Barcoding News
Data tracking news, product updates, tips, and more
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.
Comparing Barcodes Made Easy With the Unitech SRD650
For any business that has a variety of products to process or manage, ensuring everything is labeled with the correct barcode is crucial to correct inventory levels and tracking. While it could be possible to visually collect the the numbers of each item and compare to similar products, putting a mobile computer to use exponentially improves your accuracy and speed.
This is where a device like the Unitech SRD650 is the perfect solution for comparing/validating item barcodes as well as general inventory and asset management. With a variety of pre-built applications installed already, including a barcode compare option, the SRD650 is ready to get to work out of the box to help you ensure all your items are properly labeled.
Planar’s Simplicity Series Digital Signage Displays
Planar, a global provider of display and digital signage technology, announced it has added two new sizes to its Planar Simplicity Series line of edge-lit LED displays, offering customers a broad range of choices for deploying simple, sleek and affordable digital signage displays.
With the addition of the SL4650 46″Â and SL5550 55″ models, customers now have four sizes from which to choose, making the Planar Simplicity Series a versatile solution for a wide variety of commercial applications including retail stores, restaurants, corporate meeting rooms, fitness centers and museums. The Planar Simplicity Series now features four sizes, 32″ and 42″, introduced in the Fall of 2013, and 46″ and 55″ recently announced.
Motorola and Voalte Offer Android-Based Mobile Communication to Hospital Caregivers
Voalte, the leader in healthcare communication technology, today announced a strategic relationship with Motorola to support the Android version of Voalte One, the company’s mobile communication platform for hospital caregivers.
Voalte will offer customers the Motorola MC40-HC, the first multi-purpose mobile computer for healthcare. The device improves care coordination while incorporating inventory management capabilities in a touch-based, consumer-like device running on the Android operating system. Voalte chose Motorola’s MC40-HC healthcare-grade mobile computer for its stability, enterprise durability and built-in barcode scanner. The device provides a sustainable platform for the healthcare environment, including robust Wi-Fi connections that keep staff connected, security features that help meet patient privacy requirements, and remote management of devices and applications. The MC40-HC will support the Voalte One application, which combines voice calls, alarm and alert integration, and secure text messaging.
Trimble’s Juno T41 Now Supports UHF RFID
Trimble has introduced the Juno T41 rugged handheld computer with integrated Ultra-High Frequency RFID capabilities. In addition to high-speed 1D/2D barcode imaging technology, smartphone capability and enhanced, real-time 1-2 meter GPS accuracy, the Juno T41 series now offers new models that provide more functionality and configuration choices for data collection and mobile workforce management, Trimble said.
The RFID capability can be combined with Enhanced GPS and/or smartphone connectivity so customers can choose a specific handheld model that meets their needs.
Cognex DataMan 8050 Provides High Performance Scanning at an Affordable Cost
New DataMan 8050 Handheld Barcode Readers Expand the Applications for DataMan
Cognex, the world’s leader in machine vision, has announced the release of its fastest and most economical industrial handheld readers yet, the DataMan 8050 Series. Designed with a ruggedized housing to handle harsh factory floor conditions and equipped with Cognex’s world-class barcode reading algorithms, the DataMan 8050 Series can read even challenging barcodes quickly and easily.
High-speed performance, even with the most challenging barcodesÂ
The patent-pending DataMan 8050 and 8050X are ideal for applications in many manufacturing environments, such as automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and packaging. The DataMan 8050 and 8050X utilize Cognex’s patented 1DMax+ with Hotbars algorithms to provide high-speed reading performance even with damaged, low contrast or direct inkjet barcodes. Our industry-leading 2-D algorithms allow the 8050 to rapidly decode a variety of 2-D symbologies, including DataMatrix, QR, PDF417 and Aztec codes.
Elo Introduces Thin and Bright 55-Inch Touchscreen Solution
Elo, the original inventor of touchscreen technology, today expanded its interactive digital signage (IDS) portfolio with the new 5501L 55-inch touchscreen. Designed for retail, hospitality, education, corporate meeting rooms, office lobbies and other commercial applications, the 5501L interactive touchscreen combines a big, bright, and energy-efficient LED High Definition display with optical multi-touch technology in a slim, integrated package. Optional integrated Intel Core i3 or i5 computer modules running Microsoft Windows turn the touchscreen into a touchcomputer. The rugged design of the 5501L offers retail solutions providers a reliable, high-performance touchcomputing platform that is easy to deploy and maintain in public environments.
Motorola Solutions Wins Three 2014 iF Product Design Awards
Motorola has won three renowned iF product design awards for their newest additions to their product lines. The MC40 handheld mobile computer, MP6000 multi-plane scanner/scale and TLKR Series radios were recognized out of more than 3,245 entries submitted in this year’s competition.
For 60 years, the iF product design award has been an internationally recognized label for award-winning design and the iF brand has become a symbol for outstanding achievements in design. Motorola’s award-winning products will be on display at the iF design exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, opening March 1, 2014.
Cipherlab Launches their New 8600 Mobile Computer
CipherLab is very excited to introduce the 8600 series mobile computer with the CipherLab Operating System (COS). Running on COS, the 8600 series focuses on typical AIDC applications that are specific to the company’s needs. It is equipped with a color display facilitating data classification by preferred colors. Its flexible designs include swappable keypads of 29 or 39 keys that can be switched when the users see fit. Weighing only 240 grams, the 8600 series allows for comfortable usage with excellent mobility.
The 8600 series also comes with proven WLAN 802.11 b /g / n and the latest Bluetooth 4.0 that efficiently deliver real-time data transmission. Versatile reader options of linear imager, laser, 2D imager and option RFID allow for favorable fashions of data collection. Along with easy-to-use software tools, such as Forge Application Generator, Remote Console and Text Browser, the 8600 series facilitates easy startup and provide more efficient IT management.
Making Music From Barcodes
Motivated by the typical beeps and tones of a POS barcode scanner, Košice-based artist Jakub Pišek decided to develop a way to make music with the same tools being employed in retail stores. With the help of some of his friends, Jakub started staging grocery store performance where they would scan anything in the store to create music. Each different barcode equates to a variety of sounds which can be composed in the moment by simply scanning. See the performances in action in the video below.
