Barcoding News
Data tracking news, product updates, tips, and more
Simplify Integration, Printer Management and Maintenance with LINK-OS
Link-OS is an innovative new operating system that pairs a powerful software development kit (SDK) and software applications with smart Zebra devices, making them easy to integrate, manage and maintain from any location. At the heart of Link-OS is a new device operating system and robust SDK.
Link-OS: Device OS
Zebra’s iMZ, ZT200, QLn and ZXP Series 7 printers feature the new Link-OS device OS that enables:
- Advanced device management using standard tools
- Direct, secure Web connectivity
- On-printer solutions
- Settings alerts
These features enable solution creators to save significant time and focus on creating impactful applications. Only Zebra delivers an ecosystem capable of making solution creation simple and straightforward.
GS1 US Celebrates 40 Years of the Barcode
This year marks the 40th anniversary that organizations united to adopt a universal way to conduct business using GS1 Standards. Beginning with a UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode, the GS1 System of Standards has set the foundation for a technological revolution that has changed the way companies, from manufacturers to retailers, conduct business around the world. Now, more than five billion GS1 barcodes are scanned every day.
In the 40 years since their adoption, GS1 Standards have grown into a global system, used by more than two million companies doing business in 150 countries across 25 industries, including apparel and general merchandise, fresh foods, consumer packaged goods, grocery, foodservice, healthcare, and defense
Introduced to speed the supermarket checkout process, the grocery retail industry was the first champion of standards in 1973. Today, supply chains representing nearly every sector in the world rely on GS1 Standards for identifying, capturing, and sharing information about goods, services, locations, and more in real-time. Barcodes and Electronic Product Code (EPC) enabled radio frequency identification (RFID) have evolved to capture a broad range of information to drive supply chain visibility.
Zebra S4M Official Discontinuance Notice
Zebra has announced the discontinuance of the S4M series stationary printer line. The most suitable replacement for this product line is Zebra’s ZT200 series  printer.
The S4M will continue to be available through Zebra distributors until July 31, 2013, or possibly longer subject to distributor’s available inventory.
Service, parts and support will continue to be available for approximately three years from the last date of shipment—approximately until October 31, 2016, based upon parts availability.
Please note, EPL firmware for the ZT200 200 dpi platform will be released on June 30, 2013. This firmware will be available for download on the Support and Downloads page of the Zebra Web site.
If you need to obtain a remaining S4M or migrate to the newer ZT200 series, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
Star Micronics’ SM-S220i Pairs with Appetize Application
Star Micronics recently announced support of the SM-S220i Bluetooth by the Appetize app. Appetize is an iPhone and Android based mobile app that allows fans at entertainment venues to purchase food, drinks, and merchandise from the comfort of their seats.
Launched in 2012, Appetize has been in service in California and New York for major events including The Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, LMFAO, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kelly Clarkson and the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans can easily enter their order and pay from their mobile device, and the order will be delivered to their seats.
The Appetize app will pair with the SM-S220i to print receipts, which contain pertinent product delivery information such as seat number, order, total sale, price and contact information. The Bluetooth connection of the SM-S220i allows the Appetize system to print receipts at the venue’s refreshment or souvenir stands without putting greater burden on the already stressed mobile and WiFi networks in the venue. Equipped with a sleek, compact and lightweight design, it is compatible with all operating systems including iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod) and all Bluetooth devices.
Technical Considerations for Controlling ESD in Electronics Manufacturing
Mastering ESD control has always been critical to achieving high production yields, and it will become even more important in the next few years. While the industry has a solid understanding of ESD safety in manual operations involving personnel, there is room for improvement in automated applications. To be effective, ESD control programs must ensure that automated handling equipment is capable of handling tomorrow’s highly sensitive devices.
The Cost of ESD
ESD impacts productivity and product reliability in virtually every aspect of electronic environment. Despite the effort made over the past decade, ESD still costs the electronics industry billions of dollars every year. Industry experts attribute an estimated 8 to 33% of all product losses to be caused by ESD. The individual cost of these devices themselves range from a few cents for a simple diode to several hundred dollars for complex hybrids. However, ESD damage affects more than just the loss of devices. It affects production yields, manufacturing costs, product quality and reliability, customer relationships, and ultimately, profitability.
