Barcoding News

Sorting through the smart phones, PDAs and ruggedized computers available for business use is no easy task. Dozens of manufacturers offer hundreds of devices in thousands of configurations, but only one may be best suited for your particular environment and workforce. Rather than trying to stay on top of all the products that are being introduced and discontinued, the technologies and features being added, plus available peripherals and software, enterprises can quickly cut down to a few viable options by following five basic tips:

1. Consider the environment and the user
2. Stick to industry standards & certifications
3. Simplify support
4. Require flexibility
5. Pay attention to power

Continue reading »

Janam’s New XM66 and XM60+ Deliver Features Designed for the Front Line and Pricing that Drives the Bottom Line

Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, today announced two new XM Series rugged mobile computers: XM66 (with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1) and XM60+ (with Microsoft Windows CE 5.0).

With these two new Microsoft Windows devices, Janam is first to bring the powerful Freescale i.MX31 ARM11 processor and double data rate (DDR) memory to the rugged mobile computing space, resulting in computing performance that significantly outperforms the competition.

“As its name suggests, double data rate memory is twice as fast and power-efficient as conventional memory. We’re thrilled that Janam is first to migrate this leading cell phone technology to the rugged mobile computing space,” said Harry B. Lerner, CEO of Janam. “When you combine this winning feature with the fact that the XM Series are the only fully rugged mobile computers that offer a full 3.5” display at less than 10 ounces, we believe this product line has exactly the right features for the markets it serves.”

Continue reading »

Microscan, a global technology leader for precision data acquisition and control solutions, introduces the new point-and-shoot Mobile Hawk handheld imager which quickly reads any 2D barcode, including direct part marks (DPM). The Mobile Hawk DPM imager expands Microscan’s specialty product line of imagers and verifiers focused on challenging, low contrast direct part mark applications. Direct part marks are typically 2D Data Matrix symbols permanently marked by methods such as dot peen or laser/chemical etch onto substrates including metal, plastic, rubber or glass. These marking methods often result in low contrast visibility of the symbol or inconsistent imprints that can be challenging to decode through traditional imaging technology.

Using advanced technology, the Mobile Hawk combines patent-pending MAXlite machine vision illumination with aggressive X-Mode DPM algorithms. MAXlite leverages NERLITE® experience in machine vision lighting with an integrated, optimized multi-axis lighting solution. These exclusive Microscan lighting and algorithm technologies combine to deliver a truly plug-and-play mobile imager that is easy to use and extremely reliable for low-contrast DPM applications.

Continue reading »

The Datalogic Magellan 1100i barcode scanner is a new, improved version of the Magellan 1000i scanner utilizing the latest in imaging technology to achieve new levels in performance, features and value.

Perfect for convenience store, drug store, specialty store and other medium volume scanning applications, the Magellan 1100i scanner provides unique features including:

• The patented Green Spot good read indicator
• llumixâ„¢ intelligent illumination technology
• A true 360° targeted scanning for close proximity bar codes.
• Faster reading performance on all 1D and 2D barcodes.

Datalogic Scanning Announces the Magellan 1100i Omni-Directional Imaging Bar Code Scanner

Introducing Illumix, a new intelligent illumination technology

Datalogic Scanning, the global leader in point-of-sale bar code scanning, is pleased to announce the latest enhancement to the renowned Magellan family of high performance scanners, the Magellan 1100i bar code reader. This innovative imager demonstrates each of the three primary Magellan brand attributes – high performance, exceptional reliability, and distinct value. The Magellan 1100i imager represents the second generation offering of the world’s first imaging based presentation scanner, the highly successful Magellan™ 1000i imager.

The Magellan 1100i reader is designed with a very compact form factor, the latest solid state electronics and innovative imaging technology that allow it to scan the most challenging bar codes in traditionally harsh retail checkout environments. A major result of this advanced technology is the aggressive data collection of 1D and 2D bar codes and the ability to be used as either a presentation or sweep mode reader. This ability to read almost any bar code and its small footprint, make it a natural fit for scanning applications found in convenience, specialty and drug stores.

