, lab techs and other frontline clinicians at the center of patient interactions. And it’s no mystery that positive results also depend on having the necessary supplies at the place and time they are needed.

What is a mystery, however, is why many hospitals, long-term care facilities, and ambulatory surgery centers fail to involve frontline staff in supply chain management fully. In fact, many healthcare organizations treat inventory management as an administrative task that’s largely separate from hour-to-hour, minute-to-minute clinical operations.

When results depend on what happens on the frontline, doesn’t it make sense to integrate supply chain management right into healthcare workflows?

The answer, of course, is an emphatic “Yes!” and is the topic of a recent healthcare webinar hosted by Barcodes, Inc., with featured guests from Zebra Technologies and Christus Health.

Step One: Involve Frontline Nurses and Clinicians in Inventory Management

When the COVID pandemic hit in March 2020, many healthcare organizations learned how resilient or fragile their supply chains actually were. COVID-related responses tested the entire healthcare system, with workforces strained to — or even beyond — their limits.

It’s safe to say that every healthcare organization dealt with inventory problems during COVID. And it wasn’t just PPD that was affected; just about every critical asset or inventory item was in short supply at one time or another. Organizations with good visibility into inventory on the frontlines had more flexibility to adapt, moving supplies where they most needed them and keeping on top of essential stocks. However, for organizations that did not have supply chain management integrated into frontline operations, every aspect of inventory management was an ongoing struggle, with patients and frontline staff bearing much of the burden.

For many healthcare leaders, this was a lesson in the importance of integrating supply chain management into the routine workflows of every clinician, especially the nurses and lab techs whose effectiveness depends on the availability of supplies.

There are two key takeaways here. First, it is critical to ensure frontline staff has the tools to access and update inventory information as a routine part of their activities without interrupting caregiving. Second, instead of relying on separate and manual inventory processes, inventory data needs to be captured and acted upon automatically in real time because nobody can make time to take inventory when staff is working double or triple shifts.

Step Two: Put Technology to Work

The good news is that the tools needed to integrate inventory processes and supply chain management into routine healthcare workflows are easily attainable. Just about everything necessary to gain real-time inventory visibility can be captured with the mobile devices already being deployed to improve clinician communication and collaboration.

The key is to ensure that mobile devices have data capture capabilities that can be integrated into existing ERP systems. With this capability, every time supplies are moved or used, the action is seamlessly recorded with a handheld mobile computer or tablet in real time.

Integrating inventory data capture links every process to inventory management. Suddenly, nurses and other clinicians become a routine part of supply chain management — without disrupting their usual workflows. The result is that frontline personnel can see what is available, and administrators receive the real-time information they need to make data-driven inventory decisions.

With this simple step, the need for manual inventory processes is significantly reduced, and supply chain management is greatly simplified — even automated. And, because fewer out-of-stock situations mean supplies are available when nurses and other clinicians need them, patients receive better care.

It’s even possible to use the same approach to streamline billing, capturing supplies usage in patient electronic medical records.

Barcodes and Christus Health

Barcodes, Inc. worked closely with Christus Health to deploy a range of Zebra mobile devices throughout their clinical operations. They chose Zebra devices because they’re specifically engineered for healthcare usage, with rugged materials that withstand frequent disinfection, and because they deliver proven barcode scanning tools that make it easy to integrate inventory management into healthcare workflows.

To learn more about how Zebra devices can streamline supply chain management, watch the replay of our webinar or contact your Barcodes, Inc. representative.

About this Webinar:

Addressing Modern Business Challenges with Wearables

Thursday July 13th 1:00-1:30pm Central

Presented by:

Glenn Aspenns – Product Marketing Manager, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions

What to Expect: Honeywell Wearables Webinar

Your business is under increasing pressure to increase productivity. To meet workers’ expectations, you are looking to equip them with intuitive technology and create a safe work environment. Wearable mobile devices and technologies can enhance a company’s ability to meet these challenges head on.

This discussion will cover market conditions, application areas, and potential solutions to some of the most common productivity challenges.