MobileAsset Case Study: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals Score Big with Wasp Barcode Technologies
University of Phoenix Stadium is home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and also host to various conventions, trade shows, and concerts each year. The scoreboard production department is responsible for putting on not only the 10+ Cardinals football games each fall but they are also tasked with an additional 100-200 sports, entertainment and trade show events a year.
Nick Heller, scoreboard production assistant at the stadium, works with a crew to run the audio and video boards for all games, shows and events that take place at the stadium. To successfully run these events, Heller and the Scoreboard Production department work with large amounts of expensive production equipment, including television cameras, truss structures, speakers, and microphones.
The cost of the equipment needed to run the scoreboard show for the Arizona Cardinals football games or put on events such as the University of Phoenix graduation ceremony is extremely high. Any given day, $10,000 to $100,000 of equipment will be used depending on the event.
Efficiency is the Key to Survival for Small and Medium Sized Businesses
Warehouse operations can benefit from technology to reduce waste and maximize efficiency. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) with handheld bar code scanners and mobile computers with wireless communications are the tools of a modern warehouse
As a business grows, its warehouse and inventory needs increase. Often, the tools originally put in place to manage them do not. Inefficiencies from legacy systems usually go undetected and add hidden operating costs to a business. This is particularly important for Small and Medium Sized Businesses (SMB). SMB’s have a smaller margin for error in managing their operational costs and need to make the most of every resource.
Warehouse operations can benefit from technology to reduce waste and maximize efficiency. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) with handheld bar code scanners and mobile computers with wireless communications are the tools of a modern warehouse. This is true regardless of the size of the business. Today there are WMS systems to fit any sized enterprise – from an out of the box system for small to medium businesses, to a custom deployed system developed by a staff of programmers and IT professionals. There are also cloud based systems that use the internet eliminating the need to purchase additional servers and software.
Getting Started with the Star Wi-Fi Power Pack
With everything becoming wireless and mobile, getting existing POS hardware, like receipt printers, onto your wireless network often means getting a new printer. Luckily, Star has their Wi-Fi Power Pack to turn any of the Star LAN based printers into fully wireless capable units. The Power Pack is easy to install and is a very cost effective option for businesses that already have Star printers in place and don’t want deal with long cable runs. This also enables the Star printer using the WiFi Power Pack to connect with tablets, smart phones and other portable electronic wireless devices.
This video is a great intro and how-to explanation of how to set-up the Wi-Fi Power Pack  in just a few simple steps.
The Datalogic Gryphon: The Ideal Scanner for Healthcare
Datalogic’s Gryphon Healthcare (HC) product series is specifically developed for healthcare applications with Disinfectant-Ready enclosures treated with Anti-Microbial additives which are designed to withstand daily cleaning with harsh disinfectant solutions. The new BPOC (Bedside Point-of-Care) models are specifically configured plug-and-play kits designed to interface with Cerner, Meditech, Epic, and McKesson applications. The Gryphon is the perfect solution for any Healthcare environment.
The Gryphon comes in 3 versions to fit any application need: corded(USB and Serial), Bluetooth, or Star Radio(910 Mhz) models.
New Mini Hawk ESD Safe Fixed-Mount Imager from Microscan
The MINI Hawk ESD Safe imager is the smallest complete solution for reading 1D/2D codes in static-sensitive and clean room environments. Aggressive X-Mode algorithms allow decoding of even the most difficult direct part marks (DPM) safely and at close proximity on static-sensitive electronics components and assemblies. The MINI Hawk’s unique nickel plating and ESD safe labels & cabling make it the only ESD safe solution certified for use in ISO Class 3 clean rooms.
Features:
- ESD-safe nickel plating
- ESD-safe labels and cabling
- Certified for ISO Class 3 clean rooms
- X-Mode decode algorithms
- Ultra-compact and lightweight
- Available in High-Resolution and High-Speed models
- Close-range decoding (1.3 in / 33 mm)
- Out-of-the-box calibration
- Autofocus capability
For help finding the right scanner for your ESD sensitive environment, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
