With restaurateurs searching for new and innovative ways to make their businesses more efficient, many are turning to technology to impact their bottom line. One of the latest technology trends gaining momentum in the restaurant industry is the use of mobile point of sale (POS) solutions. With the increased popularity of wireless networking and the decreased cost of mobile computing devices, such as tablets and smart phones, more businesses are adopting mobile solutions. In the hospitality environment, a mobile POS solution enables wait staff to perform all the basic functionality of your stationary POS system while also adding a few new benefits. A mobile POS solution enables wait staff to greatly improve efficiency by taking orders, busting lines, and processing payments tableside.

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When managing the commonly  high speeds involved with automated barcode scanning and vision environments, it’s crucial that your barcode readers can communicate data at the rates that the system and environment require. The type of interface you decide to use on your devices can help or hinder production. Most scanner offer options for RS-232 serial and USB connectivity but Ethernet offers distinct advantages for optimizing efficiency in automated systems.

• Faster data speeds - Ethernet connections offer high-speed data transfer that won’t limit production.
• Unlimited connections to the PC - With several independent Ethernet connections, PCs can manage multiple tasks in parallel for optimal productivity.
• Unlimited distance from the PC - Span greater physical distances without losing data speed and move or centralize PCs away from the production floor.
• Remote device management - Control devices anywhere there is a network connection and troubleshoot systems without leaving the office.
• Standardized cables - Common connectivity with all Ethernet equipment for no-hassle networking.
• Easy integration to MES and ERP - Ethernet-based MES and ERP systems pair naturally with Ethernet devices saving integration time and equipment.

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Seagull Scientific, manufacturer of BarTender labeling software, has announced that it has released a new label template to help food manufacturers and packagers meet the European labeling requirements scheduled to take effect in December 2014.

EU Regulation No 1169/2011 (Food Information to Consumers, or FIC) identifies 14 major categories of allergen that must be emphasized on a product’s ingredient label. The BarTender FIC label template automatically highlights any of the 14 allergens that appear on an ingredient label, enabling easy compliance with the new regulation.

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An expansive facility dedicated to shipping and receiving, warehousing, or order fulfillment and distribution continuously looks for ways to improve efficiency and productivity.  Positive improvements in these areas can start small and expand outward like ripples in a pond.

For companies with warehouse operations at the core, dramatic improvements to efficiency and productivity of the workforce happen by adding portable printer carts.  When the carts include portable power supplies, the staff celebrates and productivity can improve 50%.

Rather than having lists, labels, order picks, and inventory data produced at a stationary printing location, the staff works while on the move which reduces unnecessary downtime eliminating wasted steps.

Portable printer carts can be completely customized.  Whether you have a high volume operation or you only handle a few printing tasks a day, carts can be designed to fit your existing equipment and easily integrate into your current operation.  You won’t have to deal with potential delays or downtime as a new process is put in place.  Training is based on common sense and no special skills are required when turning a stationary printer into a mobile one.

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Why should you have to choose between buying a 1D scanner today and risk replacing it with a 2D scanner in a few years, or paying more for a 2D scanner today when you may never need to read 2D? Start out with 1D performance at 1D pricing and upgrade to what you need, when you need it, for much less than purchasing a new scanner.

Built on the platform of Honeywell’s world-renowned Voyager series of hand-held linear scanners, the Voyager 1400g delivers omnidirectional reading of linear bar codes, plus the ability to affordably upgrade the device license to enable PDF and 2D bar code scanning—at the time of purchase or as scanning needs evolve. Performing at speeds that are comparable to laser-based scanners, the versatile and reliable Voyager 1400g can be customized to meet current and future scanning needs, lowering the total cost of ownership.

For assistance finding the right Honeywell scanner for your needs, contact us at Barcodes Inc.

As part of an effort to help customers make sense of all of the terminology that surrounds Zebra solutions, we are launching a series of posts that will define some key terms – both industry-wide and Zebra-specific – to cut through the clutter. We’re starting with a dictionary of Link-OS terms!

You keep hearing that demand is growing for devices that are mobile, intelligent, and connected to the cloud. Did you know that Zebra’s Link-OS Environment was created in response to this demand? The Link-OS Environment is an open platform that pairs an operating system for smart Zebra devices with powerful software apps, making the devices easy to integrate, manage and maintain from any location. With all the functionality comes a lot of new business language!

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As businesses strive for greater efficiency and accuracy in every warehouse application, wearable mobile computers are becoming a more popular option to further empower any workforce. Workers armed with  wireless, hands-free mobile computers can achieve new levels of error-proof productivity, operational efficiency and accuracy.

Like any other mobile device, wearable mobile computers provide the same computing and wireless connectivity while freeing up the users hands for other tasks. This allows you to scan and collect data while still being able to use both hands for picking parts or products resulting in less interruptions to the task at hand.

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One of the most common appeals of an iPad based POS system is the reduced cost and space involved. Keeping focused on functional necessity ultimately makes for a more streamlined and efficient tool for your business. That said, there are some accessories that are still essential to ensure you have the most functional POS system to meet your daily business needs.

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We have all heard a legion of tales about the importance of barcode verification. Many of the stories follow a similar path: verify and prevent problems—end of story. But in the real world that is not always the end of the story—it often is more interesting than that. Here is one such scenario:

XYZ Labels LLC (not the actual company name) did business with a healthcare device manufacturer for many years. The barcoded labels were used on a packaging line. The label printer enjoyed a reputation as a quality shop and had a rude awakening with a batch of bad barcodes which they replaced at great expense. The seeds of loss, financial, reputational and self confidence, sprouted a new crop of self-examination and diligence around quality assurance, and the plant manager led the charge by buying verifiers for each press and training each press operator how to use them.

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Quiet Logistics, an eCommerce fulfillment provider of choice for leading brands and e-tailers, was looking for a solution to improve the efficiency of data collection in their warehouse by utilizing a cost effective mobile device like the Apple iPod. One of the main obstacles they faced was finding a way to add accurate barcode scanning to the iPods while also protecting them from everyday handling and use.

BarcodesInc provided a solution utilizing the Honeywell Captuvo SL22 ipod barcode scanner case to help Quiet Logistics attain the same level of performance and reliability they provide their own customers without the costs involved with dedicated rugged mobile computers.

For assistance finding the right data collection solution for your business, contact us at Barcodes Inc.