During this 30-minute webinar, you will learn to:

• Identify key pain points in warehousing, transportation, retail and manufacturing
• Detail opportunity areas to make rapid and substantial improvements
• Discuss hands-free solutions ready for scalable deployment

Watch the Full Wearables Webinar

The best mobile devices are those that are also good for the planet. If you are searching for the best mobility strategy, it’s essential to consider environmental impact and choose effective yet sustainable solutions.

Eco-friendly Zebra mobile devices are the ideal solution for protecting the environment and reducing your carbon footprint. Barcodes provides a wide range of products expertly designed for sustainability, from package design to battery consumption levels to recycling programs.

Eco-Friendly Zebra Mobile Devices to Power Your Operations

Although people may think sustainable products have a shorter lifespan, Barcodes carries products engineered to last and withstand the rigors of everyday use. Procuring long-lasting, quality products, such as eco-friendly Zebra mobile devices, is a simple step manufacturers can take to protect the environment.

Since Zebra devices last much longer than typical consumer devices, organizations can be confident knowing they are saving resources, preventing unnecessary waste, and ultimately helping to protect the planet.

Barcodes offers the right eco-friendly Zebra mobile devices to fit your needs. If you are looking for an advanced Android mobile computer, the MC33X series is a lightweight, versatile handheld computer expertly designed to improve workforce productivity and efficiency.

If you need rugged tablets, the ET4X series features thin, light enterprise tablets built with integrated scanning for fast, accurate data capture. Both series boast sustainable features and are:

• Equipped with Green battery technology
• Designed with superior power efficiency and lightning-fast charging
• Free from environmental toxins
• Packaged sustainably

Go Zebra Buy-Back Program

When you’re ready to upgrade to new equipment, consider using Zebra’s convenient Buy-Back Program, Go Zebra.  This environment-friendly, cost-savings program, allows them to securely return pre-owned Zebra devices, thereby reducing harmful landfill waste (ask a Barcodes Rep how companies also get cashback for their old equipment!).

Because batteries are such a hazard to landfills, Barcodes can help you choose mobility devices with green battery technology, such as the TC57x.  This improved battery has a longer lifespan, so you purchase fewer batteries as backups and fewer batteries end up in landfills.

Need Help Choosing Eco-Friendly Zebra Mobile Devices?

Barcodes offers a wide range of environmentally safe and secure recycling services and comprehensive product recycling information specific to each product.

Selecting the right devices that will work for your business AND protect the environment is easy with Barcodes – we are here to help you find the right device that’s also good for the planet! Get started today by contacting a Barcodes Mobility Expert online or calling us at (855) 233-2917.

Are you struggling to manage your company’s mobile devices? Are you worried about security breaches, data loss, or compliance issues? Do you want to improve your employees’ productivity and satisfaction while reducing IT costs and headaches?

Learn how to protect your company’s data, increase productivity, and simplify device management with a new comprehensive guide by 42Gears.

The Ultimate Guide to Mobile Device Management covers everything you need to know about mobile device management, from the basics of device enrollment and configuration to advanced features such as app management, content filtering, and remote troubleshooting.

In this guide, you will gain answers to the following questions:

• What is mobile device management and why it’s essential for modern businesses?
• What can an MDM solution manage?
• What is Device Lifecycle Management?
• What can an MDM solution do and how does MDM work?
• What are the options available for deploying an MDM solution?
• How do you choose the best MDM solution for your needs?

You will gain access to valuable insights and tools that can help you streamline your IT operations, protect your business assets, and empower your employees.

The CubiScan 150 Scale improves inventory management, increases supply chain efficiency, and increases overall production, making it a great tool for firms looking to simplify operations and save money.

How Does the CubiScan 150 Scale Work?

The CubiScan 150 uses laser technology to scan and record the length, width, height, and weight of an object that is put on its measuring base.

Once object data is collected, it can be added to inventory management systems and shipping software to give exact and consistent information about how big and heavy goods are. To understand the best way to pack and ship items, ensure items follow shipping rules, and avoid common shipping mistakes, a CubiScan dimensioning system is an invaluable solution.

In addition, the CubiScan 150 can buffer thousands of data records, link to barcode scanning equipment, label printing devices, and interact directly (in batch or real-time mode) with your manifesting or warehouse management system.