Emerging trends in Retail Mobile Commerce require businesses to accept e-coupons, admission tickets and boarding passes being presented on the displays of cell phones or PDA’s. The Magellan 1100i imager introduces Datalogic’s new Illumix™ intelligent illumination technology which enables the ability to read bar codes from backlit displays found in mobile phones, PDA’s, PDT’s etc. This feature not only supports fast paced consumer lifestyles, but also “green” initiatives to go paperless.

For the first time in a Magellan line product, Datalogic’s patented ‘Green Spot’ technology is available when ordering this reader. In small, noisy workspaces it can prove to be difficult to hear the “beep” of a scan. The ‘Green Spot’ technology provides additional visual good read feedback to the user right on the item being read.

“Datalogic Scanning continues to offer value to our customers in products that exceed their data capture needs for today, while anticipating the demands of the marketplace in the future,” states Matt Schler, General Manager, Fixed Retail for Datalogic Scanning. “We are happy to be able to add this new innovative imager to our world leading Magellan line of high performance retail scanners.”

More information on Datalogic’s page

The Motorola MK4000 micro kiosk equips enterprise organizations with a variety of interactive self-service features for customer- and employee-facing applications to help redefine the shopping experience.

MK4000 Micro Kiosk Redefines Customer Service

The new MK4000 is a multi-functional micro kiosk that enables enterprises to put the power of self-service in the hands of the customer. Delivering an interactive customer experience, the MK4000 is well-suited for businesses looking to better connect with customers, increase employee productivity and in some instances to help ensure compliance with local government regulations.

The versatile MK4000 micro kiosk is ideal for a multitude of service-driven industries. On the retail sales floor, customers can check pricing, verify gift card balances, order a product from the store website and print out personalized coupons without waiting for assistance. In airports, car rental offices, stadiums and theme parks, the MK4000 helps speed customers through check-in without a long line at the gate or counter. In the hotel lobby, the kiosk serves as a personal electronic concierge, helping guests with check-in/check-out, restaurant reservations, turndown service and more. Patients in a hospital or clinic can use the self-service kiosk to check in or schedule an appointment. In addition to a customer self-service kiosk, the MK4000 can act as a workforce management tool as well as a promotional point of presence. For example, employees can view training videos or presentations on new products or policies, punch in and out and access on-demand information to assist customers. In customer-facing areas, when the multimedia kiosk is not in use, it can also play videos to promote company branding, advertise upcoming events and offer customers value-add information.

Continue reading »

POS-X has introduced two new handheld barcode scanners that directly replace the XI3000 and XI3000-BT.

XI3200 Performance Barcode Scanner

The XI3200 Performance Barcode Scanner sports a new sleek design and a more powerful long range CCD engine – all with hands-free scanning capability. Built with absolutely no moving parts, shatter-resistant plastic polymer, and a reinforced cabling system, the XI3200 is the toughest scanner in its class.

• 5 Year Advanced Replacement Warranty
• Reading distance 1″ ~ 14″
• Optional Hands Free Autosense Stand
• Easy to use configuration software Included
• No Moving Parts for Increased Durability
• USB interface for maximum compatibility

XI3200BT BlueTooth Scanner

The XI3200BT Bluetooth Barcode Scanner features wireless performance at an unprecedented value. Built with absolutely no moving parts, shatter-resistant plastic polymer, and a range of up to 328′, the XI3200BT is the best choice in wireless scanners.

• 3 Year Advanced Replacement Warranty
• Reading Distance 1″ ~ 14″
• 328′ Class 1 Bluetooth Range
• Battery Lasts for over 50,000 Scans
• Ergonomic and Light Weight
• No Moving Parts for Increased Durability

Popular 7600 model enhanced with location-based capability

Honeywell today announced the release of the Dolphin 7600 mobile computer with built-in GPS-tracking hardware. The Dolphin 7600 with GPS is a feature-rich mobile computer with location-based capabilities for enhanced asset tracking and management. Businesses now have a path to easily incorporate location-based services and functions into their standard operations, and users gain the convenience of a streamlined all-in-one solution for both data collection and popular GPS functions.

Unlike other GPS-enabled devices, the flashlight-form factor of the Dolphin 7600 incorporates the extra functionality of GPS while maintaining the standard, easy-to-hold ergonomic design of the regular 7600 unit. The GPS data collected by the Dolphin 7600 can be used for business intelligence systems and strategies, such as route optimization and delivery verification.