The CubiScan 150 Scale has various advantages for a multi-use dimensioning system.

• It’s compact in size.
• It correctly measures and weighs things using modern volumetric scanning technology, delivering perfect measurements for packaging and shipping calculations.
• It saves valuable warehouse space, lowers shipping costs, and decreases mistakes.
• It has a user-friendly interface.
• It’s simple to integrate with current systems.

Reasons to Consider a CubiScan 150

The CubiScan 150 is a tough piece of equipment, with a maximum measuring range of 39 x 40 x 48 inches (100 x 100 x 120 cm) and a net weight capacity of 150 lbs (70 kg).

The scale is accurate, with a measurement precision of 0.1 inch (0.2 cm) and a weight resolution of 0.05 pound (20 gram).

The CubiScan 150 is equipped with lockable casters, allowing it to be used in a fixed position or swiftly relocated and redeployed as needed.

Each device has a USB connector, two active serial communication ports, one serial printer port, and an Ethernet port for network connectivity and data transfer.

For a full list of capabilities, download the CubiScan 150 spec sheet.

See the CubiScan 150 in Action

Learn how the CubiScan 150 may help you minimize costly charge-backs and improve the most crucial component of your business: your bottom line.

Learn how you can secure your entire organization, adhere to regulatory compliance, and improve workforce efficiency with the tap of your existing credential with WAVE ID® Plus.

Achieve passwordless, single sign-on security throughout your entire organization.

Designed for fixed workstations, mobile carts, laptops, tablets, medical devices, visitor kiosks, and more, these readers from RFIDeas offer various form factors to suit diverse needs.

They also support existing ID badges, mobile credentials, biometrics, and even provide passwordless multi-factor authentication capabilities, consolidating security features into a single reader solution.

For a detailed list of capabilities, download the Wave ID spec sheet.

In hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality settings, space is limited, time is of the essence, and the overall guest experience is tantamount.

For high volume, accurate receipt print-outs, look no further than the Citizen CT-E301 receipt printer.

The Citizen CT-E301 receipt printer was designed not only to withstand harsh disinfectant chemicals, but also to prevent the spread of pathogens.

The technology in the case and the printer itself has a SIAA mark, indicating that it complies with ISO 22196 and is designed to provide effective results against the proliferation of pathogens while meeting the highest industry standards.

The Citizen CT-E301 is offered with either a standard USB interface or a triple interface consisting of USB, Serial, and Ethernet.

Citizen’s CT-E301 Receipt Printer has one of the smallest dimensions on the market, making it suitable for locations with limited space. It can be conveniently set next to a pay receptacle, incorporated into a kiosk, or displayed on the counter with a scanner.

See the Citizen CT-E301 Printer in Action

Key Benefits of the Citizen CT-E301

Improve worker efficiency and overall guest relations with the CT-E301. Here are even more reasons to seriously consider the versatile, disinfectant-ready printer:

Space-Saving: The CT-E301’s tiny form factor enables it to easily fit into a variety of hospitality settings. It doesn’t occupy important counter or desk space thanks to its modest size.

High-Speed Printing: High-speed printing capabilities enable providers to quickly produce invoices, receipts, labels, and other important documents. Workflows are streamlined, waiting times are decreased, and overall productivity is increased.

Quiet Operation: To encourage guest comfort, check-in surroundings need to be tranquil and serene. The CT-E301 is designed to run softly, minimizing noise interruption in reception areas.

Durability and Reliability: The CT-E301 is designed to endure the rigorous conditions seen in hotels and commercial real estate. Its construction uses high-quality materials to ensure lifespan and durability. The printer’s durable construction minimizes downtime and disruptions with continuous performance.

Seamless Integration: The CT-E301 is intended to be adaptable and compatible with a wide range of devices frequently used in healthcare. It offers a variety of connectivity choices, including USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, enabling smooth integration with current systems including point-of-sale (POS) terminals, PCs, tablets, and mobile devices.

Easy to Restock Receipt Rolls: Drop-in paper loading is used, which makes it simple to restock receipt rolls or switch paper kinds. The printer also has status indicators and error reporting features that enable rapid problem identification, prompt troubleshooting, and little downtime.

Download the Full CT-E301 Spec Sheet

Discover What the CT-E301 Can Do for Your Organization

Overall, the CT-E301 receipt printer is a great option in a hospitality context due to its small size, fast printing speed, silent operation, durability, compatibility, and ease of use.

Contact us to speak with hospitality, restaurant, and guest relations technology experts. As a Citizen partner, we would be thrilled to explore ways to integrate new receipt printers and more in your organization.

NiceLabel Cloud offers centralized label management, enabling consistent and accurate labeling across locations.

Loftware’s custom labeling solution streamlines label design, approval, and printing processes, enhancing efficiency.

The cloud-based platform also promotes collaboration and real-time visibility into labeling activities.

Key Benefits of NiceLabel Cloud:

• Ensures regulatory compliance
• Provides scalability and security
• Reduces common errors at the granular level
• Centralizes label management for consistent and accurate labeling across locations.
• Streamlines label design, approval, and printing processes
• Promotes collaboration within the supply chain
• Increases real-time visibility into labeling activities

NiceLabel’s Label Cloud manages labeling for organizations of all sizes, from label design through print (and every step in between). Label Cloud includes a built-in label designer that provides a user interface similar to Microsoft Word.

Without any prior understanding of barcoding or designer training, you may easily design professional labels.

See How Easy it is to Use Label Cloud

Label Cloud makes it simple to expand labeling across departments, as well as to business partners such as suppliers, contract manufacturers, and third-party transportation providers.

This provides a consistent, clean, and predictable movement of items throughout the supply chain with minimal issues.

As adopters of NiceLabel in some of our own custom printing processes, we can safely say that Label Cloud is the simplest, yet most comprehensive, cloud labeling solution today.

Contact us to speak with a cloud labeling expert. You’ll be surprised at how seamless and easy it is to implement with a trusted labeling partner.

Webinar Details

Navigating the Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) Landscape

Tuesday, June 20^th 2023

1:00pm Central

Presented By

David Lin – Product Manager, Robotics Automation at Zebra Technologies

Manthan Pawar – Product Manager – Robotics and AI at Barcodes, Inc.

Why AMR Matters for Your Organization

Join our roundtable discussion with industry experts, thought leaders, and fellow manufacturing/warehousing professionals to delve deeper into the rapidly expanding robotics industry.

Gain valuable insights and discover crucial strategies to help you make an informed decision on whether AMR solutions are right for your business.

This webinar will answer the following questions:

• How can you identify the right AMR solution amidst the crowded marketplace?
• What are the key factors to consider to ensure a successful deployment?
• How can AMRs be leveraged amidst budget constraints and what are the long-term cost savings associated with the implementation?

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in an interactive panel discussion and have your pressing questions answered by our distinguished robotics panelists.

Watch the Full Robotics Webinar Recording

Connecting the Dots: The Impact of Healthcare Supply Chain on the Patient Care Experience

Thursday, June 22, 2023

11:00 AM CT

Join us for an insightful webinar led by Zebra’s Chief Nursing Informatics Officer, Rikki Jennings, featuring leaders from CHRISTUS Health, Zebra, and Barcodes Inc.

This panel discussion will explore how an efficient and optimized supply chain can elevate the way patients receive care, ensuring improved outcomes and enhanced satisfaction.

Presented By:

Rikki Jennings, Zebra Technologies, CNIO

John Wirthlin, Zebra Technologies, Industry Principal

Steve Beno, Barcodes, Director of Healthcare Sales

Tim Tassone, Barcodes, Principal Solutions Architect

Featured Speakers:

Susan Pustka, RN, CHRISTUS Health, Director, Infor ERP Services – Technical

Curt Evans, CHRISTUS Health, Director, Infor ERP Services – Supply Chain Management

Key Discussion Points in the Webinar:

Our panel of healthcare supply chain technology experts will address these key topics:

• Importance of supply chain management and its impact on patient care
• Bridging the gap between supply chain and clinical care by involving nursing leadership in the discussion

Watch the Healthcare Supply Chain Technology Webinar