Continue reading »

New MC9500 rugged mobile computer features superior performance, state-of-the-art design and revolutionary backroom management system

Motorola, Inc. today announced the MC9500 – a premium industrial-class handheld device that takes mobile computing innovation to the next level to further increase productivity, streamline operations and reduce total cost of ownership.

The new MC9500 leverages the features and functionality of the industry’s best-selling Motorola MC9000 mobile computer and introduces new capabilities such as modular 3.5G WAN for a groundbreaking enterprise mobility solution that can change the way organizations do business. Designed to improve operational efficiencies with its extreme ruggedness and superior ergonomics, the MC9500 also redefines backroom management with a unique accessory system and a new approach to battery management.

Researched and field tested to meet the needs of the most demanding customer environments, the Motorola MC9500 mobile computer delivers reliable performance for mobile workforces in the transportation and logistics, parcel/post, direct store delivery, field service and public safety industries. “Motorola has proven leadership in mobile computing – initially changing the market landscape with the introduction of the MC9000,” said Gerald McNerney, vice president of mobile computing product management, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions. “The new MC9500 is a testament to our commitment to innovation and demonstrates our continued ability to redefine the industry standard with the most versatile solutions on the market.”

Continue reading »

Challenge
When the weather heats up, so does the work at Four Seasons, which manufacturers auto- motive air conditioning systems and components sold through thousands of auto parts stores across the United States. Employees at the 400,000-square foot production facility in Lewisville, Texas have to move fast to ship orders on time. But they no longer have to move far to get shipping labels, since Four Seasons began producing labels on demand wherever they’re needed with cart-mounted printers. Migrating from centralized printing has taken a lot of the legwork out of operations and given a boost to labor efficiency.

“When we used stationary bar code printers throughout our facility, workers had to walk to a central print station when they needed a shipping label. More often than not, this meant waiting in line behind two or three other users while their print jobs were being processed,” said Kevin Pentecost, network administrator at the Four Seasons Lewisville facility. “Sometimes they might be 60 feet away from the printer. With some workers needing 200 labels a day, you can just imagine the amount of time that was wasted just walking back and forth.”

Four Seasons wanted to find a process to cut the wasted time without requiring an undue amount of work or effort to change business processes, rewrite label printing applications, or make modifications to its homegrown warehouse management system (WMS) and JD Edwards enterprise resource planning applications (ERP) that resided on an IBM AS/400.

Continue reading »

Airlines know that one of the most proven ways to increase business is to improve service. On-time arrivals, helpful employees, and faster check-ins-especially during these security-conscious times-translate quickly to the bottom line through satisfied customers who become repeat travelers.

Challenge
At American Airlines, curbside check-in requires users to present their luggage and ID to a skycap at curbside, along with their ticket (both traditional and e-tickets are accepted). In return, they receive a boarding pass with their seat assignment and bag tag receipts. Because the ticket is surrendered and matched with luggage, the system is considered more secure than processing luggage and people separately. Boarding pass in hand, passengers are able to bypass busy ticket counters at the front of the terminal and check in stands at the gate, stopping only to present the boarding pass and identification to the gate agent for scanning before settling into their seats.

Achieving fast check in at curbside was made possible by a system design meticulously built around the needs of its users, the skycap These are hard workers who make their living and feed their families on the tips they make-one bag at a time. Any new process that cuts into a skycap’s ability to process passengers quickly dies on the curbside.

While the system may reinvent the passenger check-in process, it streamlined the job of the skycap, who doesn’t have to do anything differently. The clever system enables skycaps to check in passengers and generate a boarding pass using only one more keystroke than it takes to check-in baggage.

“We want our skycaps to focus on passengers.We don’t want them to have to deal with anything else,” says an American Airlines spokesperson.

After receiving a passenger’s ticket, skycaps call up the flight number and enter the first letter of the passenger’s surname on a touch-screen computer built into the curbside check-in kiosk. The data is transmitted over a wireless network from the kiosk to a host computer inside, which then transmits flight details and a partial passenger list to the kiosk. The skycap verifies that the passenger in front of him has a reservation and hits another key to create bar coded baggage tags and a bar coded boarding pass, generated by separate printers within the kiosk.

To enable fast transaction times, skycaps are not able to change seat assignments, check in international passengers, sell tickets, or make itinerary changes.

Continue reading »